The YWCA Northcentral Pennsylvania has always been in the forefront of social activism that makes for a better community, and as a result of that they become aware of and benefit from the efforts of various women who are dedicated to bettering their community. It is with that in mind that they will recognize eight area women who exemplify that with the presentation of “Women of Excellence Awards” to be presented at the Williamsport Country Club at 6 p.m. Thursday, November 8.

Their peers have nominated each of the following women and recognized for their selflessness and impact on our community. Past Wise Women honorees selected the Wise Woman of the Year and selected from the entire complement of nominations received this year.
Judith Krezmer, Wise Woman of the Year

For decades Judith Krezmer has dedicated her time to improving the lives of Lycoming County residents through her career and volunteer work. As the Administrative Director of Medical and Surgical Services at UPMC Susquehanna, she oversees 12 specialty departments to ensure they are organized and functioning at its highest capacity to care for patients. In the community, she has served on dozens of boards such as the Lycoming County United Way, the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and the American Cancer Society. Nominated by Larson Design Group.
Dawn Astin

Dawn Astin has devoted her life to compassionately serve others and show love to those experiencing hunger and homelessness as the business administrator at the American Rescue Workers. With a caring heart and a positive attitude, she aims to help those experiencing hardship. She is also the past president of the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport and received Kiwanian of the Year in 2017. Nominated by the Kiwanis Club of Williamsport.
Susan Best

Alongside her husband John, Susan Best started the Williamsport District Volunteers in Mission ministry to assist people who have been affected by natural disasters, poverty or life circumstances beyond their control. Together they have led 27 mission trips across the nation, Haiti and the Bahamas. She is an active member at First United Methodist Church in Williamsport where she serves a weekly free, community dinner for around 200 people. Nominated by a friend, Shirley Durrwachter.
Laurie W. Burkholder

Laurie W. Burkholder has displayed ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and passion by running her own business, L.W. Beads, for almost 30 years creating custom gemstone and pearl jewelry. She has been a co-chairwoman of the Author Gala Committee at the James V. Brown Library for ten years. She is also the past president and current member of the Board of Managers at the Williamsport Home. Nominated by the Author Gala Committee at the James V. Brown Library.
Stephanie Calder

Stephanie Calder is passionate about helping her clients find their dream home at Fish Real Estate. She has been a co-chairwoman of the Author Gala Committee at the James V. Brown Library for ten years. She and her three children created the Joseph R. Calder MD Scholarship Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania in honor of her late husband. Nominated by the Author Gala Committee at the James V. Brown Library.
Marianne DePasqua

Marianne DePasqua has worked at the Pennsylvania College of Technology for 25 years where she is Workforce Development and Continuing Education Client Development Specialist. One of her passions is helping local people who are food insecure through the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. She started her own team of volunteers called the Fabulous Food Packers who fill nearly 1,000 boxes of food once a month for veterans and their families. Nominated by the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Debra Griffin

As a Liberty House case manager at the YWCA, Debra Griffin works with clients experiencing homelessness and battling addiction to become self-sufficient. She loves helping them reach their goals and see them completely turn their lives around. On weekends she helps lead Girls First, a young woman’s empowerment group, where they have discussions about girlhood and do a wide variety of activities. Nominated by Baker Tilly Virchow Krause.
Karen L. Zinobile

For 35 years Karen L. Zinobile has spent her career caring for patients in crisis through emergency services. As the Administrative Director of Emergency and Trauma Services at UPMC Susquehanna, she oversees the emergency rooms at hospitals in Williamsport, Muncy, Lock Haven, Wellsboro, and Sunbury. She was instrumental in the opening of an urgent care center in McElhattan and dental clinic for uninsured people in Williamsport.