Susan Werner Honored as Outstanding Woman Leader in Centre County

During Women’s History Month, Centre Foundation celebrated the community’s women leaders by selecting the 2023 recipient for the Mimi Barash Coppersmith Women in Leadership Award. The award recognizes women in our community who have made a significant impact through their leadership.

Susan Werner, who is currently involved with 10 local organizations, is this year’s recipient.  

Werner’s volunteerism began when she moved to State College in 1978. She served on the State College Area School Board for 12 years, seven of which were as president. Currently, she serves on the board of many local organizations: Schlow Centre Region Library, League of Women Voters, Penn State Centre Stage, SPRA Pool, United Way, Hadassah and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Committee on Library Development. Additionally, she serves on committees for Discovery Space, American Association of University Women and Congregation Brit Shalom.  

The Mimi Barash Coppersmith Women in Leadership Fund was created in 2017 by Barbara Palmer to honor her longtime friend when Barash Coppersmith received Centre Foundation’s Oak Tree Award. In honor of the Fund’s awardee each year, a $2,500 grant is given to a local nonprofit of her choice.

This year, Werner selected Discovery Space, which provides engaging experiences with science and technology for the community.  

“I became involved with Discovery Space when it was first envisioned, and I have watched it grow into a wonderful asset for our community.  Not only is the Science Center a place for children to enjoy while learning science but the Rivet (Discovery Space’s makerspace) also provides a place for older children and adults to explore creative talents,” she said. 

Werner’s commitment to the community and to giving back is demonstrated by the impact that she hopes to make by being a leader within so many nonprofits.  

“By serving on these boards, I hope that my small impact will benefit future generations to enjoy our wonderful community,” she said. 

Contributions to the Mimi Barash Coppersmith Women in Leadership Fund can be made online by visiting Centre-Foundation.org.  

For more information or to get involved with Centre Foundation, contact Molly Kunkel molly@centre-foundation.org or 814-237-6229.