Courtesy photo Those receiving awards from the Martinsburg BPW are (from left): Ella McElwee, Betsy Baker and Jo Ellen Mingle.

After more than 10 years, the Martinsburg BPW has presented two Woman of the Year and one Employer of the Year award on Thursday, March 27.

The BPW member award went to Dr. Ella McElwee, who served local, district, state and national levels within the BPW. The Martinsburg Local had been struggling since the pandemic to gain new members and Ella stepped up from the Bedford Local to help the struggling club regain its footing. The club is beginning to grow and thrive again. McElwee has faced many obstacles in her life and remained focused on overcoming them and reaching her goals. She is the owner of Health by Choice where she helps people across the country with their health and nutrition.

The non-BPW member award went to Dr. Betsy Baker for her contributions as superintendent for the Spring Cove School District and community.

In a field of education where PA teachers are about 78% female and superintendents are only 28% female, Baker has broken many barriers for women in educational administrative positions.

Baker has done many things for SCSD in her nine-year tenure as superintendent.

A few examples include improving school safety, expanding academic opportunities and technology access, creating and maintaining a long-term capital improvement plan.

The Employer of the Year award was presented to Jo Ellen Mingle of the Roaring Spring True Value Store for her support of women in the workforce, support of BPW’s Domestic Violence toiletry drive, and ongoing support of the community.

When you enter the store, you will find women working all areas of the store in areas that have long been viewed as positions for men. Jo Ellen understands the importance of education and provides flexible scheduling for young women pursuing higher education.

The Roaring Spring True Value, formerly known as the Department Store, has served the community proudly since 1863.

These three women have accomplished a lot in their respective fields over the years. When you ask them what their greatest accomplishment or reward is, all three stated it is in raising their children to become successful adults. These women exemplify the essence of BPW where women are helping women.