Women's Commission

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Delaware County Women's Commission Statement

The Commission's purpose is to evaluate the concerns and needs of women and girls residing in Delaware County and making recommendations to the County Council as to how to meet those concerns and needs. The members of the Commission will serve together as the decision making body with respect to actions needed to fulfill its mandate. The Commissioners are responsible for setting policies that guide the operation of its task forces, committees, and coalitions. The Commission will work toward the advancement of Delaware County women and girls.

Public Meeting Notice
October 14th, 2024 - Delaware County Women’s Commission (DCWC) monthly meeting will be virtual via ZOOM. The meeting is on Monday, October 14th, 2024, beginning at 6:00pm. The public is invited to attend. Please contact Savannah Matthews at matthewss@co.delaware.pa.us for information.


2024 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Women’s History Month is a month designated to commemorate and encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978 and the movement spread across the country as other communities initiated their own Women’s History celebrations, which then grew into a month-long celebration and tribute. Each year, a different theme is named for the celebration that is chosen by the National Women's History Alliance. The theme for this year is “Women who advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion” and recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

Women have led the efforts to secure suffrage and equal opportunity for women, and have served in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, labor movements, civil rights movements, and other causes to create a more fair and just society.


2024 Women’s History Month Awards Reception:
Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

In honor of Women’s History Month, and its theme, Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion , the Delaware County Women’s Commission will join Delaware County Council to recognize several Delaware County women who have profoundly influenced women and girls across the county during a Women’s History Celebration on March 23, 2024.

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and information about the event, please visit the Women's History Month 2024 Awards Page.

Sponsorship/Tickets Form PDF


Commission Officers

Kamira A. Evans, MPA Chair Term Expires June 2027

Kamira resides in Chester, PA. She earned her undergraduate degree from Drexel University and completed her Master of Public Administration at Villanova University in 2016. Kamira has worked in higher education for over 15 years, with a focus on creating and providing services and interventions designed to close opportunity gaps for students who are from historically marginalized demographics, challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, and/or are first-generation students. She currently serves as Vice President of Student Engagement and Chief of Staff and Title IX Coordinator.


Tammi L. Forbes, Vice Chair

Term Expires June 2025

Tammi is the first female and first African American elected Magisterial Judge in her district, 32-2-37. Her accomplishments include Roster Chair with the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, and The Summer Academy. Tammi has taught at Penn Wood High School, Lansdowne, PA and Charles Carroll High School, Philadelphia, PA. She is a Peer Coach and a Professional Development Facilitator. Tammi a lifelong resident of Delaware County and she is committed to serving her community and to uplifting women, children, and families.

Arnita DeShields, MSW Treasurer Term Expires June 2025

Arnita is a Community Outreach Specialist and Educator who founded Butterfly Empowerment Services Transform (B.E.S.T.) to support abused women and children. She is the Founder & CEO of Go 2 Prayer Ministries, Radio Station, and Product Line, promoting continuous prayer and helping others. An international spoken word artist and author of “Watch God Move,” Arnita was licensed as a Minister in 2004 and received an Apostolic Ordination in 2017. She holds a BA in Communications from Villanova University, an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Christian Theology. Arnita serves as Director at Large for the National Association of the Commissions for Women and Chaplain for the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has received the Dr. Martin Luther King Freedom Medal and other honors for community service and is a board member for Broken Wings Literacy Center. Arnita is a member of the NAACP, the Urban League, and the National Council of Negro Women. She also serves on the Advisory Board of the Fellowship of Women Clergy and coordinates the Prayer Ministry.

Farida Hasanali, Secretary Term Expires June 2026

Farida’s commitment to equity and belonging are demonstrated through the various nonprofit organizations that she founded or chaired on her own time with no compensation. The Youth Leadership Development Program was co-founded by Farida to empower high school children to gain leadership skills through training and mentoring. The Network of Indian Professionals was focused on supporting undergraduate and graduate students primarily of Indian origin through a focus on professional development, community service, cultural and political awareness. Farida led as the President and held every role on the board for nearly 10 years. Share Our Secrets (SOS) was co-founded by Farida to help adults get ahead in their lives through direct mentoring and coaching from accomplished leaders in society.

Sharon J. Booker Term Expires June 2027

Sharon is a small business owner who is currently serving her third term on Sharon Hill Borough Council, founder, and government liaison of the Sharon Hill Art & Culture Commission, (providing free art and cultural programs, festivals, and workshops to Sharon Hill residents). She has devoted her life to public service, community activism, and advocating for women, art, and culture. As an art activist Sharon utilizes her fused artform of poetry, dance, and song to bring awareness to women’s issues and has performed throughout the United States and internationally, as well as, with two women’s collectives, has been featured in both an award-winning documentary film, and short film about the Suffragettes sponsored by the Pennsylvania Commission for Women’s 2021 celebration of Women’s History Month. She authored two books of poetry, and her prose has been published in numerous anthologies, newspapers, magazines, and journals. She resides in Sharon Hill with her husband Assarif and two cats Maximillian and Stinkerbelle.

