Women Leading the Way in Community Action
Women have been the driving force behind Community Action since its inception, shaping programs, policies, and partnerships that uplift families and transform communities. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the women leading Pennsylvania’s Community Action Agencies—trailblazers dedicated to tackling poverty, strengthening local economies, and creating opportunities for all.
From executive directors to program specialists, these leaders bring a wealth of experience, resilience, and passion to their work. While their backgrounds are diverse, they share a common goal: ensuring that every individual has the resources and support needed to thrive.
Executive Directors: Pioneering Change at the Helm
At the forefront of Community Action are the executive directors who guide their organizations with vision and determination. These women lead their agencies with a strategic mindset, ensuring programs are not only effective but also sustainable and impactful.
Jennifer Warabak – Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) of Luzerne County
Jennifer Warabak has spent her entire career with the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) of Luzerne County, rising through the ranks from an intern to Executive Director. Overseeing programs that address housing, energy assistance, employment, and food insecurity, she has played a key role in expanding CEO’s reach. Jennifer also leads the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, which serves multiple counties in Pennsylvania, ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious meals.
Her leadership extends beyond her agency, as she serves on the boards of Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger Free PA, advocating for stronger food assistance programs at both the state and national levels. Jennifer’s expertise in Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) and her Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credentials reflect her commitment to using data-driven strategies to maximize impact. Her journey from frontline case manager to executive leadership underscores her deep understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families and the solutions needed to create real change.
Anne T. Garrison – Tableland Services, Inc.
Anne Garrison brings over two decades of experience in education and community service to her role as Executive Director of Tableland Services, Inc. in Somerset County. With a background in school administration and nonprofit management, Anne has dedicated her career to fostering a culture of staff empowerment and trauma-informed care, ensuring that the people who serve the community are also well-supported.
Under her leadership, Tableland Services oversees programs in early education, transportation, and weatherization, among others. Previously, she directed the agency’s early childhood education programs, serving over 400 families. Before transitioning into Community Action, Anne spent 14 years as a school principal, where she was recognized for excellence in student development and staff leadership. She holds a Master’s in School Administration from NC State University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate from Temple University, bringing both educational and operational expertise to her role. Her work remains rooted in the belief that strong communities begin with empowered individuals, and she strives to create programs that help families break cycles of poverty and build sustainable futures.
Rachelle Abbott – Lycoming-Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP), Inc.
As CEO of STEP, Inc., Rachelle Abbott leads efforts to empower communities in Lycoming and Clinton counties through strategic programs that promote self-sufficiency and economic mobility. With a background in urban and social planning, she brings a data-driven approach to program development, ensuring that STEP’s initiatives address critical issues like housing, workforce development, and transportation. Prior to STEP, Rachelle worked as Lead Planner for the County of Lycoming, where she helped shape policies that improved economic and social infrastructure.
Rachelle is a National Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Trainer, helping agencies measure and enhance their impact. She also serves as Chairperson of the Central Section Council of the American Planning Association and Secretary of The Harry Plankenhorn Foundation, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable community development. Her leadership and advocacy continue to drive meaningful change in the region.
Misty Fleming – Community Action, Inc.
With a 27-year career in long-term care and healthcare leadership, Misty Fleming brings a unique perspective to her role as CEO of Community Action, Inc. Her background as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Quality Director has given her a deep understanding of compliance, quality improvement, and risk management, all of which are critical in leading a large nonprofit organization.
Misty began her journey with Community Action, Inc. as a Compliance/Development Director, working closely with the previous Executive Director to gain hands-on experience with federal, state, and local funding requirements. This experience paved the way for her transition to CEO, where she now oversees initiatives that help low-income families overcome barriers to economic stability and self-sufficiency. Beyond her professional work, Misty is dedicated to fostering collaborative community partnerships to expand resources and improve services. She lives in Jefferson County with her husband and enjoys outdoor adventures, spending time with family, and supporting local community efforts.
Susie Weller – Union-Snyder Community Action Agency
For over 14 years, Susie Weller has been a driving force in Union and Snyder Counties, working to improve self-sufficiency outcomes for rural communities. Now serving as the Executive Director of Union-Snyder Community Action Agency, she brings a deep understanding of the systemic barriers that low-income families face in rural Pennsylvania.
Susie has built strong collaborations with organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging, Union County Assistance Office, and Advance Central PA, reinforcing the belief that community-wide coordination is the key to meaningful, long-term impact. A former educator, she holds a B.S. in Education from Susquehanna University, with additional leadership credentials from Northampton Community College and Temple University. Her leadership is marked by an emphasis on partnership-building, strategic planning, and advocacy, ensuring that local families receive the support they need while working toward economic mobility.
