After many years as a teacher and then a childcare director, Jennifer Madigan, Executive Director for the Kinzua Area Discovery Center is now bringing that knowledge into the creation of the center, fulfilling a dream saying that the people and the visitors of Warren County deserve nice things and she is going big. Here is what she has to share about the challenges and rewards that leadership roles bring for women of today. “Warren County is blessed with its many women leaders. It is hard because some folks in the region are still of the mindset that women don’t belong in these leadership positions. I am grateful for the leading women before me, and I hope to be an inspirational and aspirational leader to those now and after me. Leadership is something that I observed in the men and women before me – the good, the bad, the ugly. All of it/them taught me things about what/who I want to be vs. what/who I don’t want to be. Being a leader, regardless of gender, comes with obstacles. I view those obstacles as a piece of the foundation to take the next step and overcome. I am honored (and sometimes in awe of it) to be a part of the next round of passionate leading women in Warren County.”

Today, there are more than 100 businesses owned by women, and an abundance of service organizations led by women within the county. Collaboration across businesses and organizations keep taking place. For instance, Kinzua Area Discovery Center has already partnered with Bean Bank Enterprises in Youngsville and Chloe’s Creamery in downtown Warren, both women owned businesses.

Krista Jee Baxter, salon owner, shared that she enjoys seeing the growth of Warren with all the women entrepreneurs. One of the best things as a working mom, she said, is the convenience of the area and its opportunities for extra things that families engage in while still growing a business. “Women are seeing other women grow and it is very heartwarming and comforting, knowing that women are empowering each other,” shared Baxter.

Redefining success, Erin Renninger dared to walk away from a thriving career in Warren by trading it in for listening to her heart’s desire — what lit her soul on fire — to empower women. She shared that it stopped being about achievement or proving anything and became about alignment, freedom, and creating a life that genuinely feels good to live. “When we started living on our own terms, everything expanded.” As an authentic success coach, Renninger built the Unapologetic Foundation Coaching Program. Inspiring and empowering women through seminars, podcasts and retreats, Renninger offers support, clarity and connection. “Women have been told to chase someone else’s version of success,” said Renninger, “and forget what our own even looks like.”

Erin Renninger found her spark for success when she stopped being a people pleaser, stopped living up to everyone else’s expectations. Giving herself permission to let that go, she made decisions based on what she felt was true for her instead of what would be accepted or approved by others. “We don’t need to be more–we need to be more ourselves. That’s where our true power is.”

Savannah Casey, Director of Operations at Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry shared, “But this isn’t just a gender issue; I believe it’s a generational one too. As a young professional, I see my peers facing these same hurdles. Here in Warren County, as well as regionally and nationally, we are looking at a significantly aging population. We cannot afford to alienate our younger demographic. Right now, nearly a third of women in leadership report burnout because we are trying to force innovators into outdated corporate structures. The justification that ‘that’s the way it’s always been’ is actively holding us back. If we want young leaders to stay and thrive here, organizations must abandon antiquated models and start providing immediate training, clear expectations, work-life flexibility, and realistic compensation.”

One of the most critical, yet under-discussed challenges lies in equitable access to early-career training and continuing executive education. While women are obtaining degrees at unprecedented rates, a distinct gap emerges in the professional setting. Women are frequently excluded from the networks where high-stakes leadership training and critical knowledge-sharing actually occur. Acknowledging these challenges is not about soliciting sympathy; it is about demanding accountability.”

While Women’s History Month takes place in March, reflecting on the contributions of women across history is important year round. The inspiring women both past and present whose leadership, volunteer work, and community advocacy are driving positive change across the region. The history of the women who contributed to the success of the area is fascinating. Women like Laura Tanner Scofield, a writer and advocate for progression and social awareness; Cynthia Catlin Miller, an activist in the abolitionist movement and Elnora Babcock, a New York Times published author on women suffrage, just to name a few.

Looking back to a time when most women were not allowed to vote, Anna Bissell had become a widowed mother to five children at the age of 39; however, she became America’s first female CEO. She didn’t just survive, Bissell thrived. Her leadership expanded the business far beyond expectations but what truly set her apart was her compassion. Leadership meant more than profits – it meant people. Proving that strength and empathy are allies, she left a legacy that swept through history.

What makes leadership rewarding?

Jennifer Madigan has been busy setting the foundations for the Kinzua Area Discovery Center, creating partnerships around the county which will extend into the heart of the center. “This has always been about community, and it will continue to be,” said Madigan.

Even though there are still hurdles, women in leadership today can agree that the reward doesn’t come by way of a title, an award or even by the almighty dollar. Redefining what leadership looks like comes by way of collaboration, building relationships and just being authentic, genuine, and well, real.

A study published in the Harvard Business Review confirms that the presence of women in leadership roles is not just about representation; it is about creating environments where every voice brings new insights and contributes to collective growth. In addition, women are not afraid to say, “I don’t know,” because that honesty opens the door to better collaboration, less competition, and smarter leadership. When women are in the room, decisions are more thoughtful, oversight is stronger, and accountability rises. This holds true across the board. Companies see greater success, peace negotiations hold firm, and governments are more stable and less likely to resort to force. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg said: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

Good and honest leaders take the time to truly listen to people, to their stories, to their needs and to their frustrations. This selfless act is the way to help others feel valued. It’s priceless. The motivation of these women is interlaced with civic duty. It is apparent that women in leadership roles are driven by the purpose of building up the next generation.

Sandra Blum of Bee Courageous at Garden Grub said, “The greatest part of being a non-profit business owner is being able to have my grandchildren learn how to love and care for people in our community.” Blum has been building a team of women who have shared classes, retreats, community dinners, prayers, support, and mentorship in safe spaces where women are seen, heard and loved. “Healing happens in community, not isolation. It happens in kitchens, gardens and quiet conversations. Watching these women grow in strength, confidence, faith and purpose has been one of the greatest privileges of our lives.”

Blum’s partner at Bee Courageous, Meg Harkins said, “The greatest thing for me about being a business woman is when I genuinely help someone. Knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life. The most challenging part for me was getting to know people in a new area.”

Krista Jee Baxter feels inspired and grateful that more and more women are getting involved in so many things in Warren. “You can see that everyday–it’s just adding to the positivity and the growth of Warren in general.”

These women who represent Warren County are pleased to know that they have a direct hand in shaping the future for their children. Determined to leave this place better than what it was when she found it, Casey said it best when she and many more of the women of Warren County expressed that they want their children to inherit a hometown they are proud of, a community that supports them, and a world where they see firsthand that young women can be a force for positive change.

With so many places and positions in this community that benefit from contributions in time and heart from the women who make up Warren County, it is by no surprise that Warren County is home to several women-led groups and organizations that offer support, education, and community engagement. The women of Warren County’s past have paved a way for the present day women to rekindle and, in turn that same path will be kept ablaze to light the way for future female leaders to shine.

Sandra Blum and Meg Harkins were guest speakers at the Association of College Women’s quarterly dinner by sharing what they have been doing with Bee Courageous. Among several things taking place at the Allegheny Veterans Center, they announced that the kitchen at the center is a fully licensed soup kitchen.