Threatened loss of SNAP Benefits weighs heavily on recipients.

President Dawn Pomaybo said WIN-Spirations, a Greensburg nonprofit that helps to remove employment barriers for 100 or more clients each month, is preparing for an expected SNAP-related rise in food insecurity. (read more here)

WIN-Spirations featured in the PA Department of Labor & Industry Digital Literacy Gazette Newsletter! Thank you to the agencies, program participants, staff, board members, funders and the PA DoL for providing the opportunity for this work to be done!

Local Businesses Make a Big Impact, Recognized by Goodwill SWPA’s Power of Word Awards

Local Businesses Make a Big Impact, Recognized by Goodwill SWPA’s Power of Word Awards - Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania

Posted on September 9, 2025

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania is excited to announce the winners of its 2025 Power of Work Awards. These awards recognize outstanding leaders and organizations that are removing barriers to employment and creating new opportunities in our region.

The winners will be celebrated during the Annual Power of Work Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Carnegie Science Center.

This year’s awardees are:

• Champion Award – Kristin Ioannou, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Women Work
  Honoring C-suite leaders who champion workforce inclusion, Ioannou has expanded Pennsylvania Women Work’s programs by 40% and built partnerships with 200+ employers, helping women overcome barriers such as incarceration, recovery, and immigration challenges.
• Innovation Award – Sims School of Construction (Mr. Brian M. Sims, Sr.)
  Recognizing organizations driving new solutions, the Beaver County–based nonprofit equips underserved youth and returning citizens with trade skills, mentorship, and workforce readiness to build stable careers.
• Trailblazer Award – WIN-Spirations, Inc. (Dawn Pomaybo)
  Celebrating those pushing systemic change, WIN’s workforce programs bring digital literacy labs to underserved communities, train employers in inclusive hiring, and embed career services within Westmoreland County Drug Court—the only program of its kind in the region.

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s awardees, each of whom embodies the spirit of Goodwill’s mission,” said Monique McIntosh, President & CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania. “Kristin Ioannou, Brian M Sims, Sr., and Dawn Pomaybo are not only removing barriers but also building pathways that transform lives and communities. Their leadership shows what is possible when compassion, innovation, and equity are at the center of workforce development. It is a privilege to celebrate their work and the hope they bring to others.”

About the Power of Work Awards

This year’s Power of Work Awards ceremony marks the 28th anniversary of the recognition program. Goodwill created the Power of Work Awards program in 1997 to honor individuals, organizations, and companies that are changing lives through opportunity and inclusion in the workforce. Awards are presented in three categories: Champion, Innovation, and Trailblazer.

The 2025 Power of Work Awards Ceremony will take place on October 22, 2025, at the Carnegie Science Center. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and event details are available at:
https://goodwillsp.givecloud.co/2025powerofworkawards

We are honored to announce that Dawn Pomaybo, President of WIN-Spirations and Executive Director of WIN Workforce Development, will be speaking to share the important mission and impact of our work.

A special thank you to the Latrobe Bulletin for providing this opportunity to bring greater awareness to the lives we’re helping change every day.

https://www.latrobebulletinnews.com/lifestyles/events_of_area_interest/latrobe-bpw-june-meeting-to-feature-empowerment-advocate/article_7a6f35f6-3bdc-4051-8856-12e8138f7c42.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share

This was such a successful event! WIN Womens Interactive Network was honored to accept donations on behalf of WIN-Spirations that will benefit the WIN Resource Center and the WIN Workforce Development Program !

https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/inaugural-women-of-westmoreland-fashion-show-attracts-200-to-hempfield-venue/

WIN & GIN, along with the WIN Workforce Development Program will be one of the benefactors of this show.  

Women of Westmoreland to hold fashion show, accept donated attire for teens, job-seekers | TribLIVE.com

Listen in as Executive Director, Dawn Pomaybo is interviewed by Kevin Trout.

 

Another great article about GIN & WIN. We have changed the face of networking in the Pittsburgh area for men and women! Exciting times here in Pittsburgh! Please click here to read the full article:  La Mega Nota July 2022 Article by Amadeo Eichberg.pdf (wildapricot.org)

Learn more about Robert Hamilton in this feature article discussing Rob's next steps as he moves into the position of Director of Human Services of Westmoreland County!

https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/mental-health-care-a-priority-for-westmoreland-countys-new-human-services-director/

Link to Mega Nota July edition. (In Spanish-best viewed in Google Chrome), page 10.  https://pittsburgh.lamegamedia.com/nota/print-edition/dt/2022-07-01

Gracias a Amadeo Eichberg de La Mega Nota por el maravilloso artículo de GIN! 

We are very excited to share this article with you all! We welcome the continued support of our members and the media partner communities!

GRACIAS!!!