Diversity work earns honors for 3 women
CRANBERRY TWP — Three area women were honored Thursday night at the township supervisors meeting for their work to promote diversity and inclusivity in the municipality.
Sonia Jaiswal, Jackie Eppler and Kathy Negley were cited for their efforts as volunteer coordinators for the Cranberry Area Diversity Network.
Supervisor Mike Manipole, vice president of the board, expressed his appreciation for the Cranberry Area Diversity Network and its leaders for all the work the group has done to promote diversity in the municipality.
“You go on to celebrate what's right in our community — people.” Manipole said. “People of all ages, backgrounds, nationalities, sizes, shapes, et cetera. That's what truly makes a community.”
Jaiswal is the chairwoman of the CranFest folk festival and food event, which is held each spring at the municipal center. Eppler heads up the network's Mental Health Coalition, and Negley chairs the network's Special Needs Coalition.The coalitions have hosted events and speakers to promote special needs and mental health awareness on various topics.The Mental Health Coalition hosted the Abilities Expo in November to celebrate the special needs community. The Mental Health Coalition hosted quarterly spotlight events focused on various topics, including grief, suicide prevention, depression and youth anxiety.“The endless hours you've spent working on these projects and the professionalism you've displayed has impressed the entire team immensely,” said Charles Hawkins, Cranberry Area Diversity Network co-founder.
Hawkins and Gary Winterhalter, co-founder of the Cranberry Area Diversity Network presented the trio with certificates of appreciation.Jerry Andree, township manager, said the Diversity Network has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the community since the 1990s, before the group was officially part of the township.“They challenge us to stay ahead of the pack, and I value their leadership and friendship and advancing what is important to the community,” he said.
