Women2Women - Women in Politics: Their Why & How to Make Change - Sep 12, 2024

Women2Women - Women in Politics: Their Why & How to Make Change
In partnership with GRCA's Advocacy

Join us for an inspiring and empowering Women2Women & Advocacy event focused on the impactful role of women in politics. Women in Politics: Their Why & How to Make Change will explore the personal journeys, motivations, and strategies of women who have stepped into the political arena to drive meaningful change.

This event will feature a dynamic panel of female leaders who have successfully navigated the challenges of political life and are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Our speakers will share their unique perspectives on what motivated them to pursue public service, the obstacles they overcame, and the ways they are shaping policy to create a better future.

In addition to the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to obtain voting information, register to vote, and understand the importance of civic engagement. We will provide resources and guidance on how to make informed voting decisions and encourage active participation in the electoral process.

Whether you are considering a career in politics, looking to become more involved in advocacy, or simply interested in learning from those who are making a difference, this event will provide valuable insights, practical advice, and a supportive environment to explore the power of women in politics.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the personal motivations behind women entering politics
Strategies for overcoming barriers in the political landscape
Insights into how women can drive policy changes at local, state, and national levels
Information on obtaining voting resources and the importance of voter registration
Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals passionate about advocacy and leadership

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a conversation that highlights the importance of female leadership in politics and empowers you to take action in your community.

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Sheri Collins is a strategic business advisor with the McNees Strategic Solutions Group, a diverse team of professionals who are laser-focused on delivering results for their clients.
MSSG’s lobbyists, government relations specialists, grassroots professionals and non-profit experts have the experience and relationships necessary to deliver results for public sector, private sector, and non-profit clients alike. Together, we understand the inner workings of each level of government and have the unique and direct perspective of how the various levels and branches of government work together.
Sheri’s years of experience in state government allows her to support her clients as they seek to identify new and strategic opportunities to advance their work.
What does Sheri do for Clients?
Sheri leverages more than three decades of leadership experience in state government, including nearly 20 years in economic development roles. Prior to joining McNees, Sheri served the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in a range of roles, most recently as the Senior Director for the Office of Corporate Relations at the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). Her experience in state government gives her a unique advantage and allows her to support her clients by providing sound, strategic guidance and advice as they seek to identify new opportunities.
Sheri began her state career in 1986 with the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System, where she spent 18 years in various roles, including as Special Assistant to the Chief Counsel. In her role, Sheri served as the agency’s liaison with the Governor’s Office of General Counsel and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Working side by side with the agency’s in-house counsel, Sheri developed a love of the law and was often found at the negotiating table with in-house counsel and the agency’s investment professionals. In 2004, Sheri transitioned to DCED and embarked on what would become a nearly two-decade economic development journey.
Appointed by Governor Wolf in 2015 to serve as the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Technology & Innovation, Sheri was responsible for deploying $150M+ to various programs and strategic partners. Sheri was instrumental in the development of several new programs including Innovate in PA, a new and innovative program designed to fund Pennsylvania’s tech-based economic development partners including the award-winning Ben Franklin Technology Partners. Sheri worked closely with Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities, providing strategic input as they sought to secure funding for new and innovative initiatives. In her capacity as Deputy Secretary, Sheri sat on various boards including the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center and the Pennsylvania Life Sciences Greenhouses. She was often found participating on panels or leading round table discussions at conferences, bringing greater awareness to Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Much of her career has focused on supporting early stage technology companies succeed in Pennsylvania, encouraging investments across the commonwealth – from administering the Keystone Innovation Zone program to leading the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority and eventually her deputy secretary position, where she helped launch several high-profile programs to boost business and economic investment in Pennsylvania communities.
Sheri has been a leader in Pennsylvania’s efforts to help rural communities by investing in increased access to high-speed Internet service and was instrumental in the signing of new legislation that established the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority in 2021. She served as Pennsylvania’s State Alternate to the Appalachian Regional Commission, an economic development partnership between the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on rural communities across the Appalachian region. In her capacity as State Alternate, Sheri was instrumental in the Commission’s fight against efforts to reduce funding and eliminate the Commission. She delivered compelling testimony to Congress on the importance of funding and the role that the Commission plays in advancing opportunities in Appalachia and supporting those individuals and communities have been left behind.
How does Sheri spend her free time?
A life-long resident of Central Pennsylvania, Sheri lives in Lower Paxton Township with her husband, Kevin, and two of their four children. Actively engaged in her community, she serves on various boards, can be found supporting multiple charitable organizations and has coached her children’s athletic teams. While she hung up her soccer cleats a few years ago, Sheri now likes to stay active by lifting weights, walking and has a new found appreciation for the benefits of daily meditation.
Sheri recently sat for her Pennsylvania Real Estate License and looks forward to helping individuals as they make one of the most important decisions of their lives.

