Event to Celebrate ‘Wonder Women of Hospitality’ in State College

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB), 3 Dots Downtown and the Downtown State College Improvement District (DSCID) will host a lively evening to celebrate a few standout women from some of downtown State College’s most popular dining establishments and watering holes.

“Wonder Women of Hospitality” will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at 3 Dots Downtown, 137 E. Beaver Ave. The informal mixer promises great music and food, and will introduce the audience to women who are passionate about being part of the downtown food and beverage scene.

“Wonder Women of Hospitality resulted from conversations between 3 Dots Downtown, the Downtown Improvement District, and the HVAB about the workforce needs of downtown businesses, hospitality related establishments in particular,” Lesley Kistner, Public Affairs Director for the HVAB said. “Given 3 Dots’ large intergenerational audience, our goal was finding a fun, creative way to generate enthusiasm about working in the industry, both the part-time help our businesses need or as a career path.” 

Five women in hospitality, two of them current Penn State students, will be recognized during a portion of the program:

• Ady Martinez, Owner, Juana’s
• Ellen Braun, Manager, Chumley’s
• Becky Burger, General Manager, Allen Street Grill
• Hunter Porcano, Brewer Assistant, Antifragile Brewing
• Kristina Goldhorn, Server, The Corner Room

All of the women are featured in the HVAB’s “I am Happy Valley Hospitality” campaign, which launched in July 2022.

“They all have stories and experiences we know will resonate with our audience,” 3 Dots Downtown Executive Director Erica Quinn said. “We’re thrilled to celebrate these hospitality heroes, who are the glue of our community. The event is what you would expect at 3 Dots, which means a fun and welcoming environment highlighting how hospitality has shaped the experiences of these great downtown State College women.”

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the event will also feature an eclectic, delicious menu of fantastic food inspired by some memorable women throughout time – prepared by Webster’s Café’s own wonder woman, Elaine Meder-Wilgus.

DJ Elbow Knee Knee will keep the evening vibrant with a set of female performers spanning genres and eras.

“These engaged, talented and hard-working women are inspiring and a true testament to the rewards that come with serving the community through hospitality,” DSCID Executive Director Lee Anne Jeffries said. “They lead with their heart and it shows. We need more people like them in hospitality venues downtown and throughout the county!”

Wonder Women of Hospitality is free and open to the community.