About WBCO
As a program of the York County Economic Alliance, the Women’s Business Center Organization (WBCO) serves as the leading resource to inspire and empower women in business and the community. WBCO provides opportunities for professional development, education, advocacy and mentorship to women in business. WBCO is committed to having membership reflect the broad spectrum of diverse and talent women in York County.
Services Offered
Here you will find events and resources that are open to celebrate, support, promote, and advance the success of women in business – a reflection of our thriving business community and all that we offer.
Networking Opportunities
The WBCO membership is made up of over 100 women in York County. Attending the lunches or other WBCO programs will assist you with developing your professional network as well as provide a trusted group of women to serve as a sounding board when needed.
Business Resources
Micro-grant Program: For woman-owned businesses, the YoCo Bloom grant program is offered at the end of each season
Business Trainings: The Small Business Development Program can help in all stages of business growth. Learn more here.
Mentorship Program
We provide professional women an opportunity to connect with more experienced woman in business and careers to get advice and professional development lessons to help them succeed in their professional goals. The first cohort launched in September with 10 talented women committed to learning from one another and enhancing their engagement within the community.
Presented by:
Advocacy
The WBCO will strive to coordinate and facilitate community-wide discussions on issues facing women in the workplace.
Presented by:
Educational Lunches
The WBCO offers access to educational and professional development workshops that happen on the second Tuesday of each month from September through May. These luncheon workshops feature dynamic speakers who share their skills, experience, and knowledge on topics of particular significance to business and professional women.
To nominate a speaker for a WBCO luncheon, or other YCEA event, please complete this form.
Presented by:
2023- 2024 Council
Margaret Eckles-Ray, CEO, Rising Queens, LLC, Vice Chair
Jean Treuthart, Consultant
Edquina Washington, Redeemed Queen LLC and
City of York Councilwoman, Crispus Attucks
Megan Kreiser, York County Economic Alliance
Get Involved
The WBCO has a membership that provides women access to educational events, networking opportunities, mentorship and advocacy efforts within York County. Membership Investment: $250 person for January-December 2024 Benefits: Admission into each of the sessions, mentorship and more! Contact Casey Nixon for more information on joining the WBCO.
ATHENA International
The ATHENA Leadership Award® was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment — qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model. The Award is unique in both scope — local, national and international — and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based.
The ATHENA award is sponsored by:
ATHENA Leadership Model®
The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to a woman or a man who is honored for excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional leadership excellence and leadership skills. It is comprised of eight core tenets:
Authentic Self
Understanding who you are – your values, beliefs and thoughts. Honoring your uniqueness. Accepting personal responsibility for your actions.
Celebration & Joy
Appreciating and acknowledging your accomplishments. Looking forward to your life with a sense of hope and purpose.
Collaboration
Reaching out beyond what you can achieve on your own. Working in unison with others, while celebrating diverse points of view, ideas and actions.
Courageous Acts
Standing up and standing firm in the face of fear. Taking risks to speak the truth or challenge the way things have always been done.
Fierce Advocacy
Supporting and acting on your passion for people, causes or ideas. Creating an unstoppable force for the greater good.
Giving Back
Serving the created good. Committing to help your personal community of family, friends and peers as well as the global village at large.
Learning
Challenging yourself to listen and be open to what is new and unfamiliar. Expanding and developing your knowledge, skills and experiences. Teaching others.
Relationships
Connecting with and embracing others. Appreciating the gifts and talents of different people in your life.