Patricia Ewing
Patricia is a native of Media, PA and achieved her Bachelors on Political Science and International Relations from the University of Delaware. She moved to New York City for a career in finance, but jumped back to politics soon after, first serving as the Political Director for the New York State Democratic Committee and as Deputy Chief of Staff for former US Senator from Pennsylvania Harris Wofford.
She departed the Senate to open her own campaign consulting firm. Throughout her career, she has had the opportunity to work on numerous political campaigns to help with advertising and grassroots efforts including Political Director for NY Governor Mario Cuomo, Field Director for the Governor of Delaware, Manager of campaign in opposition to an anti-affirmative action ballot initiative in California, and many others.
In 1997, she accepted an opportunity to serve in the White House as the Deputy Chief of Staff to Vice President Al Gore, followed by serving as the Senior Advisor to Joe Andrew, Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
Patricia is now a partner in Ewing Energy LLC and Big Picture Strategy. Ewing Energy is a decarbonization consultancy that works in the transportation and infrastructure field to bring projects that supports a sustainable planet to fruition from concept to completion Our considerable expertise in green energy, finance, infrastructure, and transportation spans decades in both public and private sectors. Big Picture Strategy is a policy and organizational management firm that specializes in government and business consulting.

MEGAN MARTIN, VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL
PA CHAMBER OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
BIOGRAPHY
Megan Martin, Esq. is a seasoned executive, legal, and public policy professional who has dedicated her three-decade career to improving the lives of the people of Pennsylvania. She is the first-ever Vice President and General Counsel of the PA Chamber, where she is a member of the Chamber’s Executive team, oversees the PA Chamber’s legal operations, and serves on the Government Affairs team, supporting the PA Chamber’s mission to improve Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness. Megan also serves on the Leadership Committee of the PA Chamber Foundation’s With Malice Towards None Leadership Development and Civility Program.

Megan’s distinguished legal career includes serving in all three branches of state government, as well as a notable tenure as an attorney for the United States (U.S.) Navy. Megan’s expertise spans administrative law, government contracts, constitutional matters, and a wide range of legal issues. With a unique background that includes serving as the first female Secretary-Parliamentarian of the Pennsylvania Senate, Megan brings a deep and one-of-a-kind understanding of the legislative process, a proven track record of innovation, success and fiscal responsibility in leading her 80-person operation at the Senate for more than a decade, and a reputation for fair and impartial conduct. Megan was unanimously elected as Parliamentarian by the Senate five times, which is a true testament to the fair and impartial way that she conducted herself. In addition to her experience with the U.S. Navy and Pennsylvania Senate, Megan served in critical roles in several Gubernatorial administrations where she developed her expertise in the legal, policy and operational issues facing Pennsylvania state government.

Megan’s national recognition includes receiving the National Conference of State Legislatures’ 2021 Legislative Staff Achievement Award and the 2022 Excellence in Public Service Award from Widener Law Commonwealth. She is also the recipient of numerous merit-based awards for her legal work with the Navy.