WOMEN'S WAY 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Over five decades, WOMEN'S WAY has been foundational to the region's movement for gender equity, investing in change, empowering future generations, and spurring action. On May 7th, 2026, WOMEN’S WAY welcomed over 500 changemakers, advocates, and supporters to the Crystal Tea Room for the 50th Anniversary Celebration to honor that legacy and support the future of this work.
From early founders to new supporters, committed advocates gathered together for a night of reunion, reflection, and renewed commitment to building a future where security, dignity, freedom, and joy are possible for all. Together, we raised $385,000 to meet the moment and power the critical work that remains ahead.
Read on for highlights from our 50th Anniversary Celebration, and download our digital program book here.
Evening Highlights
The evening began with an inspiring Milestone Procession, a visual tribute to 50 years of collective action and impact. Key figures from WOMEN'S WAY carried markers representing defining moments in the organization's journey, bringing these milestones to life and showcasing what's possible.
WOMEN’S WAY Chief Disruptor Diane Cornman-Levy welcomed attendees with a powerful opening address, calling on all of us to build off the bold and courageous foundation forged during the organization's first five decades by coming together even more strongly to meet the urgent challenges we're facing right now.
This year, we proudly honored four extraordinary civic trailblazers as our 2026 Lucretia Mott Honorees. Congresswomen Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan, Mary Gay Scanlon, and PA Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton were recognized with WOMEN'S WAY's most prestigious honor for their leadership in breaking down barriers and advancing gender equity. The award was presented by The Honorable Allyson Y. Schwartz, a Former U.S. Representative and Lucretia Mott Honoree.
New this year, the Mary Scout Legacy Award was presented to Mary Scout in recognition of her legendary leadership, vision, and enduring commitment to gender equity, which have helped shape and strengthen WOMEN'S WAY across generations. The award was co-presented by Diane Cornman-Levy, WOMEN'S WAY Chief Disruptor, and Melissa Weiler-Gerber, WOMEN'S WAY Executive Director from 1999 – 2010, who shared a tribute to Mary's tremendous impact at the organization and broader community.
The Corporate Ally Award was presented to long-time organizational allies, Ballard Spahr LLP, in recognition of decades of sustained partnership and support for WOMEN'S WAY. The award was accepted by Leslie E. John, retired partner at Ballard Spahr and former Pro Bono General Counsel to WOMEN'S WAY, and Marcel Pratt, Managing Partner of Ballard Spahr, Philadelphia Office.
What will we build next?
Thank you to everyone who attended, in spirit or in person, at the 50th Anniversary Celebration. While this milestone honors five decades of impact and the power of this community to advance gender equity, it is also a reminder of how urgent and relevant this work remains. Fifty years later, we are still fighting for a future where we can all live with security, dignity, freedom, and joy.
As our Chief Disruptor shared during her remarks, “So as we celebrate 50 years, the question before us is not just: What have we accomplished? The question is: What will we build next?“
We thank you for standing with WOMEN'S WAY and joining hands with us as we build what's next.
This is just the start of our 50th Anniversary Year.
- Join us at another event this year
Our 50th Anniversary isn't over yet. Join us throughout the year for additional events – more to be announced soon! - Share your WOMEN'S WAY Story
Whether you’ve attended an event, funded a bold idea, partnered on systems-changing work, or been inspired to take action, your story is an essential part of our shared history and future! Submit your WOMEN'S WAY story here. - Donate to our 50th Anniversary Fund
Contributions to the 50th Anniversary Fund strengthen the next generation of philanthropy and leadership for gender equity. Learn more here. - Sign up for our mailing list and follow us on social media
Be the first to hear about events, stories, and ways to get involved. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and sign up for our newsletter.
WOMEN’S WAY gratefully acknowledges the following corporate sponsors of the 50th Anniversary Celebration
Platinum
Silver
Fox Rothschild LLP, Future Standard, Jefferson Health Plans, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
Bronze
Cerity Partners LLC, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Comcast NBCUniversal, Garrison Printing Company, M&T Bank, Philadelphia Foundation, Rivers Casino, Synergetic, Vanguard, Venerable, Zenith Wealth Partners
Copper
BLBB Charitable, Clark Hill, Conner Strong & Buckelew, Cozen O'Connor, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Independence Blue Cross, Lincoln Financial, Maguire Hayden Real Estate Company, NWON Opportunities
Friends Circle
Bala Law Group, LLC, Maven Communications
A special thank you to our 50th Anniversary Honorary Committee
AMJ Foundation • Carol Baker • David L. and Rhonda Cohen • Paula & Jack Crowley • Forum of Executive Women • Jane Golden • Hangley Aronchick Segal Pudlin & Schiller • Beverly A. Harper • Mary & Dennis Helf • Elayne Howard • Kitty Kolbert & Joann Hyle • Kreischer Miller • Commissioner Neil Makhija • Jami Wintz McKeon • Allen Model & Roberta Gausas • Eleanor and Johnny Myers • PA Representative Jennifer O’Mara • Mary Posner • The Honorable Marjorie Rendell • Stephanie Resnick • Cynthia Ritter • Wendy Rose & Bishop Dennis Green • The Honorable Allyson Y. Schwartz • Mary & Peter Scout • Dianne Semingson • Ruth Shaber, MD • Sunita Sheth, MD • PA Representative Melissa L. Shusterman • Mark Stewart • Letty Thall • Vanguard • The Honorable Flora Barth Wolf (Ret.) • Paul M. Yeakel, Jr. • Paul Yeakel and Lynn Yeakel Legacy Foundation
