ews for Immediate Release  

ebruary 28, 2023 

Service  

hief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd Celebrates Historic Achievements of Women in Government 

ARRISBURG — On the eve of Women’s History Month, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Debra Todd, the 

first female chief justice in Pennsylvania history, today recognized women in Pennsylvania state 
government breaking new ground for future generations. 

Today’s election of Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) as the first female speaker of the House 
along with the recent election of Senator Kim Ward(R-Westmoreland) as President Pro Tempore of the 
Senate are historic moments for women and send a strong message to every little girl wondering what 
her future may hold.  

For the first time in Pennsylvania history, women are rising to the highest levels of leadership. While we 
celebrate our collective achievements, we also pause to remember those who came before us; their 
strength propelled us to break through the glass ceiling and continues to drive women to new heights. 

When strong and determined women support one another and strive for success, there is no limit to 
what we can achieve.   

My sincere congratulations to Speaker McClinton, President Pro Tempore Ward and all of our 
esteemed female colleagues. As we move through Women’s History Month, celebrating our past and 
looking to the future, let us remember and be inspired by these words:  “‘Strong women – May we know 
them, may we be them, may we raise them.’” 

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Media contact: Stacey Witalec, 717-877-2997