Harrisburg University will be operating on a weather delay on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025.
Classes and operations prior to 10 AM at both Harrisburg and Philadelphia campuses will be through virtual instruction. Staff with questions should contact their immediate supervisor. Additional details have been provided to staff and students via HU email. Please see the Inclement Weather and Unplanned Closure Guidelines for more information.
Home » News » HU’s MaDonna Awotwi and Jessica Warren Named ‘Women of Excellence’ by YWCA
HU’s MaDonna Awotwi and Jessica Warren Named ‘Women of Excellence’ by YWCA
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Fostering a culture of inclusion and equity, it provides advocacy, shelter, education, and leadership programs to drive social change and empower underserved populations. This is the 36th year for the Women of Excellence awards, which have honored over 785 outstanding individuals with a strong commitment to innovation, quality leadership, and making Harrisburg and the world a better place.
MaDonna Awotwi has been the Program Manager for the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harrisburg University for the past three years; Jessica Warren recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as HU’s Executive Director of Marketing and Communications.
MaDonna Awotwi spends her days empowering entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into tangible success stories, whether through mentorship programs or pitch competitions. “Being named a Woman of Excellence is so humbling and thrilling!” she said. “But nothing we do happens in a vacuum. Excellence happens every day at Harrisburg University – it’s something we build with our culture of commitment, curiosity, and community.”
Jessica Warren, Harrisburg University’s Executive Director of Communications & Marketing, is the strategic force behind the institution’s public voice. From crafting inspiring narratives to facilitating relationships with community members, Jessica ensures that the university’s momentum is always in the spotlight.
“This recognition means so much to me,” Warren shared. “I’ve been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to give gifts of time and experience back to the community. The stories we tell here at HU are stories about people – the students, staff, and faculty who inspire us daily. I’m honored to be included in the YWCA’s Class of 2025 and to join the more than 700 women who came before me earning this accolade.”
Dave Schankweiler, Interim President at Harrisburg University, shared his excitement over the news: “There’s no question that MaDonna and Jessica exemplify the spirit of Harrisburg University, the YWCA, and Central PA as a whole. These women have true generosity in their hearts, and they work hard every day to advance the causes of inclusion, innovation, and excellence. We’re honored to have them on our team and delighted to see them celebrated by the YWCA.”
MaDonna and Jessica will be honored at the YWCA Women of Excellence Celebration Dinner on March 26. Harrisburg University thanks the YWCA for this honor and looks forward to future opportunities to showcase our world-changing ideas, inspirational leaders, and community-impacting work.
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