“I absolutely love working with the PA Commission for Women,” says Moriah Hathaway, a Greene County native and alumna of Shippensburg University with a B.A. in political science, who was named the executive director of the commission in July of 2020.
Although Moriah felt intimidated at first, she was a great fit for the role.“It was well-deserved. She worked hard, and I was very proud of her,” says Sharon Hathaway Lockart, Moriah Hathaway’s mother.
Sharon says her daughter got her passion in politics from her father, who always encouraged civic engagement before passing away her senior year of high school. This passion translated into being active within campaigns and building her capacity.
“Moriah has always been a go-getter and that’s how she fast tracked through her jobs,” Sharon says. “She would go in and show that she had what it took, that she was the best person for the job, and that’s why they made her the executive director.”
Moriah is striving to use her position to live in a state that is equitable for all women, which requires advocating for policies that support women, like paid family leave, affordable childcare, equal pay, as well as partnerships within the community.
“For example, we have partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Business One-Stop Shop Office to host panel discussions about women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs,” Moriah explains.
The commission has also partnered with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. “I recently attended their Tree Promise Event at Camp Small Valley. The organization honored a girl scout for earning her Gold Award and we planted trees together,” she says. “On a daily basis, I attend meetings with stakeholders and search for new organizations to partner with.”
Moriah also regularly volunteers at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and on the Shippensburg University Alumni Board of Directors, where she said she loved her four years in undergraduate study.“I knew I wanted to give back. I have a unique perspective as a young alumna and higher education is important to me,” she says. “I always get excited when Shippensburg asks me to participate on a panel or speak at an event.”
When Hathaway isn’t serving her community, she loves hiking, walking, finding new coffee shops to visit and spending time with Bailey Welch, her wife as of October 10, 2020. “I am fortunate to have a supportive wife who encourages me to be the best version of myself and helps me stay motivated,” Moriah says.
According to Sharon, Moriah and Bailey enjoyed a beautiful wedding surrounded by those supporting their union. “I know that there will always be people who do not agree with my marriage and I have learned to live with that,” Moriah says. “Our marriage is full of love, hope and happiness. That is all that matters to me. That is all that should matter.”
Moriah is the first openly lesbian woman to be the executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women. “I think it is very important for our community to be represented in government,” she explained. “I do recognize that my sexuality allows me to understand what it is like to be marginalized, but I do bring so many other unique perspectives to this role beyond being a queer woman.”
Moriah said this representation matters because she wants to change the common under representation for women in places of power. “I want women to feel empowered and know that they have a voice. I want women to be able to thrive in our state not just survive. I want to see more women run for office, register to vote, and have a seat at the table,” she says. “Ruth Bader Ginsburg said it best, ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”’
Moriah is my niece ad I’m very proud of her. She works hard for everything she get .. I love her & Bailey.