READING, Pa. – It all started 15 years ago when a woman named Karen Marsdale decided Berks County needed a women’s initiative.
“So, she and a group of strong-minded women, passionate women, decided, let’s do this. And GRCA said, ‘We’ll support you. Make it happen,’” said Jackie Stiles, director of Women2Women.
By creating Women2Women, they proved that when bright minds come together, no dream is out of reach.
“We get to connect these ladies with the right people that are already established here in Berks County. The strength here is amazing,” Stiles said.
Women to women helps build mentorship and connectivity.
“So, if we have a young professional who’s coming out and starting a new program or a new business, they’re willing to step in and say, ‘You know, I’ve tried this and this didn’t work, but you might want to try this and consider that and let me connect you with this person, because they’ll be able to help you support whatever your goals are,’” Stiles said.
The program aims to connect with all audiences, which led to the creation of “De Mujer a Mujer.”
“It’s ‘women to women’ translated in Spanish,” Stiles says. “Obviously, we have a large Latina population here in Berks County, and we wanted them to be represented.”
The program offers several opportunities, including expo events.
“Last week was the 15th anniversary of Women2Women Conference and Expo,” Stiles said. “We had over 400 individuals come to the day. We had over 50 vendors come and be part of the day. So it was a huge success.”
They also do retreats.
“We actually have a strategic retreat coming up this summer,” Stiles said. “That’s where we look at our next three-year plan, our strategic plan, and we will bring in community leaders…and hear their thoughts.”
Their efforts are all aimed at one goal.
“We want to support women in Berks County,” Stiles said.