Spotlight: Women of Impact
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we honor the visionary women whose leadership shaped the nonprofit sector. Their dedication laid the groundwork for the women of today, who continue to carry that legacy forward with passion and purpose, making a significant impact on our present and future. Throughout history, women played a pivotal role as leaders and founders of organizations dedicated to social causes. Their leadership addressed critical issues in healthcare, education, human rights, and more, demonstrating their ability to inspire and create lasting change in their communities.
Statistics show the significant role women play in nonprofit leadership today. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, nearly 75% of nonprofit employees are women, and many organizations are led by women.
To honor this ongoing legacy of leadership, we’re spotlighting four incredible local nonprofit leaders who are making a significant impact today.
Centre Safe: Empowering Survivors of Violence
One notable example of women-led impact is Centre Safe, which started in 1975 as the Centre County Women’s Resource Center. A grassroots initiative led by a small group of women in State College, Centre Safe has grown into a multi-faceted organization serving all survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Today, it provides a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling. “It is the mission of Centre Safe to empower all survivors of sexual or domestic violence and to work toward the elimination of such violence,” says Jennifer Pencek, Executive Director. Centre Safe’s holistic approach provides immediate crisis support and works toward long-term recovery through medical support, transitional housing, and economic empowerment programs.
Dancing Against Hunger: Combating Food Insecurity through Dance
Another inspiring initiative is Dancing Against Hunger (DAH), a nonprofit in Centre County that addresses food insecurity and provides accessible dance education. Founded by Claire Chi in 2022, DAH empowers youth by providing dance programming as a way to bring the community together and raise awareness for food insecurity. “As today’s changemakers, we have the responsibility to cultivate tomorrow’s,” Chi says. Under her leadership, DAH has engaged over 4,100 participants and collected more than 2,650 food items. Since organizing the first food drive to benefit the Helping Hands Food Pantry, DAH has partnered with the State College Food Bank, Moshannon Valley YMCA, Penn State Center for the Performing Arts, and dozens of other organizations across Centre County. With an all-women executive team and board, DAH emphasizes women’s leadership while offering crucial support to local families facing food insecurity.
Bridge of Hope Centre County: Supporting Single Mothers
Founded in 2007, Bridge of Hope Centre County supports single mothers in overcoming homelessness and poverty. Director Tirzah Gibboney shares, ‘It is my joy to create a neighborhood of support for single moms, empowering them to rise above their most difficult circumstances.’ The organization connects mothers with case managers and volunteers who assist in securing housing, finding employment, and building financial stability. Since 2009, Bridge of Hope has helped many women and children and allowed families to achieve long-term stability. Gibboney and her team are dedicated to ending family homelessness, one family at a time.
Centre Film Festival: Amplifying Untold Stories
The Centre Film Festival, co-founded by Pearl Gluck in 2019, is another example of women leading in the nonprofit space. Held at two historic theaters in Centre County, Rowland Theater and The State Theatre, this international film festival connects local voices with global cinema. The festival encourages storytelling and creative exchange through screenings, workshops, and masterclasses. The event has since become a cultural force, shaping the future of the local arts scene and nurturing young talent, particularly through partnerships with local schools. It connects local voices with global cinema. “The festival began with a simple goal: to bring visibility to voices often left out of the conversation,” Gluck shares. “My work as a writer and through the camera has always been focused on women, sexuality, and faith. As a filmmaker and as a woman, I appreciate any organization that spotlights individual expression and celebrates diverse life experiences. Every day that I teach students is a confirmation of how significant it is to continue to create platforms for creativity. It impacts us on so many levels including our community, our economy, and our ability to thrive in our undeniably diverse environment.”
Filmmakers interested in submitting to the 2025 Centre Film Festival can do so through Film Freeway at www.filmfreeway.com/CentreFilmFestival2025. Submissions open on March 17, 2025. The Centre Film Festival 2025 website, featuring the full schedule and event details, will go live in the fall of 2025.
These women and organizations exemplify the power of women in leadership and their ability to create transformative change in their communities. From empowering survivors of violence and combating food insecurity to supporting single mothers and creating safe spaces for global conversations through arts and culture, their work highlights the profound impact of women in the nonprofit sector. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize that the contributions of women continue to shape a better, more equitable world. Their passion, dedication, and leadership serve as an inspiration for future generations to continue this vital work.
