03/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/26/2026 13:34
March 26, 2026- Harrisburg, PA
America250PA hosted a special Women's History Month Luncheon and Panel at the Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts, featuring distinguished women in public life discussing service, leadership, and the civic values guiding Pennsylvania's future.
The event brought together Pennsylvania's First Ladies-past and present-Lori Shapiro, Frances Wolf, and Michele Ridge, along with Dr. Jill Biden, former First and Second Lady of the United States and a proud Pennsylvania native. The conversation was moderated by actress and author Melissa Fitzgerald, another Pennsylvania native best known for her role on The West Wing.
"I was honored to join this incredible group of First Ladies who have served our Commonwealth and our country. Pennsylvania women have made a huge impact on our communities and been driving forces for positive change-going back to the founding of Pennsylvania and Hannah Penn, who played a major role in building and leading this Commonwealth," said Pennsylvania's First Lady Lori Shapiro. "During Women's History Month, we honor the generations of Pennsylvania women who laid the foundation for the work we do today. As First Lady, I'm inspired by the women I meet all across the Commonwealth who are bringing people together and making a difference in their communities."
Speaker List:
First Lady Lori Shapiro
Dr. Jill Biden, Former First and Second Lady of the United States
Frances Wolf, Former First Lady of Pennsylvania
Kathy Schweiker, Former First Lady of Pennsylvania
Michele Ridge, Former First Lady of Pennsylvania
Melissa Fitzgerald, Moderator, Actress, Author, and Pennsylvania native
Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director, America250PA