During its 7^th annual Champions of Change Breakfast on Oct. 25 at The Farmhouse at People’s Light, The Fund for Women and Girls will honor West Chester University Professor of Management Susan Fiorentino, J.D., with the Gladys Black “Woman of Distinction” Award.

With expertise in the area of employment and labor law, Professor Fiorentino has conducted extensive research on legal issues pertaining to women in the workplace, including pay equity and sexual harassment. The award celebrates and recognizes her work as a lawyer, professor, researcher, speaker, and more.

“We are so excited to have someone as accomplished at supporting women in the workplace as Susan as our awardee,” said Kim Andrews, executive director of The Fund. “The Fund celebrates not just the extraordinary achievements of individuals, corporations, and nonprofits advancing women in the workplace, but the unstoppable spirit that drives them to break barriers and champion change.” 

Professor Fiorentino will receive the highly respected award, which has been named in memory of Gladys Black, a long-time advocate of The Fund and a renowned supporter of women and girls in Chester County.

Professor Fiorentino helped launch West Chester University’s M.S. in Human Resource Management Program, which has experienced tremendous growth since its inception in 2016. She teaches courses related to human resource management, such as employment and labor law, employee relations, as well as issues of employee health in the workplace. 

Prior to her transition to academia, she was a full-time attorney with a practice in employment and labor law, where she represented both employers and employees in personnel matters. Professor Fiorentino maintains a limited law practice, providing employment and labor law counseling to clients. She is also actively engaged in the human resource community and serves as faculty advisor to WCU’s student HR Association.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized by such an esteemed organization as The Fund for Women and Girls and to be included among such an extraordinary group of Champions of Change awardees,” said Professor Fiorentino. “It takes all of us to advance, empower and support women leaders, so all workplaces can thrive.”

Professor Fiorentino is also a staunch advocate and supporter of student success in her active role as the First Lady of West Chester University.

In addition to Professor Fiorentino, The Fund for Women and Girls will also recognize Countryside Consulting, Inc. as a Champions of Change Corporate Awardee, as well as Chester County OIC as a WSFS Nonprofit Workforce Development Awardee.

Learn more at West Chester University.