On Saturday, March 22, 2025, over 130 people attended the fifth annual Women Who Lead Forum on Arcadia University’s Glenside campus. The day was an uplifting experience for all, anchored by exceptional examples of leadership. The WWLF Class of 2025 honorees are Dr. Ellen Schecter ’66, ’14H, Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ’72, ’01H, Joann B. Sweasy, PhD ’80, LaVada English ’02, and Phyllis Brody Taylor ’63. These women epitomize leadership and Arcadia is proud to have them serve as role models for our students.

Brigette A. Bryant, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, greeted attendees and thanked them for choosing to spend their Saturday with the University community. Maria Bernardo ’25, the first-ever student host, introduced the Honoree Showcase Panel, where each woman reflected on their academic experience and what they perceived as still important for them today. Honoree, Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ’72, ’01H, WWL ’25 shared, “When I left Beaver College, I didn’t know that there was something that I couldn’t do.”

Three of the honorees were interviewed by members of the Arcadia community and provided a deeper sense of what made our honorees the perfect choice. Dr. Ellen Schecter ’66, ’14H, WWL ’25 was interviewed by Jennifer Weller-Lynady, director of Literacy Programs and the Arcadia Community Learning Center; Jacquelyn H. Barrett-Washington ’72, ’01H, WWL ’25, interviewed by Ruth Evans, director of the Department of Public Safety; and Joann B. Sweasy, PhD ’80, WWL ’25, was interviewed by Dr. Sheryl T. Smith, professor, Department of Biology, and Dr. Maria Theodoraki, associate professor, Department of Biology. Women Who Lead Forum attendees then enjoyed an interactive Ted Talk about leadership led by LaVada V. English ’02, WWL ’25.

“Being at the Women Who Lead Forum reinvigorates that sense of drive…that spirit to keep you pushing forward against the challenges and roadblocks that come before you,” said attendee Claire Weisner ’20, who celebrated her fifth reunion from Arcadia this April. “I always think it’s wonderful to be in a room of mostly women that are here to support and uplift you,” she continued.

Phyllis Brody Taylor ’63, WWL ’25 presented an inspirational luncheon speech about her work in activism and social justice during her time at Beaver College and throughout her life. She recalled taking a class as part of her Sociology major that required her to write a philosophy of life which, she says, really influenced her life’s purpose in social equity and civil rights. Her speech paid testament to the foundation of this institution. During the Awards Ceremony, honorees were presented with their awards by previous Women Who Lead Honorees: Patricia Saint Cyr-Hager ’91, WWL ’21, now a University Trustee; Maya B. Johnson ’97, WWL ’23, current Co-Chair of Jones Poundstone Society and former President of the Alumni Association (2020-2023); and Iris Barbee Bonner ’07, WWL ’24, welcomed this year’s honorees into the sisterhood and the Women Who Lead Class of 2025.

To view the highlights from the 5th annual Women Who Lead Forum, click HERE.

Save the date for next year’s Women Who Lead Forum: Saturday, March 21, 2026.