Broadway Utica announced Thursday, November 4th that its “Beyond The Stage” recipient for the Donna Summer Musical is Empowered Pathways.  This partnership will ignite a public awareness campaign designed to encourage women to follow their dreams and ambitions.

“She Works Hard For The Money” is the latest initiative from Broadway Utica’s commitment to give back to the community.  With the power of Donna Summer and the guidance of Empowered Pathway’s Women’s Employment & Resource Center, the Broadway Theatre League of Utica is inviting everyone to donate supplies, such as notebooks, pens, umbrellas, bus passes, and gas gift cards, between now and the debut performance of Summer on November 23rd in an effort to help women land their desired role in the workforce.

“Empowered Pathways is very grateful to Broadway Utica for honoring the women we serve through this special collaboration,” Empowered Pathway’s Executive Director Stephanie Dulak-Eghigian stated. “Thank you for helping us shine a light on the stories of the women who come to the WERC program seeking training and support. The items collected through this event will greatly enhance our ability to support them on their employment journey.”

Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, takes audiences through Summer’s life as a young girl from Boston who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. A tribute to her life and the risks she took to rise to the top of the industry and become the icon of the disco era, Summer not only serves as the inspiration for countless performers who followed in her footsteps but for women all over the world who long to break through in life.

“Empowered Pathways helps serve so many women who, like Donna, are ready to take on the world,” said Danielle Padula, Executive Director of Broadway Utica. “Through Empowering Pathways, women receive education tools, financial help, and even the proper attire to start their careers.  To hear Donna’s message on stage and then take those actions and bring them into our very own community, is something Broadway Utica takes great pride in. Partnerships like this go well beyond the stage, playing a vital role in both the success of our industry and the community we serve. We’re proud to call Empowered Pathways our neighbors in Downtown Utica and friends of the theatre community.”

Empowered Pathway’s Women’s Employment & Resource Center provides women with job readiness services, including specialized training programs, one-on-one personal assistance, resume and cover letter preparation, job search assistance, computer skills training, and access to the Suzanne’s Boutique, a professional clothing closet lined with interview outfits and clothing to help women obtain that new job.

“We work with women who not only need employment training but also need encouragement and support to recognize the value they bring to the workforce,” Dulak-Eghigian explained. “I want to thank Broadway Utica, and everyone associated with the Donna Summer Musical, for recognizing the strength and resilience of the women we serve.”

Broadway Utica will provide a $5 coupon to everyone who brings a donation to their main office, located at 258 Genesee Street. Members of their Youth Ambassadors Program will also hand out coupons to those who donate items the evening of the show.

Empowered Pathways welcomes donations that help support and maintain its various programs. Their wish list includes:

• Day Planners or Spiral Notebooks, Pens, Pencils, Highlighters
• Gift Cards from Staples (to purchase job search and office supplies)
• Gas Gift Cards (for transportation to/from work or WERC training)
• Gift Cards from Josie’s Uniforms & Shoes (New Hartford Shopping Center)
• Bus Passes (for transportation to/from work or WERC training)
• Umbrellas (for women who must wait for buses in the rain)
• Glasses – Readers any strength (many need reading glasses but cannot afford them)
• Feminine Hygiene Products
• Shampoo, Soap, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Deodorant (trial size okay)
• Webcams (for women who have computers without camera capability- needed for Zoom meetings)
• Laundry Detergent
• Baby Items: Diapers (large sizes), Formula, Baby Wipes
• Tote Bags
• Lunch Bags
• Travel Mugs

For more information, please contact Broadway Utica at 315-624-9444 or online at www.BroadwayUtica.org.

“Beyond The Stage” is an annual yearlong campaign that works with a chosen non-profit to promote awareness for their organization and ties into the message of the upcoming show presented by Broadway Theatre League of Utica.