Heather MacDonald grew up in Cumberland County, and credits becoming a parent at the age of 17 as a defining moment in her life. She navigated the systems including WIC, CHIP, LIHEAP to survive. She attended HACC for more than a decade - slowly taking one class per semester to earn her degree. Only 2% of teen parents earn a college degree. Heather has spent the last decade working in real estate and has watched our area grow and change on the street level. She was forever changed by these experiences and works tirelessly to use these real world experiences to help others. She believes our lives could be incredibly improved if we had leaders who understood these struggles and in her spare time works in the community to fill some of those gaps.

Sarah Yerger’s professional experience includes nearly two decades of in Administrative and Project Management roles, in business ensuring that older Pennsylvanian’s needs are met. She has also worked for The Hagir Show, an internet based interview show that seeks to plug listeners into local politics, activism, and community building. Sarah considers herself fortunate to have flexible employers who allow her to be an active volunteer and advocate in the community. She has been instrumental in starting a number of local political committees and volunteer groups, including the Stitchers Corps of Central Pennsylvania, a group of nearly 900 volunteers who came together at the beginning of COVID19 and handcrafted, donated, and distributed nearly 50,000 cloth masks to everyone who asked. Sarah has also had the immense privilege of volunteering on a number of political campaigns and is currently serving as the Campaign Manager and/or Treasurer for several Candidates and Elected Officials.

Gisele Barreto Fetterman, the former Second Lady of Pennsylvania (or as she prefers, “SLOP”) has devoted her life to helping others, with a focus on nutrition, food equity, and meeting Pennsylvanians’ basic needs. With just an empty shipping container and an open lot, Gisele opened the Free Store, distributing household goods, baby items, and bicycles to those in need. In addition, she co-founded 412 Food Rescue, which sends volunteers to retailers who have surplus food that risks going bad and delivers it to nonprofits that serve the hungry. Gisele also co-founded the nonprofit For Good PGH, driving numerous initiatives on inclusion including “Hello Hijab,” which produces miniature hijabs for dolls, promoting tolerance and diversity. Most recently, Gisele founded The Hollander Project, a business incubator for female entrepreneurs. Beyond founding and supporting multiple organizations, Gisele is an unapologetic advocate for marginalized groups, especially the immigrant community, as she herself was once a Dreamer. Gisele is passionate about many policy reforms and is particularly outspoken on marijuana legalization and is a medical marijuana patient herself. As an advocate, an activist, and a hugger, Gisele Fetterman is always making a difference in her community with her big heart on full display.