Women's Commission

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Delaware County Women's Commission Statement

The Commission's purpose is to evaluate the concerns and needs of women and girls residing in Delaware County and making recommendations to the County Council as to how to meet those concerns and needs. The members of the Commission will serve together as the decision making body with respect to actions needed to fulfill its mandate. The Commissioners are responsible for setting policies that guide the operation of its task forces, committees, and coalitions. The Commission will work toward the advancement of Delaware County women and girls.

Public Meeting Notice
May 4, 2023 at 6:00pm - Delaware County Women’s Commission (DCWC) has scheduled a virtual meeting on Thursday, via Microsoft TEAMS. The public is invited to attend. Questions? Please contact Janet Smith at smithje@delcohsa.org for information.


2023 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Women’s History Month is a month designated to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978 and the movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History celebrations, which then grew into a month-long celebration and tribute. Each year, a different theme is named for the celebration that is chosen by the National Women's History Alliance. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” and is a tribute to women who have worked to share collective histories and positive portrayals of fellow females.

Women have led the efforts to secure suffrage and equal opportunity for women, and have served in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, labor movements, civil rights movements, and other causes to create a more fair and just society.

For the first time in history, a woman is the Vice President of the United States and Ketanji Brown Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on Supreme Court. This week, Joanna McClinton became the first woman to serve as speaker of the Pennsylvania House.


2023 Women’s History Month Awards Reception:
Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories

In honor of Women’s History Month, and its theme, Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, the Delaware County Women’s Commission will join Delaware County Council to recognize several Delaware County women who have profoundly influenced women and girls across the county during a Women’s History Celebration on March 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Essington.

Nancy Webster, Peg DeGrassa, Leigh Anne McKelvery, and Jacquona Blackwell will be honored for their contributions to Delaware County during this unprecedented time with the Woman of Achievement Award. The community is invited to join the celebration.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and information about the event, please visit the Women's History Month 2023 Awards Page.


Commission Officers

Lauren J. Footman, Chair Term Expires June 2023

Lauren is a Yeadon, PA native. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 2014, with a bachelor’s degree in English and double minors in Political Science and Africana Studies. Her time at Bryn Mawr, catalyzed her civic involvement, as she chartered the college’s first NAACP Chapter. Professionally, Lauren has worked as a human capital, diversity, equity, and inclusion professional across the corporate and non-profit sectors. Lauren currently serves as the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the County of Delaware. In May 2020, Lauren graduated with her master’s degree in Organizational Dynamics, with a concentration in Organizational Consulting and Executive Coaching at the University of Pennsylvania. Lauren is now in the process of pursuing her Interdisciplinary Doctorate of Education Program for Educational Leaders at Saint Joseph's University.

Jordan Kelso, Vice Chair Term Expires June 2025

Jordan is a lifelong resident of Delaware County, currently residing in Norwood. Jordan is currently employed at The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. Her role at DAP is the Manager of Advocacy Services where she provides victims of domestic violence support while they navigate the criminal court process, manages a team of victim advocates and two satellite offices in Upper Darby and Chester City, and provides police training in domestic violence to the various departments in Delaware County. Jordan received her Bachelor of Science in criminal justice at West Chester University and her Master of Science in criminal justice with a concentration in behavior management at St Joseph’s University. Jordan also volunteers her time as the chairman for Norwood’s youth aid panel; where she works with juveniles who have committed a first-time summary offense.

Monique Curry-Mims, MBA, MSEd, Treasurer Term Expires June 2025

Monique Curry-Mims resides in Delaware County, PA with her husband and two children. With over 15 years of business and leadership experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, she is a social impact consultant skilled in strategic planning, collective impact, and capacity building. A Penn State MBA graduate who holds a BS in Digital Design from Philadelphia University and a MSEd, Monique works to develop partnerships and impact between nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, government institutions, and the communities they serve. In addition to serving on the Women's Commission, Monique serves as a Trustee and the Allocations Chair of the Union Benevolent Association, a Steering Committee member of The Philadelphia Black Giving Circle, a Committee Member of AFP Global’s U.S. Government Relations Committee Member and Chair of the AFP US GR Task Force: Nonprofit Sector Strength and Partnership Act of 2022 subcommittee. Additionally, Monique is the Convener of PHLanthropy Week, an annual week of events dedicated to uplifting Philadelphia's philanthropic sector with a focus on the voice and needs of underserved communities.

