WBCO & Athena

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

Mary Beth Ching, IRE,LLC, Council Chair
Margaret Eckles-Ray, CEO, Rising Queens, LLC, Vice Chair
Amy Anstine, RKL LLP
Tara Houser, First Capital Federal Credit Union
Nicole Shaffer
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.

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Susquehanna SCORE

Susquehanna SCORE supports business development in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry, and York Counties through Free Mentoring & Low Cost Workshops.

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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.

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Traditions Bank: Her Traditions

Her Traditions is an initiative to help make finances come alive and take the mystery out of investing for women.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Catholic Women’s Club of York

Promotion of educational, literary and welfare work, and to stimulate a feeling of fraternity among its members.

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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.

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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.

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Junior League of York

An organization of women dedicated to promoting voluntarism and improving York County through effective action and leadership of skilled volunteers.

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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.

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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.

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GET INVOLVED AND BE AN ADVOCATE

Stay up-to-date on the latest advocacy events in your area.

​Become a WBCO Member

WBCO is committed to having membership reflect the broad spectrum of diverse and talent women in York County.