Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women

Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women advises the Governor on policies and legislation. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time.

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Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak joined advocates, survivors, and community leaders at the annual Crime Victims’ Righ...
06/17/2026

Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak joined advocates, survivors, and community leaders at the annual Crime Victims’ Rights Rally hosted by the Crime Victims Alliance of Pennsylvania and the Office of Victim Advocate.

The event served as a powerful reminder that the work to support survivors and prevent violence must continue every day. At the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, the Violence Against Women & Prevention Subcommittee remains deeply focused on addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking across Pennsylvania.

Understanding how gender-based violence has historically shaped our systems is essential to creating policies and services that truly support survivors. By listening to impacted communities, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for systemic change, we move closer to a safer and more equitable future for all Pennsylvanians.

The Executive Directors of the Governor’s Advisory Commissions on Women, Next Generation Engagement, African American Af...
06/15/2026

The Executive Directors of the Governor’s Advisory Commissions on Women, Next Generation Engagement, African American Affairs, and Latino Affairs were honored to join the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University for a thoughtful leadership panel and discussion.

EDs shared their journeys in public service, what motivates their work, and engaged in meaningful conversation with students about leadership, advocacy, and the issues impacting communities across Pennsylvania today.

We left inspired by an incredible group of students whose passion, insight, and thoughtful understanding of the challenges facing young people and communities today give us hope for the future. Thank you to PCWP and Chatham University for creating space for these important conversations!

Throughout Pennsylvania's State of the Woman listening tour, women repeatedly shared that violence against women is not ...
06/13/2026

Throughout Pennsylvania's State of the Woman listening tour, women repeatedly shared that violence against women is not just a private issue. It is a systemic one. Survivors described the barriers they face when seeking safety and justice, including stigma, bias, and systems that can undermine their credibility or make it harder to protect themselves and their children from abuse. Their message was clear: those most impacted must have a voice in shaping the solutions.

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), through its STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant, is supporting a statewide effort to better understand how survivors experience the court system. What participants share will help inform judicial education and identify opportunities to strengthen court responses across Pennsylvania.

If you are 18 or older and have been involved in a Pennsylvania court case related to interpersonal violence within the past five years, your perspective can help drive meaningful change. Participation involves a confidential 60-minute interview by phone or Zoom, scheduled at your convenience. Participants will receive a $75 gift card in appreciation of their time.

Registration is open through August 3, 2026.

Be sure to check out further information before registering: https://your-court-experience-matters.my.canva.site/information

Register here: https://forms.fillout.com/t/sXqBkE2zNGus

The listening tour is complete, and because of you, we reached our goal of 10,000+ survey responses representing all 67 ...
06/11/2026

The listening tour is complete, and because of you, we reached our goal of 10,000+ survey responses representing all 67 counties across Pennsylvania.

From rural communities to suburban neighborhoods to urban centers, women showed up, spoke honestly, and made their voices heard.

We are deeply grateful to the hundreds of women who shared their lived experiences with us in person throughout our 13-stop statewide tour, and to the thousands more who participated anonymously through our online survey. Your stories, perspectives, frustrations, hopes, and ideas will shape the upcoming State of the Woman Report in meaningful ways.

Now, we move into the next phase: analyzing what we heard and writing the report.

Two things are already abundantly clear:
Women are tired.
Women want to be heard.

Thank you for trusting us with your stories. Stay tuned for our findings.

The work of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women doesn’t stop after a listening session — our engagement with leg...
06/03/2026

The work of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women doesn’t stop after a listening session — our engagement with legislators across Pennsylvania is ongoing.

Commissioners continue meeting with elected officials to share the stories, concerns, and priorities women are raising in their communities. Recently, Commissioner Ellen Min and Commissioner Christine Titih met with Representative Davidson to discuss critical issues impacting women across the Commonwealth, including women’s health, workplace challenges, and violence against women.

These conversations are essential as we work to ensure the voices of Pennsylvania women are heard, represented, and reflected in policy discussions statewide.

Congratulations to Commissioner Dr. Sharee Livingston on being named the recipient of the prestigious Athena Award from ...
06/01/2026

Congratulations to Commissioner Dr. Sharee Livingston on being named the recipient of the prestigious Athena Award from the Lancaster Chamber!

An accomplished OB-GYN and founding board member of Patients R Waiting, Dr. Livingston has dedicated her career to advancing health equity and empowering the next generation of leaders. Through Patients R Waiting, she has helped champion efforts to eliminate health disparities by increasing the number of ethnic minority physicians serving communities across Pennsylvania and beyond.

The Athena Award recognizes leaders who exemplify professional excellence, strengthen their communities, and actively support others — especially women — in reaching their full leadership potential. Dr. Livingston embodies all of these qualities and more.

We celebrate her extraordinary leadership, compassion, and commitment to creating healthier, more equitable communities for all. Congratulations, Dr. Livingston!

https://lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/lancaster-chamber-to-honor-4-business-leaders-at-annual-dinner/article_86d14563-a2b3-4df6-8fc4-0843b29de0b8.html

05/27/2026

LEWISBURG - we are headed your way on Friday! Excited to connect with women in the region and perhaps check out this fabulous Main Street that Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro mentions!

Please join us in celebrating Commissioner Amanda Parezo on being named Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania! 👑♿ Through advocacy...
05/26/2026

Please join us in celebrating Commissioner Amanda Parezo on being named Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania! 👑♿

Through advocacy, leadership, and service, Amanda continues to show the power of visibility and representation.

The Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania organization works to empower women who use wheelchairs for 100% of community mobility through education, advocacy, leadership, networking, sisterhood, and community service. Amanda’s selection as Titleholder reflects her commitment to building a more inclusive Pennsylvania where disabled women are seen, heard, and valued.

Visibility matters because representation changes expectations. When women with disabilities are visible in leadership spaces, public service, and advocacy work, it challenges outdated assumptions and opens doors for others to imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities.

Congratulations, Commissioner Parezo, on this well-deserved honor and for continuing to lead with courage, authenticity, and purpose! 💜

There’s just 1 week left to make your voice heard in the State of the Woman online survey! We’ve already heard from more...
05/23/2026

There’s just 1 week left to make your voice heard in the State of the Woman online survey!

We’ve already heard from more than 10,000 women across all 67 Pennsylvania counties, and your experiences, challenges, and priorities are helping shape the first comprehensive report on the status of Pennsylvania women in more than 20 years.

This is your opportunity to help inform policy, elevate women’s voices, and ensure women across the Commonwealth are seen and heard.
Take the survey before it closes and be part of this historic effort.

> www.surveymonkey.com/r/stateofthewoman

Last week, Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak joined community leaders in Kane, PA, to celebrate the ribbon cutting of ...
05/23/2026

Last week, Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak joined community leaders in Kane, PA, to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Keystone Rural Health Consortia office - an exciting step forward in the health and well-being of this beautiful, rural community.

Rural community health centers play a vital role in ensuring families have access to quality, affordable care close to home. From preventative services and chronic disease management to dental care and health education, these centers help bridge critical healthcare gaps that too often impact rural communities.

Strong rural health systems mean healthier families, stronger local economies, and communities where people can thrive. Congratulations to Keystone Rural Health Consortia on this important milestone and continued commitment to serving the region!

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