Arnita DeShields, MSW, Secretary Term Expires June 2025

Arnita is the Community Outreach Coordinator for Affinity Care Hospice and an Educator for youth. She is the Founder of Butterfly Empowerment Services Transform (B.E.S.T.)–services for abused women and children. Arnita is also the Founder & CEO of Go 2 Prayer Ministries, Radio Station and Product Line; encouraging people to pray without ceasing, and to be the answer to help others in some way. Arnita is an international music Artist with songs on digital outlets, and Author of the book "Watch God Move". She was licensed as a Minister in 2004 and received an Apostolic Ordination in 2017. Arnita is a graduate from Villanova University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts & Sciences, with a major in Communications, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, where she received a Masters of Social Work. She is presently attending International Miracle Institute for a Doctorate in Christian Theology. Arnita was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King Freedom Medal and other honors for excellence in community service. She serves other organizations and is a board member for Broken Wings Literacy Center. Arnita resides in Delaware County and loves her son Joseph Emmanuel, who is a junior in college. She is grateful for her friends and family, especially her Mom who is 96.


Commissioners

Sharon J. Booker Term Expires June 2024

Sharon is a small business owner who is currently serving her third term on Sharon Hill Borough Council, founder and government liaison of the Sharon Hill Art & Culture Commission, (providing free art and cultural programs, festivals, and workshops to Sharon Hill residents). She has devoted her life to public service, community activism, and advocating for women, art, and culture. As an art activist Sharon utilizes her fused artform of poetry, dance, and song to bring awareness to women’s issues and has performed throughout the United States and internationally, as well as, with two women’s collectives, has been featured in both an award-winning documentary film, and short film about the Suffragettes sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women’s 2021 celebration of Women’s History Month. She authored two books of poetry, and her prose has been published in numerous anthologies, newspapers, magazines, and journals. She resides in Sharon Hill with her husband Assarif and two cats Maximillian and Stinkerbelle.

Nancy Caramanico Term Expires June 2024

Nancy is a long-time Delaware County resident who actively supports professional and community initiatives. Nancy is a Pennsylvania certified Level II Instructional Technology Specialist and founder of Cara Tec, LLC where she works with business organizations, non-profits, and schools to support digital technology uses for learning, leading, and collaboration. Through her program, E2Today, Nancy provides educators and organizations with the tools to harness the power of digital technology and social media. She received her master’s degree from St Joseph's University in Educational Instructional Technology and a Distance Learning Certification from Teacher's College, Columbia University.

Tammi L. Forbes Term Expires June 2025

Tammi is the first female and first African American elected Magisterial Judge in her district, 32-2-37. Her accomplishments include Roster Chair with the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, and The Summer Academy. Tammi has taught at Penn Wood High School, Lansdowne, PA and Charles Carroll High School, Philadelphia, PA. She is a Peer Coach and a Professional Development Facilitator. Tammi a lifelong resident of Delaware County and she is committed to serving her community and to uplifting women, children, and families.

Abigail J. Gertner Term Expires June 2023

Abigail is Counsel at Berger Montague, where she specializes in consumer protection and ERISA litigation. She also currently serves as a Council-person for Upland Borough, where has been a resident since 2004. Ms. Gertner graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law in 2003, where she interned for the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office in the Child and Elder Abuse Unit. She completed her undergraduate studies at Tulane University in 2000, earning a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in Classics.

Mylisa R. Himmons Term Expires June 2023

A resident of Delaware County, since 1988. Consistently dedicated to women’s initiatives, advancement, and advocate for all things that promote equality in the community and women’s rights. Mylisa attended Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School located in Drexel Hill, PA. Mylisa completed her bachelor’s degree at Widener University ‘97 in Sociology and Elementary Education. Later, Mylisa earned her Master’s degree in Special Education and Reading Specialist from Saint Joseph’s University 2001. In 2017, Mylisa went on to earn a Master’s in Administration and Supervision from Rowan University. Mylisa is the mother of two beautiful daughters and grandmother to two energetic young humans.

