Date: Tuesday, February 18th

8:00 AM – 11:45 AM

At the DoubleTree by Hilton Lancaster

FREE 

Snow day: Tuesday, February 25th.

What is the Changemakers Conference?

Uniting Our Business Community for Good

The Changemakers Conference have shown that our network of leaders are not only generous but deeply curious, eager to understand the needs of our neighborhoods and communities. We are committed to discovering how our businesses can drive meaningful change. 

At the 2025 Changemakers Conference, you’ll have the chance to collaborate, share ideas, and deepen your understanding of strategies to make your business more community-focused. 

Embrace Corporate Social Responsibility

Embracing corporate responsibility not only strengthens work culture but also sets your business apart from competitors, boosting employee and client loyalty while increasing community involvement and recognition.

By understanding the vital work of local non-profits and involving your business and employees in community efforts, you foster positive change and create a more fulfilling workplace. 

 

Discover How You Can Make a Difference in 2025

In breakout sessions, you’ll hear from experts and panelists on topics such as Homelessness, Special Needs Support, Youth Education, and Women’s Empowerment. 

Alongside roundtable discussions and networking opportunities, you’ll leave with actionable insights on how you and your team can become more engaged in your community, creating a positive impact for everyone.

The heart of leadership is connection, and connection is about empathy, curiosity, and emotional courage. – Brené Brown

Schedule

8:00 AM – Registration, Food & Coffee

8:30 AM – Welcome

9:00 AM – Breakout Session #1

9:45 AM – Break

10:00 AM – Breakout Session #2

10:45 AM – Break

11:00 AM – Debrief & Discussion

11:35 AM – Final Remarks

Breakout Sessions

Attendees can choose two breakout sessions to attend. 

Homelessness

From Crisis to Community 

Speakers: 

Jack Crowley, President, Water Street Mission

Shelby Nauman, CEO, Tenfold 

Paige McFarling, Executive Director, Lancaster County Food Hub 

Hannah Miller, BSW, Chief Program & Impact Officer, Good Samaritan Services

Moderator: Bob Kramer, SVP of Advancement, Water Street Mission

Special Needs Support

Programs That Make a Difference 

Speakers: 

Danielle Sunday, Director of Fund Development, Schreiber Pediatric 

Risa Paskoff, Executive Director, Aaron’s Acres

Gary McMullen, CEO, Lighthouse Vocational Services

Stephanie Fleck, Program Director, Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center

Moderator: Kristy Gismot, VP of Resource Development, United Way of Lancaster County

Women's Empowerment

Breaking Barriers & Building Futures 

Speakers: 

Jennifer West, Executive Director, Girl’s On the Run

Amy Thurston, CEO, Hope Inspire Love

Isabel Castillo, Director, YWCA Lancaster

Christina Duncan, Executive Director, Milagro House

Moderator: Sandy Gambone, Senior Business Ambassador, Water Street Mission

Youth Education

Equipping the Next Generation for Success 

Speakers: 

Marisol Santos, Director of Student & Family Engagement, The Mix 

Mark Simms, CEO, La Academia Partnership Charter School 

Isaiah Perry, Program Director, Brightside Opportunities Corporation 

Emily Abbruzzese, Director, Attollo Prep 
 

Moderator: Rachel Odrosky, Executive Assistant, Lancaster Recreation Commission

Pauline Wilton
Building Industry Association of Lancaster County, Director of Member Services

Pauline Wilton has been with the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Lancaster County for 16 years and has served in her current capacity as Director of Member Services since 2010. Pauline is responsible for developing programming strategies and collaborating on initiatives that fulfill the BIA mission.  She works in partnership with BIA associates in ways that benefit and promote their companies.

Pauline spearheads the BIA Building Futures: Construction Career Day event to help connect member companies with local students interested in the residential construction trades in an effort to secure the industry’s future workforce. 

Karen Watkins
Building Industry Association of Lancaster County, Executive Officer 

Karen Watkins has been with the Building Industry Association (BIA) for 17 years and has served as Executive Officer since 2012, overseeing operations and the strategic direction of the association.

She appreciates the challenges of running a non-profit trade organization and its charitable foundation, and particularly values collaborating with BIA members for industry and workforce advancement. 

Bruce Newell

President and CEO of MANTEC

Bruce has been involved in manufacturing since leaving Deloitte & Touche in 1994.  Most recently, he has been serving as co-owner and operator of American Manufacturing & Integration LLC, a business he co-founded in 2007.

Throughout his career, Mr. Newell has been an advocate of manufacturing and education and their importance to the Pennsylvania economy.  He frequently presents to schools, K-12, about the opportunities and careers available in manufacturing and STEM.

Anna Ramos
Lancaster County Workforce Executive Director

Anna Ramos has been with the Lancaster County Workforce Development Board for 4 years and is currently the Executive Director.


She’s served as the Business Initiatives Director with the Lancaster Chamber and has over 20+ years of workforce development experience between her current role and her role as Site Administrator for PA CareerLink as well as her work at the Lancaster Chamber.


Anna is involved with several local workforce committees within the county and plays a lead role in the Career Ready Lancaster! initiative and serves as a Board Trustee for Community Action Partnership.

Register Now

Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!

Special thanks to our provider of great tasting water!

Sandy Gambone_V1

Questions?

Contact Sandy Gambone, Senior Business Ambassador of Water Street Mission at sgambone@wsm.org.