Tressa Sweeney – Warren-Forest Economic Opportunity Council (WFEOC)
For Tressa Sweeney, leading Warren-Forest Economic Opportunity Council (WFEOC) isn’t just a job—it’s a passion. She considers the agency her second home, and she is deeply committed to expanding its impact. Under her leadership, WFEOC is focusing on building strategic partnerships, enhancing case management services, and securing funding to ensure that more families receive the support they need.
Tressa’s leadership philosophy is rooted in holistic, family-centered approaches that empower individuals to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. She is also committed to mentorship and staff development, recognizing that the success of the agency depends on the dedication and expertise of its team members. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and tackling intricate LEGO builds—because problem-solving isn’t just for the workplace!
Sarah Cook – Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. (PCSI)
Sarah Cook is a visionary leader committed to tackling poverty and economic inequities through strategic planning, innovation, and community advancement. As the Executive Director of Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. (PCSI), she leads the agency’s efforts to develop and implement programs that empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. Sarah works closely with local government, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders to address systemic barriers and ensure that Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable residents have access to the resources they need.
Prior to joining PCSI, Sarah served as Chief Executive Officer at 18 Degrees Family Services for Western Massachusetts, where she spearheaded initiatives focused on family well-being, youth development, and economic stability. Her leadership experience spans policy advocacy, workforce development, and human services, with a deep-rooted passion for advancing equity. Sarah’s ability to drive meaningful change through collaboration and innovation has made her a respected leader in the Community Action network, working to create lasting solutions that address the root causes of poverty.
Brandi Fleming – Indiana County Community Action Program (ICCAP)
Brandi Fleming is the Executive Director of Indiana County Community Action Program (ICCAP), where she leads initiatives to support economic mobility, housing stability, and workforce development for low-income residents. A lifelong resident of Indiana County, Brandi’s leadership is deeply personal—rooted in her commitment to helping individuals and families overcome barriers and achieve long-term stability.
Brandi’s career path reflects her strong background in finance, strategic planning, and nonprofit management. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and initially worked as an auditor for the Naval Audit Agency in Washington, D.C. before returning to Indiana County to raise her family. After spending nearly a decade in the private sector, her passion for service led her to ICCAP in 2017, where she served as Chief Financial Officer before becoming Executive Director in 2024.
Her leadership philosophy centers around empathy, empowerment, and collaboration, recognizing that true change happens when communities work together. Brandi is committed to strengthening ICCAP’s partnerships and expanding its impact, ensuring that local families have the support and resources needed to thrive.
Program Leaders: Strengthening Community Action from Within
While executive directors shape the vision, program leaders ensure the day-to-day success of initiatives that directly impact individuals and families.
Mara Schwabenbauer – Community Action Specialist, Allegheny County Department of Human Services
With over 13 years in human services and nearly a decade in Community Action, Mara Schwabenbauer is dedicated to strengthening financial wellness and economic security for individuals in Allegheny County. As a Community Action Specialist for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, she plays a key role in supporting Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) programs. Her experience as a direct case manager in the Self-Sufficiency Program gave her a frontline perspective on poverty-related challenges—insight she now applies to program management and policy implementation.
A Nationally Certified ROMA Trainer, Mara also facilitates Your Money, Your Goals trainings, equipping human services professionals with the tools to guide clients toward financial stability. Beyond her professional work, she is an artist who enjoys oil painting and outdoor adventures with her young son. Her passion for economic empowerment and lifelong learning continues to shape her impact in the Community Action field.
Kwanza Smith – Grants Manager, Monroe County
Kwanza Smith is a dedicated leader in Community Action, currently serving as the Grants Manager for Monroe County. In this role, she oversees the county’s human services grant portfolio, including the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), and manages the Community Services Administrative Board, which sub-contracts with over 13 nonprofit organizations. Kwanza’s work ensures that essential services—including homelessness prevention, food security, domestic violence support, and workforce development—are effectively delivered to low-income households across Monroe and Pike Counties.
With a career spanning leadership roles in nonprofit administration, public policy, and economic development, Kwanza brings a strategic and collaborative approach to her work. She actively participates in regional initiatives such as the Monroe County Criminal Justice Advisory Board and the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Taskforce, leveraging partnerships to tackle systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations. Her commitment to improving outcomes for individuals, families, and communities drives her mission to strengthen Monroe County’s human services landscape.
A Legacy of Leadership
These women represent just a fraction of the incredible female leadership in Community Action, but their impact is immeasurable.
Whether they are directing agencies, shaping policy, or implementing programs, they are united by a shared mission: to create pathways out of poverty and empower individuals and families to achieve economic security.
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate their contributions—not just as leaders, but as mentors, advocates, and changemakers. Their work ensures that Pennsylvania’s communities continue to thrive, proving that when women lead, entire communities rise.