Mercy Center for Women Honors Women Leaders

Contributed

The Mercy Center for Women celebrates Women's History Month by recognizing 18 local female leaders who "provide the heart, hands, and soul of the community."

MONDAY, MAR. 30

It's women's history month, and what better way to celebrate than chatting with the dynamic and driven Jennie Hagerty, executive director of Mercy Center for Women (MCW), about their 33rd Annual Women Making History Event.

Honoring inspiring women within the Erie community, the celebration will be held at the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University. It is free and the public is encouraged to attend.

The event was started by the Sisters of Mercy because they wanted to recognize women who provide the heart, hands, and soul of the community. True to that, Hagerty explained, "this year I really appreciated the diversity of the nominations – there were more service leaders, wonderful boots-on-the-ground women who are in the community working with individuals so their lives are more fulfilled." MCW will honor 18 women but received 40 heartfelt nominations.

Through the years under Hagerty's leadership, MCW's services have expanded since starting out in a small home by the Sisters of Mercy, but their heart remains the same. Success stories flow from the Holy Rosary grounds, where they have been since 1994, and soon the former Sacred Heart school.

"I am grateful we can repurpose those buildings and continue to help many."

Hagerty will be the emcee at the event this year. This role was a natural add-on, "because I'm just passionate about it and for me it's being able to connect with these honorees and introduce them, and even more importantly for me it's an opportunity for people to embrace the mission… the women and children – who face homelessness, abuse, and challenges with sobriety."

"When you're passionate, you live it morning, noon, and night," she adds.

Also speaking at the event this year will be Mishol Randolph, a graduate of the program who has taken her life in a new direction, becoming a certified peer specialist working for Gaudenzia.

Hagerty said she will be delighted to present Randolph, and also highlighted the fact that clients of MCW attend the event each year.

"The reason we do Women Making History is not only to honor these women, but also to show our clients – they see the videos and the inspiring stories, they get dressed up via our Dress for Success program, get their hair and makeup done and enjoy the evening – and the next day will share their takeaways from it during morning reflection."

This one evening, she said, paints such a picture of hope. For the full-tilt takeaways that touch many lives, save the date for this inspiring event. 

7 p.m. // Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. // Free // For more info: mcwerie.org/events/women-making-history-2026