Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women

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Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women advises the Governor on policies and legislation. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time.

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08/11/2026

Great news for Pennsylvania students! This year’s state budget includes $3 million in funding to provide free menstrual products in schools, bringing the total investment to $9 million over the past three budgets. This continued support helps ensure students have what they need to stay healthy, confident, and focused in the classroom.

Commissioner Kristin Talarico joined Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen at Strong Vincent Middle School in Erie to highlight how this funding is improving access to essential health resources for students across the Commonwealth.

Schools statewide are working hard to reduce barriers to learning, and student leaders in Erie are even partnering with their school board to champion menstrual equity. This investment will help more than 650,000 students stay in school and stay prepared for success.

The Commission applauds this ongoing commitment to student well-being and educational fairness!

08/10/2026

When leaders truly listen, change happens.

As Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak writes in her new OpEd, “For many, this investment may look like a line item in a state budget. But for survivors, it represents something much more powerful: the reassurance that when they reach out for help, someone will be there to answer.”

Her piece is a testament to what’s possible when decision‑makers across different perspectives come together with one shared purpose: supporting survivors and strengthening Pennsylvania’s response to sexual violence.

The Commission is grateful for every leader who chose to hear survivors, understand their experiences, and act with urgency.

Read Ashley’s full perspective here: triblive.com/opinion/ashley-walkowiak-a-survivors-perspective-on-pa-s-r**e-crisis-investment/

08/09/2026

We’re still feeling energized by the incredible gathering of all seven Governor’s Advisory Commissions and the feedback keeps coming in. Attendees are telling us just how meaningful it was to be in a space where connection and collaboration were at the center of the conversation.

There was a real sense of magic in the room: leaders from across Pennsylvania, representing diverse identities and lived experiences, discovering common ground and building relationships that will carry this work forward. That kind of community-building is powerful. It reminds us that progress happens when people show up for one another, listen deeply, and commit to shaping a more just future together.

We’re grateful for everyone who joined us, and we’re excited to keep this momentum going. The work of building community doesn’t end when the event does!

08/06/2026

We're thrilled to celebrate Commissioner Yocasta Lora for being named a 2026 PA Humanities Window Keeper! Recognized among only 30 honorees from 21 Pennsylvania counties, Yocasta was nominated by community members in Montgomery County for her outstanding work in strengthening civic life through the humanities.

✨ As a Window Keeper, Yocasta stands with neighbors, artists, educators, and volunteers who shape stronger communities. These individuals inspire connection, storytelling, cultural understanding, and civic engagement. This recognition highlights her dedication to creating spaces where voices are heard, history is honored, and relationships are built.

08/05/2026

Women’s sports history is about to be made in PA 👀🥍

On Saturday, Aug. 15, the Women's Lacrosse League will crown its first-ever champion at Subaru Park in Philadelphia, placing Pennsylvania at the center of a landmark moment for the world’s best women’s lacrosse players.

With women’s lacrosse set to make its Olympic debut in 2028, Pennsylvania fans have an extraordinary opportunity to see some of the sport’s future Olympians compete right here at home. For Pennsylvanians, get your $10 tickets at the link below 👇

*WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 15
*WHERE: Subaru Park, Philadelphia

🎟️ $10 ticket link for Pennsylvanians: https://bit.ly/3RMfVpI

08/04/2026

Last week in the Capitol rotunda, Pennsylvania Creative Industries joined partners from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) to unveil Many Communities, One Commonwealth - a stunning 6x8 foot student-created collage representing the voices, histories, and identities of more than 180 young artists from across Pennsylvania.

Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak and Commissioner Mary Oliveira were proud to attend and celebrate this powerful display of creativity and community. Following the event, Governor Josh Shapiro met with the students to discuss their artwork and the importance of coming together as we commemorate America250.

The piece, coordinated by PAEA on behalf of PCA, invites viewers to see Pennsylvania through the eyes of its next generation, capturing hometown stories, cultural traditions, and iconic landmarks from across the Commonwealth. Designed by Moravian University student Caroline Melillo, with artist Matt Halm consulting on assembly, the collage will be on display in the Capitol rotunda through July 31.

This project reflects Pennsylvania's ongoing commitment to supporting youth arts education and strengthening the creative workforce.

08/01/2026

History is coming to Pennsylvania! On August 15, the Women's Lacrosse League will crown its first-ever champion at Subaru Park, live on ESPN, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Executive Director Ashley Walkowiak and Commissioners Yocasta Lora and Stephanie Gambone joined WLL players, young athletes, and the community to celebrate this milestone moment for women’s sports. With 20 players and coaches from the Greater Philadelphia region - many destined for the sport’s Olympic debut at LA28 - this championship is truly a hometown triumph.

🎟️ Tickets are just $10 and available here: https://am.ticketmaster.com/pll/26gov10

🏆 Sports enthusiasts, families, and lacrosse fans: come out and join us for an unforgettable championship experience!

Let’s make HERstory together!

07/30/2026

Governor Shapiro has signed two important pieces of legislation into law, each strengthening our ability to protect Pennsylvanians from human trafficking and hold predators fully accountable.

Act 41 of 2026 increases criminal penalties for those who groom, manipulate, and coerce individuals into trafficking‑related exploitation. Its purpose is clear: empower law enforcement with full jurisdiction to comprehensively combat trafficking across the Commonwealth. Under this act, fines from those convicted of patronizing will now support both the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund and the Prevention of Human Trafficking Account, ensuring resources flow directly to protection and prevention efforts.

This law targets the actual perpetrators: the traffickers, the buyers, and the abusers - never the vulnerable individuals who have been exploited.

Act 31 of 2026 strengthens Pennsylvania’s prevention network even further by mandating human trafficking awareness training for hospitality workers, including online lodging platforms and short‑term rental operators. By ensuring frontline workers are trained to spot the signs, we create more opportunities to intervene early and save lives.

Thanks to the bipartisan lawmakers and leaders who listened to victims, advocates, and prosecutors and took action to move these critical improvements forward.

Human trafficking thrives in the shadows. Pennsylvania pushed back.

07/28/2026

The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women - including our four bipartisan legislators appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro – Senator Maria Collett, Senator Rosemary Brown, Rep. Gina H. Curry, PA State Rep. Ann Flood - reflects a strong, shared commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Pennsylvania. Our members come from different backgrounds and political affiliations, but we are united in focusing on solutions that strengthen opportunity, wellbeing, and economic security for women across the Commonwealth.

The Commission gathers input from women statewide and across political lines, connecting directly with rural, suburban, and urban communities. Their lived experiences guide our work on childcare access, maternal health, economic security, safety, and women’s healthcare at every stage of life.

Women’s policy is economic policy. And progress for women requires durable, bipartisan solutions. The Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women proves that when leaders work together, Pennsylvania moves forward.

07/25/2026

A record investment in Pennsylvania’s r**e crisis centers is now law. This week, the Commission on Women joined Governor Shapiro as he signed into law a $12 million increase that will expand counseling, legal support, emergency housing, and crisis services for survivors statewide. This bipartisan achievement shows the power of collaboration and the importance of centering those most impacted.

Services are available to survivors whether or not they choose to report to law enforcement, and crisis centers provide compassionate accompaniment and support during r**e kit evidence collection and court appearances.

Thank you to the survivors whose bravery and testimony drove this effort forward.

Thank you to all those who never stopped advocating and ensured the experiences of survivors across Pennsylvania were heard.

Address

508-E Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA
17120

Telephone

+17173196052

Website

https://linktr.ee/pawomen

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