March is a month of celebration and reflection. As we honor Women’s History Month and recognize the global significance of International Women’s Day, Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania (JA) took the opportunity to celebrate and empower the next generation of women. Our annual Empower Her Summits were held during this pivotal time on March 7 and March 12, providing young women with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration they need to thrive professionally and personally. 
Over the course of two incredible summits, more than 400 young women gathered in Pittsburgh and Erie, participating in growth workshops, listening to motivational panel discussions, and networking with women professionals. These summits, presented by PPG and PSN Labs, and hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Penn State Behrend, were designed/inspired by the Junior Achievement Excellence through Ethics program to create a pathway for young women to contribute to shaping the future of the workforce.
Held close to International Women’s Day, the timing of these summits couldn’t have been more fitting. It’s a month dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women, and JA made sure to elevate that celebration through hands-on experiences that encouraged the young women to see themselves as future leaders.
The Power of Women Supporting Women
The essence of the Empower Her Summit lies in the importance of women supporting one another. It’s about breaking barriers and creating a community where young women are not just taught how to succeed, but also why they can. And throughout both events, that message was clear: you belong in every room you enter, and you have the power to achieve whatever you set your mind to.
With workshops from incredible partners in various industries, attendees were equipped with the tools and strategies to navigate the challenges that come with joining the workforce. Here are some highlights of what was covered inside each of the workshops:
Workshop Highlights:
- Keeping It Classy
Hosted by Citizens and PSN Labs, this workshop taught the importance of professionalism and how to navigate the workplace while maintaining your authentic self. Young women learned how to present themselves in a way that makes a lasting impression without compromising their individuality. - The Interview Cheat Sheet
Presented by Koppers and Penn State Behrend, this workshop helped attendees understand the critical elements of preparing for an interview — from researching the company to dressing the part and answering tricky questions. The goal was to ensure that each young woman walks into an interview feeling confident and ready to showcase her talents. - Think Before You Post
Presented by PPG and Erie Insurance, this workshop highlighted the importance of mindful social media use, particularly for young women entering the workforce. Attendees learned how online presence can impact their professional reputation and how to navigate social platforms with thoughtfulness and integrity. The goal was to ensure that each participant understands the power of their digital footprint and how to make choices that align with their personal and career goals. - Express Don’t Regress
Presented by Eriez at both events, this workshop focused on the importance of clear communication in the workplace, especially when navigating the fine line between gossiping and venting. Attendees explored strategies for expressing concerns in a constructive way and how to handle workplace frustrations with professionalism. The goal was to ensure that each participant walks away equipped with the tools to communicate effectively and foster a positive, solution-oriented environment.
Additional workshop partners included: FedEx, Olympus Energy, People’s Natural Gas, Pittsburgh Pirates, TriState Capital Bank, and United States Steel.
Powerful Women Share Their Stories
After the workshops, the young women had the opportunity to hear from an inspiring group of panelists who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the workforce. These women have paved the way for the next generation of female leaders, and they didn’t hold back when sharing their wisdom.
Pittsburgh Panelists (Presented by PPG and hosted by the Pittsburgh Pirates): 
- Cassandra Solarczyk — Williams, Senior Operations Engineer
- Pamela Arroyo— UPMC Human Resources Director
- Megan Chicone — State Farm Insurance Agent
- Larissa Simko — Lamar Advertising of Pittsburgh, Senior Real Estate Manager
- Lindsay Bock — Trib Total Media, Director of Marketing
Erie Panelists (Presented by PSN Labs at Penn State Behrend): 
- Abigail Averitt— Clinical Director for ICU, ED, Respiratory Service Lines, Transport, and Dialysis, UPMC Hamot
- Carolyn Jimenez— Senior Director of Regional Operations, GetGo
- Tara Mobley— CEO, Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C.
