The Sarah A. Reed Children’s Center marked Women’s History Month on Friday with its fifth annual Women in Leadership Breakfast, an event recognizing women who continue the mission of the organization’s founder more than 150 years later.
More than 100 staff members, board members and community leaders attended the gathering, which highlighted the impact of women serving in leadership roles across the organization and the Erie community.
Executive Director Dr. Adrienne Dixon said the event is designed to honor the legacy of Sarah A. Reed while encouraging future leaders to draw inspiration from her story.
The program featured remarks from Erie Mayor Daria Devlin and County Executive Christina Vogel, along with awards recognizing women within the organization.
Reflecting on Reed’s legacy, Devlin said her story demonstrates how women often respond when they see a need.
“Reading about Sarah and her family, what she chose to do — born into privilege, but putting that to work for people who were less fortunate,” Devlin said. “I think the lesson for women is when we see a problem, we act. Very often it’s easy to look at the world and say, ‘What can I do?’ But I think it’s really women who step in and say, ‘What are the solutions?’”
Organizers say the annual breakfast aims to continue uplifting women in leadership while reinforcing the center’s long‑standing mission of service.