Five Years of Impact and What’s Next
Five years ago in Pittsburgh, Junior Achievement of Western PA set out to create more than an event. The goal was to design an experience where young women could step outside the classroom, engage directly with professionals, and begin to see how education connects to real opportunity.
This year marked a meaningful milestone: the fifth year of the Pittsburgh summit and the third year of the Northwest PA (Erie) event. Supported by long‑standing partners, schools, and educators, these experiences have grown into trusted annual opportunities that communities return to year after year. Over the past five years, more than 1,500 students have participated across both regions.
Held during Women’s History Month, these summits are intentionally rooted in a time dedicated to honoring women’s leadership, progress, and possibility — and to ensuring the next generation of young women sees itself as part of that continuing story.
While each summit has its own character, both are grounded in the same belief: experiential learning creates lasting impact.
Empower Her Summit Presented by PPG and Hosted at Duquesne University:
Empower Her Summit Presented by PPG and Hosted at Duquesne University began with an opening keynote from Pittsburgh communications leader Joanna Doven, who helped set the tone for the day. Her remarks encouraged students to recognize their potential, embrace curiosity, and see themselves as capable leaders.
A hallmark of JA programming is learning by doing, and the Pittsburgh summit delivered on that promise in a powerful way. Partner‑led experiences transformed community investment into real, skill‑building moments for students.
This year, students engaged in ten hands‑on workshops facilitated by professionals from:
Duquesne University • EQT • FedEx • Lamar Advertising • Peoples • Trib Live • TriState Capital Bank • The UPS Store • U.S. Steel
Each partner designed an activity mirroring real workplace scenarios. From building resumes and learning how to approach a first paycheck, to understanding personal branding and posting with purpose online, students weren’t passive participants, they were active learners.
Students also had the chance to hear from their peers during a workshop led by JA’s 18 Under Eighteen alumni. These young leaders shared how they identified passions early, took initiative, and learned to lead even before adulthood.
The day concluded with the Hear From Her Panel, where students heard directly from women leaders representing:
Williams • State Farm • Trib Total Media • UPMC
Their stories reinforced themes woven throughout the day — persistence, adaptability, and self‑advocacy — while helping students see how education and experience intersect with real careers.
This event shows us that there’s always a way to achieve what you want.
– JA Empower Her Attendee
Empower Her Summit Northwest Hosted by Penn State Behrend:
In Erie, the Empower Her Summit Northwest Hosted by Penn State Behrend carried the same commitment to experiential learning while reflecting the region’s unique strengths, voices, and community pride.
The day began with 18 Under Eighteen honoree Asheen Udgiri, who energized the room and encouraged students to fully engage in the experience. Throughout the day, Asheen remained an active presence — connecting with students, networking, and reinforcing the importance of initiative, leadership, and believing in yourself.
Students also heard from Rachel Artise of The UPS Store, who shared a memorable reflection comparing career journeys to a butterfly’s metamorphosis — shaped by growth, change, and transformation over time.
After this inspirational presentation, students engaged in hands‑on activities and conversations supported by regional partners, including Knock Law, McDonald Illig, National Fuel, UPMC, The UPS Store. The Conair and Piovan Group volunteers also hosted an interactive table throughout the event and provided ongoing engagement across the day.
The summit concluded with a powerful closing conversation led by Erie Mayor Daria Devlin, the second woman to ever serve as mayor of the City of Erie. Mayor Devlin spoke candidly about her path to leadership, her goals for the city, and the challenges she faces in her role. Students had the opportunity to ask questions — gaining insight not only into public service, but into leadership, resilience, and the importance of women’s voices in shaping the future of their communities.
Why These Summits Endure and the Impact That Lasts
One of the clearest signs of impact is trust, and year after year, that trust is reflected in the partners and schools who continue to return.
JA is especially grateful to PPG, our presenting partner for four consecutive years, whose leadership and sustained commitment have helped shape the Pittsburgh summit into a meaningful, high‑impact experience.
We are also thankful to our host partners, Duquesne University and Penn State Behrend, for their continued support.
Though each summit takes place over one day, its influence reaches far beyond the schedule. Educators routinely share that students return to school energized — continuing to talk about the experience months and even years later.
“The impact of this day is powerful. Students who didn’t attend ask about attending, and ones who attended ask about attending again. I have girls who talk about the experience years later.”
“The feedback we receive from students is unbelievable. They leave totally energized and full of inspiration that they carry with them.”
Building Forward
Together, these summits represent Education for What’s Next™ in action — experiential learning that helps students connect who they are today with who they can become tomorrow.
With continued partnership from schools, employers, and community leaders, JA is proud to celebrate this milestone and what’s ahead.
Because when young women are empowered with experience and opportunity, they are ready to shape what’s next.
