CCFWG’s Third Annual Champions of Change Breakfast Leaves Chester County Business Community Inspired to Elevate Women in the Workplace

WEST CHESTER, PA (November 6, 2019) – The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG) hosted its third annual Champions of Change Breakfast on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at The Farmhouse Bistro at People’s Light in Malvern, PA. The event raised a record $30,000 in support of local women and girls.

Over 120 business leaders, community supporters and elected officials gathered to honor Dr. Lorraine (Laurie) Bernotsky, Executive Vice President and Provost of West Chester University, and First Resource Bank, for their breakthroughs in shattering the glass ceiling. “Dr. Bernotsky and First Resource Bank operate with the understanding that when women succeed, business succeeds, the community succeeds – everyone succeeds,” remarked Judi Bell, CCFWG Board Chair, as she opened the morning’s program.

Co-founders and employees at First Resource Bank pose with the company’s Corporate Champion of Change Award.

As an advocate for its female employees, First Resource Bank encourages women to pursue leadership roles while also striking a true work-life balance for their families. Ranalli spoke about the steadfast support she received from the Bank’s other co-founder, Glenn Marshall, when he approached her about starting the Bank in 2005, just as Ranalli became a new mom: “When I expressed some doubt about managing increasing responsibilities at both work and home, Glenn promised me that we’d figure it out. And he has kept his word for the past 12 years.” Today, over 50% of the bank’s senior management team is comprised of women, with female leaders running finance, retail banking and lending operations: “By having a female leader of the company successfully manage home and work responsibilities, it set the tone for everyone throughout the organization. I make it a priority to ensure that every woman working at First Resource Bank has the same opportunities to succeed at both work and home in the best way possible for them, just like I did,” added Ranalli.

Last year’s honoree Roberta Torian (right) presents Dr. Laurie Bernotsky with this year’s Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award at the Champions of Change Breakfast.

Dr. Lorraine (Laurie) Bernotsky, Executive Vice President and Provost at West Chester University, accepted the Gladys Black Woman of Distinction Award for her longstanding commitment to helping female business leaders and professionals develop leadership skills and deepen leadership knowledge in their respective fields through WCU’s Women’s Leadership Development program. She also continues to encourage female students to realize their true potential in spite of prior socialization or social norms that suggest they are not talented or valued. Dr. Bernotsky shared pieces of her journey to becoming such a key champion and mentor for women, reflecting on the role of both male and female mentors in her life, as well as the support of her husband Mike.

“Our honorees are relentless when it comes to supporting women on the path toward leadership and growth,” said CCFWG Executive Director Michelle Legaspi Sánchez. “CCFWG is proud to recognize them and highlight their accomplishments and motivations to inspire all of us to be relentless as well.”