Penn State York Women's Philanthropic Network inspires future women leaders

YORK, Pa. — When Samantha Cloud stepped onto the Penn State York campus, she wasn't just visiting a university. She was getting a glimpse of the next chapter of her life.

The Red Lion Area High School graduate, daughter of Matthew and Jessica Cloud of Red Lion, will begin her Penn State journey this fall, majoring in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics while pursuing a minor in public policy. She said her goal is to one day become a school principal or superintendent.

Before competing in the 2026 Miss Pennsylvania's Teen competition, Cloud joined fellow delegates for a special luncheon hosted by the Penn State York Women's Philanthropic Network (WPN). The event connected delegates with accomplished women leaders who shared the importance of philanthropy, mentorship and community service.

The luncheon, made possible through a partnership between the Penn State York Women's Philanthropic Network and the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation, gave delegates the opportunity to share their community service initiatives, connect with community leaders and envision what their own futures could look like. 

"I've always loved working with students," Cloud said. "Teaching just felt like the right fit, and I want to continue making a difference in education."

Throughout high school, Cloud embraced opportunities to step outside her comfort zone, participating in cheerleading, tennis, track and field, yearbook, choir and musical theater. She said those experiences taught her the value of trying new things and helped prepare her for competing in the Miss Pennsylvania's Teen program for the first time.

"I made it a goal to try as many new things as possible," she said. "Sometimes it's scary at first, but you grow so much when you challenge yourself."

This fall, Cloud said, she aspires to earn a spot as a majorette with the Penn State Blue Band. She has been twirling a baton since she was 3 years old and will attend band camp before the semester begins.

For Denise Gilliland, creating opportunities like the luncheon is exactly what the Women's Philanthropic Network is about.

A retired educator and math and science consultant who serves on the Board of Directors for the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation, Gilliland joined the Women's Philanthropic Network because she wanted to continue helping students achieve their goals. 

“I want to do whatever I can to help students achieve their goals and dreams," Gilliland said. “I've always believed in giving back, and the Women's Philanthropic Network gives us an opportunity to invest in students and help them succeed.” 

The Penn State York Women's Philanthropic Network brings together women who strengthen the campus through philanthropy, mentorship and leadership. Members collectively support scholarships, academic programs, student organizations, and other initiatives that enhance the student experience while fostering a culture of giving.

Gilliland said the luncheon was first introduced in 2024 for Miss Pennsylvania delegates and expanded this year to include Miss Pennsylvania's Teen delegates.

"We wanted these young women to spend time with a group of women who are making a difference in their communities," Gilliland said. "They already understand service. They already understand giving back. We want them to see that leadership and philanthropy don't end when the competition is over. We hope they'll continue serving their communities throughout their lives, and if there isn't a network where they live, maybe they'll be inspired to create one."

Deborah "Debbie" Butcher, executive director of the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation and a former Pennsylvania titleholder in the Miss America Organization, said holding the luncheon on a university campus added another meaningful dimension to the delegates' experience.

"Holding this event at a university gave the delegates the opportunity to step onto a college campus and envision what their own future could look like," Butcher said. "The Penn State York Women's Philanthropic Network is dedicated to supporting and empowering the next generation of leaders, and this luncheon was a wonderful opportunity to connect these remarkable young women with women who believe in their potential."

Following the luncheon, the delegates participated in the Miss Pennsylvania's Teen competition, where Anna Rinnier of Bryn Mawr was crowned Miss Pennsylvania's Teen 2026 on June 19 at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. She will represent Pennsylvania at the Miss America's Teen competition.

By bringing together established community leaders and young women preparing to begin the next chapter of their lives, the Penn State York Women's Philanthropic Network aims to continue its mission of investing in future leaders through philanthropy, mentorship and meaningful connections.