Our organization has numerous ways to get involved! Just as our mission and background are multifaceted, so too are our committees. Want to plan an event at your family's local eatery? Give the Programs Committee a glance! Do you have a passion for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)? Join the DEI Committee! Have the gift of gab? Add your voice to the Outreach Committee!

There is no time commitment, so feel free to contribute as much (or as little) of your skills and time as you'd like. Whichever committee you choose, and whatever time or talent you give, our committees are a great way to get involved in the inner workings of our organization, build your resume, and network with your peers and colleagues!

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

The SWEP GP BOD established the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee in 2020 to create an organizational culture and climate in which every voice is valued. The committee makes recommendations on policies and strategies regarding inclusive and diversive approaches to enhance the recruitment, retention, and inclusion of individuals from underrepresented groups. The committee works with the Membership, Social Programs, and Technical Programs Committees to ensure the goals of the committee are met.

Membership Chair: Valerie Coghlan

Board Officer Liaison: Beth Hyde

Click to Contact >  Email the Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is at the core of  SWEP GP, serving our individual, corporate, and joint members. This committee is responsible for welcoming new members via phone calls, membership events, office visits, and organization introductions; mentoring new members, and serving as liaison to the various activities, benefits, and committees of SWEP GP. The membership committee facilitates answers on any membership questions or should a member have any other SWEP GP related inquiries. The committee focuses on ensuring that we deliver value to our members. SWEP GP’s Membership Committee also works with our other committees to create programs that attract new members, such as “bring a friend” to SWEP luncheon events, to help advance the organization’s mission and again deliver additional networking value to our members.

Membership Co-Chairs: Amanda Schneider

Board Officer Liaison: Andrea DeCola

Click to Contact >  Email the Membership Committee

Outreach Committee

This committee combines the tools of social media and email to publicize and promote SWEP GP’s membership benefits, professional resources, and advertise events and member opportunities.  This committee also maintains SWEP GP's website, organizes our newsletter, and works with the other committees to promote the overall mission of SWEP GP.

Outreach Committee Chair: Marie Forney

Board Officer Liaison: Marie Forney

Click to Contact > Email the Outreach Committee

Scholarship & Grants Committee

In 2018, SWEP GP made the decision to combine the Scholarship and Grants into one committee. Although both awards are vetted, funded, and awarded separately, their process and mission are similar. 

SWEP GP's Scholarship arm of the committee awards scholarships to graduate women studying to pursue environmental careers. The committee selects outstanding young women to receive a monetary award as part of its mission to encourage and promote the leadership, achievement, and professional development of women in the environmental field. The committee solicits applicants each year, reviews applications, conducts interviews, and selects award recipients.

SWEP GP's Grants arm of the committee was established to help fund organizations or programs that creatively address a locally defined need to create, enhance, restore, or protect the natural environment or to provide environmental awareness through educational sessions. The committee solicits applicants, reviews applications, conducts interviews when necessary, and selects award recipients. Committee members are also responsible for following up with Grantees to ensure projects meet the original proposed scopes, budgets and deadlines, and that the other commitments of the Grantee are adhered to (e.g., monthly progress reports are submitted, a newsletter article is provided at the successful completion of the project, etc.).

Scholarship & Grants Chair: Laurel Klein

Board Officer Liaison: Beth Hyde

Click to Contact > Email the Scholarship & Grants Committee

Social Programs Committee

The Social Programs Committee brings professionals together to learn and share experiences in a friendly environment. Monthly Networking Lunches are a staple of this committee, who choose an appropriate location, either in Center City or a suburban location, that can accommodate the members attending. New in 2018, the committee also hosted a Golf Lessons & Networking event, which they intend to grow each year. Networking breakfasts, Annual Holiday gatherings, Earth Day Volunteer work days, and many other opportunities to engage socially with like-minded professionals is also on the committee's plate.   

Social Programs Committee Co-Chair: Lindsey Chadderdon / Dwight Hoster

Board Officer Liaison: Andrea DeCola

Click to Contact > Email the Social Programs Committee

Technical Programs Committee

The Technical Programs Committee aims to bring information and education on new and emerging environmental issues and technology to SWEP GP Members. Expert panels share their knowledge and perspectives on laws, regulations, and other developments on issues ranging from global climate change to bioremediation to emerging contaminants and more. SWEP GP's goal for this committee is to organize four or more technical-level programs each year, on topics that are of high interest to our members. The committee reaches out to area subject-matter experts and also works in conjunction with other area environmental organizations to develop key learning environments. SWEP GP is always looking to partner with Individual Members and/or Corporate Members to enhance our program offerings, to suggest or present on topics, and to host an event at their Center City or suburban location.

Technical Programs Committee Chair: Lindsey Chadderdon / Dwight Hoster

Board Officer Liaison: Andrea DeCola

Click to Contact >  Email the Social Programs Committee

Touchstone Awards Committee 

The Touchstone Awards Committee is responsible for coordinating SWEP GP's signature event - the Annual Touchstone Award Gala. Held every year in November, this event offers the perfect environment for professional networking, social engagement, and honoring the awardees deserving of the spotlight. Since 2018, this event has included the Scholarship & Grants reception so that all awardees are honored together in a single evening, with a full audience. The venue selection of a unique environmental landmark has helped the Gala to grow in size and reputation, with past events being held at the Philadelphia Water Works and the Phoenixville Foundry.   

Touchstone Awards Committee Co-Chair: Sonya Ward/Andrea DeCola

Board Officer Liaison: Andrea DeCola

Click to Contact > Email the Touchstone Awards Committee