Governor Corbett Proclaims March as Women's History Month in Pennsylvania

Harrisburg - Governor Tom Corbett proclaimed March as Women's History Month in Pennsylvania to celebrate the many contributions of women in the commonwealth and to promote continued gains in women's leadership.

"Advocating and supporting women's leadership is an important goal for the Pennsylvania Commission for Women," Maria Montero, executive director of the commission, said. "The mentors of today help form the leaders of tomorrow."

During March, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women (PCW) will announce a state-wide leadership award initiative that identifies a rising star and highlights women in business and women engaged in their communities.

Pam Varkony, a PCW commissioner and founder of Spectrum Global Training and the Power of Women Networking Initiative, has seen the importance of mentoring throughout her career.

"It's about more than being a role model, it's about sharing your experiences and lessons learned while nurturing another woman's unique talents. Mentoring is one of the most important contributions women can make to each other," Varkony said.

PCW, along with several other state agencies, will host an event in the Capitol to honor the official theme for Women's History Month, "Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)." The event will focus on mentoring young women in STEM fields, and speakers will include women in leadership roles in these fields.

PROCLAMATION

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

March 2013

WHEREAS, The Women's Rights Movement in the United States dates to the first Women's Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, NY in 1848; and

WHEREAS, in honor of this movement, Pennsylvania seeks to extol the distinguished accomplishments of women in the Commonwealth, both past and present, who have worked with vision and determination toward the progression of our citizens and communities; and

WHEREAS, women of every age, race, ethnicity and economic background have made historic and significant contributions to the growth and strength of our Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, every generation has women who have touched our Commonwealth's and our nation's history. Such women as Dorothea Dix, Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley, Betsy Ross, Louisa May Alcott and Violet Oakley paved the way for the new aspirations and dreams of all women; and

WHEREAS, all citizens owe an inexpressible debt of gratitude to the dedicated women of our nation for their invaluable contributions to their families, their communities, their country and our business and professional venues.

THEREFORE, In special recognition of the vision, action and determination that women from all walks of life have contributed to the advancement and development of our Commonwealth and our nation, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 2013 as WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH in Pennsylvania. I encourage all Pennsylvanians to recognize the women who have left their imprint on the pages of history, as well as those whose leadership and vision will guide us into a future filled with hope, endless possibility and progress.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, on this eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and thirteen, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

TOM CORBETT

Governor