Mary Peraria-Heinrich, J.D. Term Expires June 2026

Mary resides in Garnet Valley, PA with her husband of twenty-one years and their two teenage boys. She earned her undergraduate degree from Temple University and completed her Juris Doctorate with a Certificate in International Legal Studies from Loyola University School of Law. Mary is a Pennsylvania barred attorney who has been practicing law for over twenty years. She has volunteered over the years in various capacities with the Garnet Valley School District and she also volunteered for Aldea – The People's Justice Center. In her free time, Mary enjoys alpine skiing with the Weekday Skiers local ski group as well as yoga and reading. Mary is delighted to have been chosen to serve on the Woman’s Commission and is looking forward to advocating for the women and girls of Delaware County, Pennsylvania.


Elleanor Jean Hendley

Term Expires June 2026

Elleanor Jean Hendley is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and pioneer among Philadelphia’s African American women in television news. During her career at CBS 3, Ms. Hendley was the only woman of color to produce and host a weekend primetime magazine show, City Lights, and was the Eyewitness News Education Reporter. While working full-time, Ms. Hendley used her platform to help empower girls of color by creating Teenshop, Inc. (1985), a nonprofit weekend volunteer-based life skills and college prep program with chapters in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California, and 100% college acceptance. Ms. Hendley also created Elleanor Jean Hendley LLC, an education consulting company whose programs include Girls Achieve, an in-school empowerment series for middle school girls. Her memberships and recognition include: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, The Links, Charter Member PA Coalition of 100 Black Women, Commissioner on the Delaware County Women’s Commission; Philadelphia Business Journal Woman of Distinction, Take the Lead Award Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, and Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Dominion Theological Seminary. She’s a graduate of Ohio’s Central State University, attended the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and is a jazz piano student, seamstress, crafter, and world traveler.


Dr. Theresa Napson-Williams

Term Expires June 2025

Theresa is a resident of Media. She is a professor of history at Montgomery County Community College. Theresa teaches American History, African American, and women’s history as well as courses on race and immigration. She also works on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. Theresa lectures to community groups on topics related to racial violence, gendered violence, the civil rights movement, the role of women in African American history, and current events. She has been a school board director for the Rose Tree Media School District since 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree from American University. She then went on to receive her Ph.D. in history from Rutgers University. Theresa is the proud mother of 2 sons.


Yumeno Young

Term Expires June 2026

Yumeno is a young but seasoned political professional with a dynamic career in government administration and advocacy roles. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Yumeno holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences from THE Ohio State University. In 2022, Yumeno relocated to Delaware County, Pennsylvania, where she currently serves as the District Office Director for PA State Representative Vitali. In addition to managing office operations and communications, Yumeno helped with the establishment of and contributed to the ongoing Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus. Her dedication to community engagement extends beyond the office, holding leadership roles such as Advocacy Chair for the Urban League of Philadelphia Young Professionals in 2023, where she helped earn regional recognition for their advocacy work, and also completed the National Urban League Congressional Advocacy Program. Yumeno has continued her work with the Urban League of Philadelphia as a contracted manager for their 2024 Get Out The Vote campaign. In addition to her many roles, Yumeno also provides strategic planning and graphic design support to various candidates and causes across the region. Driven by a passion for equity and justice, Yumeno works to advocate for inclusive policies and civic engagement at every level.


Deborah Mantegna, RN, MSN

Term Expires June 2026

Deborah has lived in Delaware County for most of her life. She currently works as the System Director, Community Health, and Outreach for Main Line Health. She has worked for Main Line Health/ Riddle Hospital for over 33 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Neumann University and a master’s degree in nursing from Wilmington University. She was selected as a finalist for Nurse.com Nursing Excellence GEM award (2015), the Pennsylvania Nightingale Award (2014) and was featured as a Top Nurse in Main Line Today in both 2021 and 2022. Deborah also served as a nurse in the United States Army Reserve, she retired as a Major after serving for 20 years. Deborah is an long time community volunteer, serving as a Girl Scout leader for many years, volunteering for the 4-H and serving on the Foundation Board for the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. She is an active volunteer for her church. She is very excited to serve on the Woman’s Commission and advocate for women of all ages from Delaware County. Deborah resides in Middletown Township with her husband of 39 years, Ven. They have four amazing daughters, two awesome sons-in-law and one adorable grandson.



Contact Us

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         Media, PA 19063
  •   8:30AM - 4:30PM
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  •   610-891-4000
  • webmaster@co.delaware.pa.us

About Delaware County

Delaware County, presently consisting of over 184 square miles divided into forty-nine municipalities is the oldest settled section of Pennsylvania.


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