Join us for an inspiring evening as we reflect on the collective power of Women in Philanthropy. Together, we’ll celebrate the remarkable progress made to uplift women, girls, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania—and look ahead to the exciting initiatives on the horizon for 2026.
Enjoy meaningful connection, inspiring stories, and a shared sense of purpose as we recognize the dedication of our members and honor the recipients of the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award and the Roseann Smith Alperin Award—two honors that celebrate outstanding women whose leadership strengthens our community.
Celebración anual de Mujeres Filántropas
Miércoles, Noviembre 5, 2025
5-7 PM
Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Auditorium
612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510
The event is complimentary for WIP supporters and up to two guests. General public can attend for $25. Dinner and refreshments provided. Please RSVP for ALL guests by Miércoles, Octubre 29th.
Meet Our 2025 Award Recipients
Each year during the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration, we proudly present two prestigious honors: the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award and the Roseann Smith Alperin Award.
Both awards are made possible through charitable funds established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation to memorialize loved ones and to recognize outstanding leadership, service, and excellence among women in our community.
This year, we are thrilled to honor Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker—two remarkable women whose vision and dedication continue to strengthen Northeastern Pennsylvania.
MEET MICHELE BANNON
Michele Bannon is the daughter of Rita Enslin Bannon and Gerald Bannon. She has four brothers and one sister, two nieces, two nephews, and three Godchildren. A 1987 graduate of Carbondale Area High School, Michele went on to earn Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology, Political Science, and Public Administration from Wilkes University in 1991. She has served as City Clerk for the City of Carbondale since 1994 and was elected to serve as Mayor of the great City of Carbondale, being sworn in on Enero 7, 2024.
Michele enjoys participating in all aspects of the community and finds great joy in sharing her gifts and time. Her civic involvement is extensive and longstanding. She has served as Past Board Chair of NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania since 2006 and as Board President of the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce since 2007. She is also the Board Vice President of the Carbondale Historical Society, a position she has held since 1994, and an Event Volunteer with the Greater Carbondale YMCA since 2010.
Her commitment to service continues with her role as a Governing Board Member for St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen since 2016 and as a Trustee for the Maplewood Cemetery Trust since 1994. Michele has been involved with both the Carbondale Pioneer Nights Committee and the Carbondale Pioneer Ball Committee since 2004. Since 2017, she has also been active in the Carbondale News Club, a local social club.
Michele serves on the Lackawanna County Landbank Advisory Board (since 2020), and has been a member of the Ladies’ Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division No. 3 since 2015. She has played a key role at St. Rose of Lima Church, serving on the Finance Committee since 2008, as a Lector since 2005, Pastoral Council Chair since 2013, and Fundraising Chairman since 2006.
She is a member of the U-Comp Board of Directors through the Pennsylvania Municipal League, and currently serves as Board Vice Chair of the Wayne Memorial Community Board, both roles she has held since 2021.
Michele’s dedication and impact have been recognized with the 2013 Roseann Smith Alpern Award and the 2019 Pioneer Hero Award.
Michele is madly and passionately in love with her wonderful family and friends, along with many Fairy Godchildren. They are the source of who she is as a human being, and they make her life very full.
The Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award is presented annually to a woman whose vision, dedication, and courage have enhanced the quality of life and expanded the opportunities for the people within her community and whose creative interests, energies, and service to others have contributed substantially to the betterment of her community.
MEET DR. TANIA STOKER
Dr. Tania Stoker has served in public education for over 27 years. For the past eight years, she has held the role of Assistant Superintendent of the Northern Lehigh School District. Her career—as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, curriculum director, and now district leader—has been centered on advancing equity, access, and opportunity for students and families. These same values also guide her extensive volunteer work.
A dedicated community volunteer and lifelong advocate for creating opportunities that help others grow and thrive, Dr. Stoker has been an active member of the Junior League of Scranton since 2017. Within the League, she has held various leadership roles, including Board Member, Treasurer, Chair and Vice Chair of committees, and Tripp House Liaison. These experiences have allowed her to work alongside inspiring women to further the League’s mission of developing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
Her service extends beyond the Junior League to organizations that support families and individuals. As a Board Member of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, she has chaired the Host for a Day Campaign and the Shoebox Project, in addition to supporting pantry donations and the launch of a mobile clothes trailer. Dr. Stoker is also actively involved with the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Family to Family, Friends of the Poor, and the Adopt a Single Mom Project. Professionally, she contributes her expertise as a member of the Advisory Boards for both the Workforce Board of the Lehigh Valley – Business Education Partnership and the Lehigh University Zoellner Arts Center.
Dr. Stoker’s contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Junior League’s Mary Harriman Award (2020) and Margaret L. Richards Award (2024), a feature in the Scranton Times Northeast Woman series (2021), and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ Wanda McDaniel Award (2025).
Whether in her school district or within the broader community, Dr. Stoker remains committed to leading with purpose, advancing equity, and building meaningful connections that uplift others.
The Roseann Smith Alperin Award is presented annually to an outstanding woman who exhibits the capacity to lead, motivate, and inspire others and the community she serves.
Annual Celebration Sponsorship & Tribute Opportunities
Support the mission of Women in Philanthropy—empowering women, girls, and families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Tribute Message – $25
Share a message celebrating 2025 honorees Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker in the event program.
Business Logo Sponsor – $100
Showcase your organization’s support with your logo or ad featured in the program and recognized during the event.
Please note: 100% of all proceeds from sponsorships and tribute listings directly support the mission of Women in Philanthropy—to empower and transform the lives of women, girls, and their families through the collective philanthropy of engaged supporters.
To reserve your tribute or sponsorship, contact Jacob Torba at jacob@safdn.org or 570-347-6203.