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Education

Programming

Leadership in Action: Insights from Nonprofit CEO of the Year Honorees

*** RSVP required: https://bit.ly/44rJLnf

Exceptional leadership leaves a powerful legacy — one that strengthens organizations, inspires communities, and lights the way for future changemakers.
Join an exclusive panel of Nonprofit Excellence Awards CEO of the Year honorees for an inspiring conversation on what it truly means to lead with vision, purpose, and courage.

This special event is designed for current and aspiring nonprofit executives, board chairs, and senior leaders who are ready to lead boldly and build organizations that endure and inspire.

Through personal stories and reflections, you’ll gain rare insight into the mindset, values, and defining moments that set extraordinary leaders apart. Come ready to be inspired, to connect with peers who share your vision, and to reignite your commitment to bold, mission-driven leadership.

What to Expect:
- Inspiring leadership philosophies from award-winning CEOs
- Reflections on legacy, impact, and transformative leadership
- Connections with fellow nonprofit leaders committed to excellence
Audience: Directors, board chairs, and leadership-track professionals passionate about driving mission and impact

About Karen:
Karen Musante is the President and CEO of the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, where she has led for 25 years. She oversees all Foundation operations, including three flagship youth programs: Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, The Stock Market Game, and the Speaker Series. Karen manages a $3.7 million budget, builds strategic partnerships with over 100 organizations, and leads a team of more than 20 staff and 170 volunteers annually. She is a past board member of the Northwest Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on several education-focused committees. In 2021, she was honored with a Nonprofit Excellence Award for CEO of the Year. Throughout her career, Karen has championed youth economic education and workforce readiness across Pennsylvania.

About Rina:
Rina Irwin is the Chief Executive Officer of Child Development Centers, Inc., where she has led the organization’s remarkable growth from five small centers to 19 locations serving over 2,000 children across Northwestern Pennsylvania. A Clarion University graduate and Certified Public Accountant, Rina transitioned from a career in corporate auditing to nonprofit leadership, dedicating herself to expanding access to high-quality early education. Under her leadership, CDC’s budget grew from $900,000 to $32 million, and the organization has secured over $100 million in grant funding. Recognized with multiple honors, including Clarion University’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award and a Nonprofit Excellence Award for CEO of the Year in 2022, Rina continues to champion education as a key to breaking the cycle of poverty. She also actively serves on several community and state boards, supporting children and families across Pennsylvania.

About Daria:
Daria Devlin is the Director of Social Impact at Hamot Health Foundation, where she is leading efforts to create a new community development corporation to address social determinants of health in Erie. A lifelong city resident, Daria holds degrees from Colgate University and Edinboro University and has over 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience. She previously served as Executive Director of the Erie Center for Arts and Technology and helped lead major initiatives like Erie’s Community Schools and the Wayne School-Based Health Center. An elected member of the Erie School Board and active civic leader, Daria has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Nonprofit Excellence Awards CEO of the Year in 2023. She lives in Erie with her husband and three sons, continuing her lifelong commitment to strengthening her community.

About Jennie:
Jennie Hagerty has served as Executive Director of the Mercy Center for Women since 2017, leading initiatives to support homeless women and children in Erie. A Gannon University graduate, Jennie previously worked in advancement at Saint Jude the Apostle Church and Saint Peter Cathedral. She spearheaded the $5 million capital campaign for the Mercy Anchor Community Center, Erie’s first affordable housing and resource hub. Recognized as the 2018 Outstanding Fundraising Professional of the Year and the 2024 Nonprofit Excellence Awards CEO of the Year, Jennie is a seasoned and passionate advocate for the underserved. She actively serves on several local and state boards, including the Erie County Housing Authority and the Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund Board

The Nonprofit Partnership's offices at The Susan Hirt Hagen Center for Transformational Philanthropy are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Phone 814.240.2490
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