Celebrating those who lift others in our community

Women of Distinction is Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania’s annual signature celebration honoring women who lead with courage, compassion, and impact. Each year, this event brings together community leaders, supporters, and advocates to recognize women whose lives and work inspire the next generation of girls to dream big and lead boldly.

Join us on April 21 at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center as we recognize five women, all in support of building girls of courage, confidence, and character.

2026 Women of Distinction Honorees

Dr. Roxanna Gapstur

President & CEO of WellSpan Health

STEM Pillar

Biography

Dr. Roxanna Gapstur, President and CEO of WellSpan Health, is a nationally recognized leader transforming how healthcare, technology, and community wellbeing intersect. With more than 25 years of executive experience, she champions innovation, safety, and human-centered care across a 23,000-member system. As our STEM Pillar honoree, Roxanna exemplifies visionary leadership that drives progress, elevates clinical excellence, and inspires future generations of women in science and healthcare.

Dr. Jamila Bookwala

Provost, Gettysburg College

Life Skills Pillar

Biography

Representing the Life Skills pillar, Dr. Jamila Bookwala brings a powerful record of helping students grow into confident, capable leaders. Now Provost of Gettysburg College, she earned high praise for her visionary leadership at Lafayette College, including two Daniel H. Weiss Awards. Her commitment to inclusive teaching, faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning embodies the essential skills Girl Scouts champion in every girl.

Chelsea Christmas

Founder, At Her Core Fitness

Entrepreneurship Pillar

Biography

A visionary entrepreneur and community builder, Chelsea Christmas founded At Her Core Fitness in Lancaster to create inclusive, empowering spaces for women to grow in confidence and wellness. At ASSETS Lancaster, she championed programs that support BIPOC and women entrepreneurs. Chelsea’s work amplifies belonging, dismantles systemic barriers, and inspires others to lead boldly, making her a powerful representation of the Entrepreneurship Pillar.

Marci Mowery

President, Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation

Outdoors Pillar

Biography

Marci Mowery represents our Outdoors Pillar as a lifelong advocate for connecting people with nature. A former educator turned conservation leader, she has guided the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation for nearly two decades as its President. Marci’s passion for accessibility, environmental stewardship, and community engagement has strengthened public lands across the Commonwealth. She is an avid hiker, paddler, and traveler who believes nature should inspire and belong to everyone.

Nancy Besch

Board President of Hemlock Council, County Commissioner and Civic Leader

Generational Award

Biography

A trailblazer in public service, Nancy Adams Besch served as a Girl Scout council president, county commissioner, and leader across countless civic boards. Her enduring belief in girls’ potential and her decades of volunteerism shaped stronger schools, communities, and opportunities for women. Her legacy of courage, compassion, and service lives on through the many lives she touched. We proudly honor Nancy with the Generational Award.

Council Finder

Women Of Distinction

Celebrating those who lift others in our community

2026 Women of Distinction Honorees

2026 Women of Distinction Sponsors

Look back on the highlights of our 2025 celebration!