Latrobe BPW is off to a big start for 2019-2020.  We are women helping women, and I am looking forward to all the philanthropy, scholarship, mentoring, and networking this year.  This year we welcome our own Latrobe BPW member Dawn Berkebile as our State BPW/PA President.  Dawn’s State BPW/PA theme is “Reach Beyond The STARS” (Stronger, Together, Advocating, Resources, Survivors).  Our State Project this year is also the PCADV (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence).  Several of our fundraisers this year will center around aiding The Blackburn Center to support this project. 

At the BPW local level, I have chosen the theme “#becauseofBPW”.  That’s right- a hashtag. There are so many great and wonderful things that come from being a BPW member, why not start a social media movement to showcase it all?!  All while bringing attention to BPW as a whole.  Latrobe is the largest chapter in the state of PA; we need to help with the movement of BPW as an organization across the state. You never know— maybe someone in Pittsburgh will see our hashtag and come across our Greater Pittsburgh Chapter, and more importantly we can draw to the spotlight the fantastic things that happen #becauseofBPW.  Examples of our fantastic work:
“I learned a new marketing skill to help my business!" #becauseofBPW
“I gained a best friend”#becauseofBPW
“I volunteered to dress children warmly for winter”#becauseofBPW
“We awarded $3k in scholarships!”#becauseofBPW
“I mentored a youth and taught them the importance of a budget” #becauseofBPW

I originally joined BPW to network with other women to start building connections for my career, but what I got in return was much more.  I have made life long best friends who I regularly see outside of “BPW”.  I have gotten to honor students with scholarships and meet amazing community leaders.  I am employed full time, and adjunct a chemistry course at a local college.  Throw in that I am also the mom of 2 young boys, and it is often hard to find time…for anything! Whenever we get busy in life, we tend to push our female friendships to the backburner.  Instead, try to make time for them.  A BPW meeting is a great way to start. Did you know that spending time with friends actually helps reduce stress? Why not make time and treat yourself to a dinner with your BPW friends once a month.  I can guarantee that the positivity of our group will uplift you. 

Lots of excitement is on the Latrobe BPW horizon for 2019-2020 and I can’t wait to begin this second and final year as President with my sisters.  #becauseofbpw


Cheers!
Nicole

MEET YOUR 2019-2020 BOARD MEMBERS HERE

Past Presidents

​ 2019-2020 OFFICERS


PRESIDENT
NICOLE PURNELL

Vice-President
Deb Bowman

Treasurer
Marsha St. Pierre

Recording Secretary
Shelley Cottrill

Corresponding Secretary
Nikki Cecchini

Parliamentarian
Theresa Rusbosin

Latrobe BPW President

Nicole Purnell

  • 1967-1969 - Rita R. Immel
  • 1969-1970 - Helen A. Bitz
  • 1970-1971 - Joann T. Davis
  • 1971-1972 - Georgia M. Pavlik
  • 1972-1973 - Bessie E. Bell
  • 1973-1975 - Betsy M. Tillman
  • 1975-1977 - Jacquelyn Cavanaugh
  • 1977-1979 - Regina A. Macey
  • 1979-1981 - Geraldine McCartney
  • 1981-1983 - Elizabeth A. Roble
  • 1983-1985 - Cathy C. Kasper
  • 1985-1987 - Berry Jo DeGlau
  • 1987-1989 - Ann L. Lucchino
  • 1989-1990 - Pamela S. Walter
  • 1990-1991 - Ann L. Lucchino
  • 1991-1993 - Theresa M. Revicky
  • 1993-1996 - Kathy S. Claycomb
  • 1996-1998 - Sandra L. Neiderhiser
  • 1998-2000 - Joyce Weiers
  • 2000-2002 - Patricia C. Frederick
  • 2002-2003 - Lisa R. Frederick
  • 2003-2004 - Jeanne E. VanHouten
  • 2004-2005 - Mary Ann Urban
  • 2005-2007 - Theresa S. Rusbosin
  • 2007-2009 - Jan Merriman
  • 2009-2010 - Kara Gaia
  • 2010-2012 - Michelle Teague
  • 2012-2014 - Jackie Elliott
  • 2014-2016 - Jean Calabrace
  • 2016-2018 - Angela Apple
  • 2018-2020 - Nicole Purnell

A message from our president

  • 1929-1930 - Bessie M. Mitchell
  • 1930-1932 - Margaret G. Smith
  • 1932-1933 - Mary T. Denman
  • 1933-1934 - Florence B. Moritz
  • 1934-1935 - Ann M. Kasack
  • 1935-1936 - Edna Patterson Henry
  • 1936-1937 - Mary M. Himler
  • 1937-1939 - Mary K. Harris
  • 1939-1940 - Margaret B. Smith
  • 1940-1941 - Rose E. Berkmyre
  • 1941-1942 - Margaret Hudson
  • 1942-1943 - Ruth Young
  • 1943-1944 - Adeline E. Reeping
  • 1944-1946 - Ruth I Himler
  • 1946-1948 - M. Mabel Hugus
  • 1948-1949 - Irene Kruzynski
  • 1949-1950 - Virginia Deniels
  • 1950-1951 - Marie Drum Barkley
  • 1951-1952 - Agnes Kitz
  • 1952-1953 - Everyn B. Bitner
  • 1953-1955 - Betty Schmitt Vener
  • 1955-1956 - Helen Otto Okonak
  • 1956-1957 - Florence J. Gill
  • 1957-1958 - Virginia S. Griffin
  • 1958-1959 - Mary S. Couchenour
  • 1959-1960 - Philmena Rich
  • 1960-1961 - Virginia L. Fowler
  • 1961-1963 - Gladys C. Gilbert
  • 1963-1965 - Patricia S. Horne
  • 1965-1967 - F. Elizabeth McAteer

Executive Committee (L-R): Theresa Rusbosin, Nikki Cecchini, Deb Bowman, Nicole Purnell, Marsha St. Pierre, and Shelley Cottrill

~ Our Mission & Vision ~

To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information.