Dr. Theresa Napson-Williams Term Expires June 2025

Theresa is a resident of Media. She is a professor of history at Montgomery County Community College. Theresa teaches American History, African American, and women’s history as well as courses on race and immigration. She also works on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. Theresa lectures to community groups on topics related to racial violence, gendered violence, the civil rights movement, the role of women in African American history, and current events. She has been a school board director for the Rose Tree Media School District since 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree from American University. She then went on to receive her Ph.D. in history from Rutgers University. Theresa is the proud mother of 2 sons.

Gwendolyn McCullough, MPS Term Expires June 2025

Gwendolyn is a long-time resident of Delaware County. She currently works as the Community Outreach Manager for State Senator Tim Kearney in Media, and she previously worked in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as a chief of staff to a State Representative. Gwen earned her master’s degree in leadership from Penn State University in 2021, and her bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in 2018. Gwen also has an associates degree from Delaware County Community College where she was awarded the prestigious Alumni Professional Achievement Award and gave the keynote speech at graduation in 2019. Gwen currently resides in Eddystone and has one daughter.

LaKisha Smith Term Expires June 2023

LaKisha has lived in both Drexel Hill and Upper Darby for the last 20 years, where she and her husband have raised two children. LaKisha is a casework supervisor with the County of Delaware, Children and Youth Services for 18 years. LaKisha received her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Widener University, her graduate degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph’s University, and her Master’s in Social Work from Widener University. LaKisha has deep interest assisting young ladies with trauma and hopefully developing summer programs for youths in the community.

Kamira A. Evans, MPA Term Expires June 2024

Kamira resides in Chester, PA. She earned her undergraduate degree from Drexel University and completed her Master of Public Administration at Villanova University in 2016. Kamira has worked in higher education for over 15 years, with a focus on creating and providing services and interventions designed to close opportunity gaps for students who are from historically marginalized demographics, challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, and/or are first-generation students. She currently serves as the Chief of Staff and Student Engagement at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.

Deborah Mantegna, RN, MSN Term Expires June 2023

Deborah has lived in Delaware County for most of her life. She currently works as the System Director, Community Health, and Outreach for Main Line Health. She has worked for Main Line Health/ Riddle Hospital for over 31 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Neumann University and a master’s degree in Nursing from Wilmington University. She was selected as a finalist for Nurse.com Nursing Excellence GEM award (2015), the Pennsylvania Nightingale Award (2014) and was featured as a Top Nurse in Main Line Today in both 2021 and 2022. Deborah also served as a nurse in the United States Army Reserve, she retired as a Major after serving for 20 years. Deborah is an active community volunteer, serving as a Girl Scout leader for many years, volunteering for the 4-H and serving on the Foundation Board for the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. She is currently an active volunteer for her church. She is very excited to serve on the Woman’s Commission and advocate for women of all ages from Delaware County. Deborah currently resides in Middletown Township with her husband of 37 years, Ven. They have four daughters, Heather (36), Lauren (32), Natalie (22) and Jessica (18) and one grandson, Carter (1).

Patricia A. Fletcher, LCSW, Ph.D. Term Expires June 2024

Pat is an Associate Clinical Professor at Widener University’s Center for Social Work Education and the Program Director for the Master of Social Work campus-based program. She earned her BSW, BA in Psychology, MSW, and Ph.D. from Widener University. In addition to teaching social work practice, Pat has over thirty years of experience working in hospice, child, adolescent, and adult mental health, out-patient counseling, and clinical supervision. Helping women successfully navigate life’s challenges and transitions has been a focus of Pat’s career in her social work practice. A champion of education as the key to self-sufficiency, Pat works to support students in their academic pursuits, to assist them in experiencing the transformative power of education. Pat is a life-long Delaware County resident and has lived in Concord Township for thirty-three years. She and her husband have three adult children and eight grandchildren.



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         Media, PA 19063
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About Delaware County

Delaware County, presently consisting of over 184 square miles divided into forty-nine municipalities is the oldest settled section of Pennsylvania.


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