York ATHENA® Recipients
1987 Alice Batigne, The Fabric Shop
1988 Josephine D. Appell, C. S. Davidson, Inc.
1989 Olive Padden, Olive Padden Real Estate
1990 Josephine (Josie) Barley, The Autumn House At Powder Mill
1991 Marsha M. Everton, The Pfaltzgraff Co.
1992 Not awarded
1993 Delaine Zimmer Toerper, Tighe Industries
1994 Jody Keller, Keller Resources/Norrell Services
1995 Linda Davidson, C.S. Davidson
1996 Deb Goodling, Drovers Bank
1997 Lorraine Hovis
1998 Carole Register, York Health Systems
1999 Mary Stephenson, York Sunday News
2000 Sally Dixon, Memorial Hospital
2001 Deb Simon, Seligman Friedman
2002 Dr. Wanda Filer
2003 Lynne Pfafflin, Merrill Lynch
2004 Carolyn Schaefer, Wachovia
2005 Coni Wolf, York Container
2006 Jan Herrold, York Counts
2007 Dr. Deborah McMillan, Yorktowne Family Medical
2008 Kim Walsh, Inside Out Consulting
2009 Barbara Carbaugh, Radio Hanover, Inc.
2010 Lynda Randall, New Level Advisors
2011 Debra Stock, YWCA of York
2012 Elizabeth Force Carson, M&T Bank and Dianne L. Moore, Wellspan Women’s Center
2013 Liz Dellinger, York Traditions Bank
2014 Jane Schussler, Stock and Leader, Attorneys at Law
2015 Jean Treuthart, YWCA of York
2016 Lea Nadler, Susquehanna Civil Inc.
2017 Mayor C. Kim Bracey, City of York
2018 Maria Royce, Wellspan Health
2019 Lyn Bergdoll, Distinguished Young Women & Belmont Theatre
2020/2021 Victoria Connor, York Bar Association
2022 Dr. Pamela Gunter Smith, York College of Pennsylvania
2023 Dr. Roxanna Gapstur, President and CEO, WellSpan Health
2024 Jackie Summers
Below you will find resources that are open to celebrate, support, promote, and advance the success of women in business, workplace and the community – a reflection of our thriving business community and all that we offer.
Education
Leadership York
Leadership York has trained, connected, and inspired individuals to serve York County since 1978.
Susquehanna SCORE
Susquehanna SCORE supports business development in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, and York Counties through Free Mentoring & Low Cost Workshops.
Women’s Network of York
The Women’s Network of York is designed for the woman who welcomes the opportunities opened by our rapidly changing society to further her own career goals and to help shape the future role of women in our society.
Traditions Bank: Her Traditions
Her Traditions is an initiative to help make finances come alive and take the mystery out of investing for women.
Mentoring
Mentorship York
Matches mentees who have a clear career progression, engage in community service and held volunteer leadership positions, and have clearly articulated personal, professional, and community involvement goals with prominent community leaders.
Women Living United
Women Living United (WLU) is a group where, regardless of age and background, women can come together to impact the lives of those in York County through volunteer projects, mentoring and hands-on leadership.
Women President’s Organization
Harrisburg Chapter
Women Presidents’ Organization, Inc. (WPO) is for women presidents of multimillion-dollar companies. Members take part in professionally facilitated peer advisory groups in order to bring the “genius out of the group” and accelerate the growth of their businesses. For information and questions contact Jayne H. Huston, 724.858.8600.
Volunteerism & Philanthropy
Women’s Giving Circle
The Women’s Giving Circle of York County Community Foundation is building a community of thoughtful, effective philanthropists. We aspire to advance York County’s social capital through the Circle’s community leadership, charitable investments, and course of study.
YorIt
YorIt, an initiative of York County Community Foundation is comprised of people who are excited to build their lives in York, who are enthusiastic about York’s potential and who wish to contribute to the future of York
Catholic Women’s Club of York
Promotion of educational, literary and welfare work, and to stimulate a feeling of fraternity among its members.
York Young Professionals
York Young Professionals was founded with the goal of fostering interaction between young professionals, community residents, stakeholders and our business community. YYP creates positive opportunities for networking, community outreach and professional identity.
The Woman’s Club of York
The mission of this Club is to engage in Philanthropic activities in the Greater York Area, to provide cultural and educational opportunities for the membership and the Community.
Junior League of York
An organization of women dedicated to promoting voluntarism and improving York County through effective action and leadership of skilled volunteers.
Women Living United
Women Living United (WLU) is a group where, regardless of age and background, women can come together to impact the lives of those in York County through volunteer projects, mentoring and hands-on leadership.
York Women’s Association
York Women’s Association is a community service/social organization providing opportunities for newcomers and York County residents to become active in the York community. York Women’s Association offers monthly club meetings, social activities, educational programs, and community service projects.
GET INVOLVED AND BE AN ADVOCATE
Stay up-to-date on the latest advocacy events in your area.
Resources
- York Entrepreneur Guide
- BUSINESS Woman Magazine
- Central Penn Business Journal’s Women In Leadership
- Community First Fund
- Susquehanna SCORE
- Your Community Women’s Journal
- AMBER Grants for Women Owned Businesses
- Women’s Business Center as ASSETS
- York Business Academy
- Crispus Attucks Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative
Contact Megan Kreiser for more information on any resources or programs detailed above.