Match Madness & Women in the Judiciary: Championing Community Health and Judicial Leadership in PA

(00:00:00) We’re joined by Carol Thornton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Better Health, along with leaders from two participating nonprofits: Ericka Anderson, Landisburg EMS Jeanna Som, Supportive Partnerships for Youth Together, they break down Match Madness, a unique annual fundraising campaign now celebrating its 10th year. Modeled after the excitement of March Madness, this initiative brings together 64 local nonprofits—all committed to advancing health equity and serving communities throughout the region. Since 2016, Match Madness has raised more than $6.1 million to support small and mid‑sized organizations making a direct impact. (00:22:31) In recognition of National Women’s History Month, we also feature Judge Lori A. Dumas, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge (term 2022–2031). Judge Dumas reflects on her extensive career—from her decades on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to her role as a nationally recognized trainer on human trafficking issues. We explore the broader landscape of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, where women now make up 34% of active judges statewide. Women hold major leadership roles across Pennsylvania’s appellate courts, including the historic appointment of Chief Justice Debra Todd, the first woman to lead the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Dumas brings firsthand insight into this progress, the importance of representation, and the ongoing evolution of the judiciary.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.