Pennsylvania Commission for Women Announces Hannah Penn Leadership Award Recipients

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Commission for Women today announced the recipients of the 2014 Hannah Penn Leadership Awards at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg.

The awards, named in honor of Hannah Callowhill Penn, recognize Pennsylvania women who have been outstanding mentors and role models through their leadership, service and commitment to empowering women and girls.

"We applaud today's award recipients for their unwavering devotion to improving the lives of women and girls in Pennsylvania," said Sue Schick, Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. "Through their dynamic leadership and tireless efforts, they provide others with the resources and support needed to succeed personally and professionally."

Governor Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett presented awards to the following individuals:

• Hannah Kirby, Erie – Rising Star Award
• Lorraine Marchand, Yardley – Business Leadership Award
• Pat Halpin-Murphy, Ambler – Civic and Volunteer Leadership Award

The late Ann Wilson, a former member of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, received a posthumous award for her distinguished service.  Wilson was appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission for Women in 2012 and passed away in 2013 after a short battle with cancer.

"Susan and I commend these four outstanding individuals for inspiring, encouraging and preparing fellow women and girls in our commonwealth to achieve their dreams," said Governor Corbett.  "We extend our gratitude to them for truly leading by example."

The Hannah Penn Leadership Awards are administered by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.  The commission works to identify and advance the diverse needs and interests of Pennsylvania women and girls; to inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov/commissionforwomen.

Media contact: Ashley Mostek, 717-787-1965

Editor's Note:  Biographical information for each honoree follows:

Hannah Kirby, Erie
Hannah Kirby is the recipient of the Rising Star Award, which recognizes a female role model between the ages of 16-29 whose leadership and service improves the lives of women and girls in Pennsylvania and inspires them to achieve their dreams.  Hannah is a Gannon University alumna, having earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2010 and an M.B.A. in 2011.  She is currently employed by LORD Corporation as a Senior Quality Engineer.  As a Gannon University National Alumni Board director, she participates in the board's Mentoring Achievement Program and numerous other outreach programs that help young girls explore careers in science, technology and math.  She is active in her community with Tesla, her therapy dog, and visits at-risk girls and young women who are victims of domestic violence through Therapy Dogs United.  She also spends time with grieving children as a volunteer at Highmark's Caring Place.

Lorraine Marchand, Yardley
Lorraine Marchand is the recipient of the Business Leadership Award, which honors a woman who demonstrates leadership, service and a commitment to advancing women in a private sector business environment.  Lorraine is a senior leader in Cognizant Technology Solution's Life Sciences Consulting Practice, where she is responsible for developing strategies and solutions for improving productivity and innovation for the pharmaceutical industry. Ms. Marchand conducts workshops and provides coaching on topics related to women and leadership.  She is a mentor and coach to a number of women in corporate positions as well as undergraduate students.

Pat Halpin-Murphy, Ambler
Pat Halpin-Murphy is the recipient of the Civic and Volunteer Leadership Award, which recognizes a woman in the civic and/or volunteer community who demonstrates leadership, service and a commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Pennsylvania.  Pat founded the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition in 1993 and continues to serve as the organization's president. She was appointed by four successive governors to the Pennsylvania Cancer Advisory Board and co-chairs the Pennsylvania Income Tax Check-Off for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Committee.  In addition to service on multiple national boards and commissions, she co-authored both editions of the book, "Breast Cancer: Covered or Not? A Guide on Insurance."

SOURCE Pennsylvania Commission for Women