- Rachael Sebesta, P.E. — Assessment Manager in the Engineering Services Department, National Fuel
During the panel discussions, panelists shared valuable advice on everything from overcoming obstacles and navigating professional challenges to discovering your passion and purpose. The common thread? Empowering oneself as a woman professionally and understanding the importance of both personal and professional growth.
Tara Mobley, CEO of Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett, P.C., encouraged the young women to embrace self-discovery, reminding them:
“Never stop investigating your interests. Take the time to allow yourself to figure out what works best for you. What may work for you when you’re 18 may not work for you when you’re 35. Explore everything—this is a wonderful time. Find yourself some really strong older women who can help guide your direction.”
Her words reinforced the importance of mentorship and adaptability, empowering attendees to remain curious and open to change throughout their careers.
Building Connections for the Future
What makes an event like the Empower Her Summit truly impactful isn’t just the lessons learned but the relationships built. After the panel discussions, our participants had the opportunity to network one-on-one with these accomplished professionals. They connected with representatives from leading companies like Giant Eagle and National Fuel. For many, this was the first time they were able to engage directly with women who’ve carved out successful careers. These interactions served as a reminder that women not only support each other but also create opportunities for each other to thrive.
Celebrating Sisterhood and Creativity
Aside from the powerful professional development workshops and panel discussions, there was also plenty of time to have fun and connect with others! The Empower Her Summits included several interactive activities, including:
Capturing Memories: Young women were able to capture their confidence and spirit at the photo booths, creating memories and celebrating the day with friends.
Guest Starring on the Yinz Are Good Podcast: This was a unique opportunity to get involved in a local podcast hosted by Tressa Glover. Young women shared their voices and stories, learning firsthand how to use their platform to amplify their message.
Voicemail Booth: One of the most special activities of the event, the voicemail booths allowed young women to leave inspirational messages for their future selves. These messages were full of encouragement, dreams, and a reminder of how far they could go.
A focus on AI in Education for Our Educators
Educators and chaperones also had the chance to participate in a specialized educational session on AI in Education, presented by Google at the Pittsburgh event and Penn State Behrend at Erie. The sessions highlighted innovative ways AI can support educators—helping ease workloads, increasing student productivity, and fostering creativity in the classroom. Additionally, the discussion addressed key concerns about the future of AI, including plagiarism, ethical considerations, and the evolving role of technology in learning environments. This session provided valuable insights into how AI can be both a powerful tool and a challenge in modern education
Rachel Artise’s Inspirational Leadership
Both events were led by the talented and inspiring Rachel Artise, owner of four The UPS Stores and life coach, who emceed the entire day with grace and enthusiasm. As someone who’s overcome countless challenges and “bossed up” in her own career, Rachel inspired the attendees with stories of resilience, problem-solving, and perseverance. Throughout the day, Rachel emphasized the importance of embracing obstacles and using them as stepping stones to achieve your goals. Her message was clear: You are capable. You are powerful. And you can do anything you set your mind to. Boss Up!
A Legacy of Empowerment
Held in the heart of Women’s History Month, and so close to International Women’s Day, the Empower Her Summits provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the rich legacy of women’s achievements while building a foundation for the future through their programming. These events weren’t just about honoring what women have done in the past, but also about preparing the next generation of women to continue breaking barriers and making history.
The Empower Her Summits were more than just events; they were a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the belief that every woman has the potential to succeed. With the guidance of incredible professionals, the mentorship of peers, and the chance to connect with industry leaders, the young women who attended these events left feeling more confident, inspired, and ready to take on the world.
These events were a reminder that the future is bright, and the future is female. From the workshops to the networking, panel discussions, and fun activities, we celebrated what it means to be a woman in the workforce today. And as the next generation of leaders, innovators, and creators, these young women are poised to change the world.
If you want to be part of an event like the Empower Her Summit or learn more about JA and how they’re empowering young women, visit jawesternpa.org. Together, we can continue to create a space where women lift each other up, support one another, and empower future generations of women to take charge of their careers, lives, and futures.
