THE CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN
Our Award Finalists
Goodwill Ambassador Finalists
Alexis Gosik
Alexis Gosik is President & CEO of the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, where she connects people, creates opportunities and builds community across 22 counties. She believes leadership matters most when it helps someone else find their opportunity to shine.
Amanda Brown
Amanda Brown is an educator, youth advocate, and community leader with 15+ years of experience supporting children and families. Through education, dental health programs, youth events, and advocacy, she creates opportunities for others to learn, grow, and thrive.
Erin Weierbach
Erin Weierbach is an advocate, community leader, and entrepreneur who believes in the power of community. Through her work with youth and young adults, volunteer experience, and running her family restaurant Get Smok’d BBQ, she creates opportunities for people to connect, belong, and give back.
Lizzie Seidel
Lizzy was hired as the Executive Director of the Joseph T. Simpson Library by the Board of Trustees in 2025. Lizzy received her Master of Library and Information Science from Kent State University and her Bachelor of Publishing and Editing from Susquehanna University. She is a proud member of the Pennsylvania Library Association and American Library Association. Lizzy lives in Hanover with her husband, Aaron, and their cats, Quail and Tigerlily.
Marisol Barber
Marisol Barber is Branch Manager III at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, a bilingual financial leader, community advocate and volunteer dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening Central Pennsylvania through financial education, nonprofit leadership, workforce development and service.
Nina Reese
Nina Reese is the founder and principal designer of Reese & Co. Design Group, a values-driven interior design firm rooted in faith, authenticity, growth, and excellence. A former banker and longtime community leader, she is passionate about service, stewardship, and creating meaningful impact.
Rachael Benion
Rachael Benion is a mother of five, cycle-breaker, and publisher of Macaroni KID Hershey & Harrisburg and Carlisle & West Shore. She builds inclusive events, supports nonprofits, and connects Central Pennsylvania families with resources and one another.
Shila Ulrich
Shila Ulrich is CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, leading hunger relief across 27 counties and more than 1,100 partner pantries. A 2026 Central Penn Business Journal Woman of Influence, she previously led The Caring Cupboard pantry in Lebanon County.
Terese DelaPlaine
Terese DeLaPlaine is President and CEO of Hamilton Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving Central Pennsylvania. A healthcare executive and attorney, Terese brings a unique combination of legal, operational, compliance, governance, and healthcare leadership experience. Under her leadership, Hamilton has earned national recognition for quality of care in three of her four years as CEO, ranking among the top 20% of FQHCs nationally.
Leadership in Diversity Finalists
Alexandria Jones
Alexandria Jones, LCSW, CST, is the founder of Rooted Healing Sanctuary, a Central Pennsylvania center for sex and relationship therapy, somatic healing, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and innovative therapeutic experiences. She is a therapist, educator, mentor, and community leader.
Alexis Gosik
Alexis Gosik is President & CEO of the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, where she connects people, creates opportunities and builds community across 22 counties. She believes leadership matters most when it helps someone else find their opportunity to shine.
Deborah D. Vereen
Deborah D. Vereen is a nationally recognized Strategic Thinker and DEIB Thought Leader with over twenty-five years of experience. As the founder of THE VEREEN GROUP, she partners with executives and organizations to build sustainable cultures of belonging through practical strategies that foster equity, belonging, and leadership excellence aligned with their mission, vision, and core values.
Shila Ulrich
Shila Ulrich is CEO of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, leading hunger relief across 27 counties and more than 1,100 partner pantries. A 2026 Central Penn Business Journal Woman of Influence, she previously led The Caring Cupboard pantry in Lebanon County.
Care to Share Finalists
Angela Thompson
Angela Thompson is a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, mentor, and advocate with more than 20 years of experience advancing quality, leadership, and opportunity. She is founder of WhiteCoat Standards and Anasa Caviar and a longtime Pennsylvania community leader.
Becky Van der Groef
Becky is the CEO of Hoffman Homes, Inc., where she has dedicated nearly 27 years to serving children, families, and communities. A social worker and passionate advocate, she is committed to expanding behavioral health services and creating hope for those in need.
Erin Hermany
Erin Hermany is Senior Vice President of Consumer Lending Operations at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, leading consumer lending, mortgage, home equity, auto loan and card operations. Since joining in 2004, she has built a career focused on servant leadership, growth and experience.
Krista Beljin
Krista Beljan is an award-winning leadership consultant and organizational development practitioner with more than 25 years of experience across human services, higher education, manufacturing, and the arts. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership and is a Certified John Maxwell Executive Coach.
Parul Luthra
Parul Luthra is a healthcare leader, speaker, mentor, and community advocate with 15+ years of experience. Passionate about leadership, resilience, and giving back, she supports local nonprofits and inspires others through her message, “Glow Through What You Go Through.”
Sandra Longenberger
Sandra Longenberger, EFDA is a Practice Administrator of the Dental Specialty Center of PA, where she leads with accountability, compassion and a deep commitment to patients and teammates. She is known for showing up, solving problems and caring for people when they need it most.
Sarah Horton
Sarah Horton, MPS, is a community engagement professional, nonprofit leader, and mentor with over a decade of experience at Penn State. As Board President of Dauphin County CASA, she advocates for children and families while building meaningful connections and empowering others through service.
Agate Finalists
Joseph Robinson
Joseph Robinson is a retired senior leader, mentor, and community advocate dedicated to sharing his experience with others. Known for his calm approach and thoughtful guidance, he supports organizational leaders through volunteer service. He has also served his church as a deacon for 40 years.
PA Rep. Thomas Kutz
Rep. Thomas Kutz serves the 87th Legislative District in Cumberland County. Thomas practices law, serves as a volunteer mentor and youth ministry leader, and serves as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Fiscal Policy. Thomas and his wife Allie live in Mechanicsburg with their dogs Camden and Poppy.
Ro Gallegos-Groppe
Ro, Director of Operations at Clark Resources, drives systemic change by founding Clark University. He is fiercely dedicated to building the skills and clearing the space for Women of Color to lead, shine, and run the boardroom.
Business of the Year Finalists
Lifetime Achievement Finalists
Alexandria Jones
Alexandria Jones, LCSW, CST, is the founder of Rooted Healing Sanctuary, a Central Pennsylvania center for sex and relationship therapy, somatic healing, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and innovative therapeutic experiences. She is a therapist, educator, mentor, and community leader.
Dr. Jenifer Epstein
Dr. Jenifer Epstein is Owner and CEO of Hershey Family Chiropractic, a three-time Simply the Best winner she built from a small office into a multi-provider practice. A Central Dauphin graduate, wife, and football mom, she champions collaborative healthcare.
Jodie Daubert
Jodie Daubert is President and CEO of AAA Central Penn and the first woman to lead the organization since 1907. With decades of executive leadership experience, she champions innovation, community service, and organizational growth. She also serves in leadership roles with United Way of the Capital Region.
Michelle Nestor
Michelle Nestor is a 25-year real estate professional, entrepreneur, and community leader. She currently serves as school board president and has built successful businesses while championing education, homeownership, women in business, and opportunities for others.
Nancy Martindell
Nancy Martindell is Founder, President & CEO of JMA Resources, Inc., an award-winning entrepreneur and people-first leader dedicated to creating opportunity, strengthening her community, and making a meaningful impact and positive change in people's lives.
Pam Kovalewski
Pam's corporate successes and entrepreneurial spirit has created a fire in her soul to try new things and never be afraid to fail. She believes we should always teach, inspire and pull others up with us. Her background is in real estate investment, residential design and renovation, journalism, public speaking, leadership, and years helping the greatest generation make this huge transitions.