The Fund for Women and Girls recently announced the awardees for its seventh annual Champions of Change Breakfast, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at The Farmhouse at People's Light, 29 Conestoga Road, Malvern.

The Champion of Change Breakfast recognizes individuals and organizations committed to women's economic advancement and equity in the workplace, nominated by members of their community.

The Gladys Black "Woman of Distinction" awardee is Susan Fiorentino, Esq., who has dedicated her career to the safety and education of women and girls. Her research focuses on legal issues relevant to women in the workplace, including pay equity and sexual harassment. In addition to her work as a lawyer and researcher, Fiorentino is a speaker, a volunteer and a professor at West Chester University. The award is named for longtime Fund supporter Gladys Black.

The Champions of Change Corporate awardee is Countryside Consulting Inc. Under the leadership of founder and president Louise Schorn Smith, the company has implemented flexible scheduling and other family-friendly policies.

New this year, The Fund has introduced an award focused on a nonprofit workforce development agency and has partnered with the WSFS Cares Foundation to sponsor this award. The winner of the WSFS Nonprofit Workforce Development Award will be presented with a $1,000 grant by The Fund for Women and Girls, recognizing the agency's work in breaking down barriers to employment and economic achievement.

The WSFS Nonprofit Workforce Development awardee is Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC). CCIOIC has demonstrated its dedication to supporting women from diverse communities, paving the way for sustainable employment and financial independence. Most of the women participating in CCOIC's programs have experienced poverty, justice involvement or domestic violence. Led by Joyce Chester, CCOIC provides training, education and supportive services like child care, workforce clothing and toiletries, driver's education, expungement services, personal mentorship and professional coaching.

The Fund invites the public to celebrate and honor the awardees at the Champions of Change Breakfast. For more information about the event and to secure a spot, visit http://www.thefundcc.org.