Women Honored
CRANBERRY TWP — Four Butler County women were honored Wednesday night not only for their success in society, but their dedication to the community as well.
The Women's Leadership Council, an association of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, recognized the women at its spring mixer at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Township.
Amy Franz, director of the Butler region of the United Way, said the second annual event drew 90 people in contrast to the 30 who attended last year's inaugural event.
Last year, the program was women in history, but Franz said this year the committee decided to highlight four women who are examples of success and influence in the community.
The women are County Commissioners Leslie Osche and Kim Geyer, who are the first pair of women to serve in that capacity; Nadine Tripodi, the owner of Butler Technologies, chosen because of her accomplishments in manufacturing and commitment to the community; and Anne Herman of MSA in Cranberry Township, chosen because MSA is a large employer in the county and ardent supporter of the United Way.
The honor was especially meaningful for Osche, the former director of the United Way of Butler County before it was regionalized.
Osche looked across the lobby of the Marriott at the women leaders enjoying appetizers and chatting.
“This really isn't about me,” Osche said. “It's about all of them.”
She said the idea behind the Women's Leadership Council is to provide mentors for women in business or who have the skills to step into leadership roles.
“There are lots of leadership opportunities in Butler County and women sometimes are reticent to step up,” Osche said.Geyer was also pleased to be recognized, but also deflected any accolades.“It's such an honor because there are so many amazing women in this room and they are doing amazing things,” Geyer said.She said the county is in the midst of changing times, when women can step into all the jobs men have done up until the very recent past.“People are starting to recognize that women are contributors,” Geyer said. “They have a lot of gifts and talents and provide a lot of perspective in a male-dominated world.”Those at the mixer appreciated the four honorees and the event in general.“I think it's great,” county Treasurer Diane Marburger said of the event, “the networking and camaraderie and exchange of ideas.”She was also happy Osche and Geyer were recognized.“They are very distinguished in their own rights,” Marburger said. “They really are engaged in the community more than I've witnessed (in commissioners) in previous years.”She said Geyer and Osche are humble women who are a powerful force for positive change in the county.“They roll their sleeves up and jump right in,” Marburger said. “They are great role models.”Wendy Sciullo, the cochair of the Women's Leadership Council, said the mixer and the organization in general can only help women as they ascend the leadership ranks.“It's harder for women in leadership roles to break through the glass ceiling, and I think together we can make (the county) a better workplace for women,” she said. “I would like women to take away tonight that they are really important in leadership roles not just in business, but in the community.”Martina Hahn of MSA said the mixer was a great networking opportunity.“You get to know people you didn't know before, and women need to support each other,” Hahn said.She also came to support Herman, her co-worker at MSA.
“Anne is one of our executive leaders and the only female,” Hahn said. “She is very engaged in topics surrounding women and provides opportunities for growth and leadership development to women.”Herman said in her short speech that when she was as young as many of those attending the mixer, women were not in leadership roles.“We were told not to toot our own horn,” Herman said. “I'm thankful there are so many women mentors now.”Tripodi said her West Wayne Street company has employed an ever-growing number of residents since its inception 30 years ago.“I'm so proud to be a part of Butler County and able to employ the number of people that we do,” Tripodi said.One of the two male MSA employees who attended the mixer was firmly behind the efforts of the Women's Leadership Council.Frank Urbaniak said MSA supports diversity and inclusion in all departments.“Diversity of thought and diversity of inclusion is important for all organizations, and that's why we're here,” he said.He appreciated talking to all the strong, confident women who attended the mixer and making new connections.“To have venues to promote networking and women's initiatives is great,” Urbaniak said.Franz summed up the thoughts of all at the mixer Wednesday evening.“This is a tremendous group of women,” Franz said.
