Meet trailblazer and leader State Senator Judy Schwank

What's The Story?

Who is State Senator Judy Schwank? Only 9 of the 50 senators in Pennsylvania are women. She shares her story on the way to becoming a State Senator in the 11th District in Pennsylvania and some of the surprises she found when she got to Harrisburg. Judy fondly remembers growing up in Pittsburgh and shares memories of her grandfather and gives us insight into her life as a student. Looking back Senator Schwank says, “I’ve always said yes to opportunities” As student, volunteered for many different kinds of committees “Take what everybody else doesn’t want to do” Wanting to do good and help is part of her core being and it is why she said yes to the call to become a state senator. Asked about the benefits and challenges of being a woman and in the minority in Harrisburg, Judy notes that women make very good policy makers, primarily because they are very collaborative. She says that on the whole, women are less ‘me’ centered and embrace a team approach. Female leaders work harder to prove themselves. They want to make a difference and want to do the job as best they can so they want to be sure they know the facts in order to speak with authority. Service and representation to the community are of utmost importance to Senator Judy Schwank. She says opportunities come by serendipity. Sometimes serendipitous opportunities are born of difficult situations. A lifelong learner, Senator Schwank says “it’s important to do whatever you can, formally or informally, to always try to improve yourself”. She shares her passions and some of life’s transformational experiences, periods of time that bring about growth and change. It is these experiences that drive her. It is also through these experiences that she is able to relate to and help others and is dedicated to mentoring young women.