NORRISTOWN — The March 7 meeting of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners recognized Women’s History Month. Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting emphasized the importance of creating a women’s commission.
The Montgomery County Commission for Women is seeking around twenty people to serve for two years. Applications are open to those living and/or working in Montgomery County until March 28, said Chairwoman Jamila Winder.
“The Commission for Women will help improve services for women and girls of different backgrounds,” Winder said. “We want to create more opportunities for women in business, address bias and discrimination, and promote gender equality and end violence against women.”
Winder recognized Donna L. Richemond, the Montgomery County Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, for her efforts in bringing the commission to the forefront. The agency was established previously, but it is not clear when.
The Montgomery County Commission for Women is open for applications or nominations at montgomerycountypa.gov/CommissionforWomen .
‘It’s crucial to acknowledge these female leaders’
Winder took a moment to honor previous female county commissioners of Montgomery County, including Leslie Richards and Dr. Val Arkoosh, who currently serve as SEPTA CEO and general manager and Pennsylvania’s human services secretary, respectively.
Arkoosh, the first female chairwoman of the county, resigned in early 2023 to join Gov. Josh Shapiro’s cabinet. Winder took over her position and won the election in November 2023, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the board.
“I am only the second female chair, and the first Black woman to serve on the board,” Winder said. “Many women in Montgomery County are part of municipal government, with most school boards and councils being majority female.”
“It’s crucial to recognize these female leaders, especially considering that women have not been able to vote for half of the United States’ almost 250 years of history,” she continued. “This is living history and reminds me of my grandmother, who was born in the year when women were first allowed to vote in Pennsylvania.”
Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Neil Makhija also recognized women who have made history, such as Arkoosh, former U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, D-13th Dist. and former State Sen. Constance Williams, D-17th Dist., as his inspiration for public service.
Winder also highlighted the female judges and row officers serving in Montgomery County, including Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Janine Darby, Register of Wills Tina Lawson, Controller Karen Sanchez, and Recorder of Deeds Jean Sorg, as well as Judges Wendy Demchick-Alloy, Nicole Tate-Phillips and Kelly Wall.
Jamila Winder expressed gratitude to the women for representing their communities, emphasizing the importance of representation in leadership at all levels.
A county spokesperson reported that women make up 46.59 percent of the county's workforce, which consists of nearly 2,400 employees.
Tom DiBello, a Montgomery County Commissioner, praised the teamwork and positive prospects within the county.
Winder highlighted the issue of pay equity and stated her support, along with DiBello and Makhija, for implementing reforms related to paid leave and affordable childcare.
Winder emphasized that paid leave and affordable childcare are not luxuries, but essential elements of our society that facilitate the success of women and working families.
Winder also recognized the commendable work of women-owned businesses in Montgomery County, including Recycle Read Repeat in Norristown, Annamarie’s Place in Royersford, and Unleashed Counseling in Pottstown.
Winder emphasized that women's history is ongoing and that we are experiencing historic moments daily.
A statement praising the leadership of the board as being strong, competent, and intelligent.
At a meeting, Pottstown resident Deb Spence addressed concerns about decorum and the behavior of the three-member board.
Spence called attention to the interruptions by male board members when women were speaking, advocating for respectful treatment of the chairwoman and women's voices without interference.
Spence provided feedback requesting that women not be interrupted and expressing appreciation for Chairwoman Jamila Winder's respectful conduct.
Winder thanked Spence for her comment.
The county commissioners took a moment to consider Spence's remarks before responding.
A member of the board expressed willingness to be interrupted by Chairwoman Winder and apologized if an interruption occurred during a discussion. A board member acknowledged the difficulty of the climate discussion and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve alongside Chairwoman Winder.A member of the board emphasized the importance of recognizing Women’s History Month and Black History Month and supporting inclusive spaces and leadership respect.
Makhija, Montgomery County’s first Indian-American and South Asian American elected county commissioner, emphasized the ongoing conversation about the challenges of being a first and the need to ensure inclusive spaces and respect for leadership.
Winder thanked the speaker and attributed her manners to the influence of her grandmother and mother, expressing a willingness to allow others to express their thoughts even if she disagrees.
The conversation ended on a more cheerful note as Winder looked at each of her colleagues and asked, “Where are my flowers? Do you have flowers for me? Chocolates? Caviar?” Her inquiries were met with laughter from the audience.
“It’s being planned,” Makhija said.
The next meeting of Montgomery County Board of Commissioners will take place at 10 a.m. on March 21 on the eighth floor of One Montgomery Plaza, 425 Swede St., Norristown. Those who want to attend can also do so virtually. For more information, visit montgomerycountypa.gov.
