Harrisburg, Pa – Today, the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women announced the appointment of 29 commissioners that will make up its 2025-27 advisory board. The Commission’s purpose is to gather information regarding Pennsylvania women’s experiences and needs; review, evaluate, and assess programs affecting them; provide the Governor with information and recommendations regarding how best to address the issues that most impact them; and provide information about programs and services that may be relevant to the women of Pennsylvania. The Commission was established by Governor Josh Shapiro through an Executive Order.
“Centering the needs of women in policy isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s essential to effective governance and a prosperous economy,” said Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak. “When women thrive, families, communities, and entire systems are stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for long-term success.”
Thanks to the efforts of the 2023-25 Commission on Women, the Shapiro Administration has made significant progress to deliver solutions critical to the issues women and girls face and made meaningful investments in communities across Pennsylvania. Most notably, the Administration has prioritized addressing maternal health disparities — especially for Black and Brown women — highlighting the need for menstrual equity, and worked to cut costs for childcare throughout the Commonwealth.
During the 2025-27 term, the Commission on Women will continue its work on menstrual equity, maternal health, childcare access, and pay equity. It will also focus on violence prevention efforts through addressing root causes of harm, promoting safety, and continuing to support the conditions necessary for women to thrive in all areas of life.
The Commission Chair and members are listed below.
Nancy Astor Fox, Chair, Montgomery County
Danielle Parson, Vice Chair, Allegheny County
Anna Adams-Sarthou, Allegheny County
Senator Rosemary Brown, Lackawanna County
Nancy Chavez, Cumberland County
Senator Maria Collett, Montgomery County
Representative Gina H. Curry, Delaware County
Adia Effiong, Allegheny County
Representative Ann Flood, Northampton County
Laurie Funk, Lebanon County
Stephanie Gambone, Philadelphia County
Alisa Hoffman-Mirilovich, Luzerne County
Tracy Lawless, Allegheny County
Dr. Sharee Livingston, Lancaster County
Yocasta Lora, Montgomery County
Abbey Mahler, Allegheny County
Ellen Min, Dauphin County
Mary Oliveira, Cumberland County
Amanda Parezo, Philadelphia County
Kate Philips, Erie County
Pantea Shademani, Wayne County
Cindy Singer, Philadelphia County
Dorey Stabile, Westmoreland County
Paula Starnes, Philadelphia County
Helen Tai, Bucks County
Kristin Talarico, Erie County
Christine Titih, Cumberland County
Anne Ard, Centre County, Honorary Appointment
BJ Leber, Allegheny County, Honorary Appointment
To learn more about the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, follow the Commission on Facebook and Instagram.
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