W2W - Confidence is Your First Defense (Sept. 2026)
Confidence is Your First Defense
Strength comes in many forms — confidence, awareness, preparation, and knowing how to respond under pressure. Join Women2Women for an empowering evening focused on de-escalation, personal safety, self-defense and connection.
Hear directly from local law enforcement professionals as they share practical strategies for situational awareness, conflict prevention and de-escalation techniques that can help women navigate difficult or uncomfortable situations with confidence. Then, learn self-defense skills from Ignite Martial Arts, a local woman-owned martial arts studio, with a focus on self-defense as a last resort when escape or de-escalation is no longer possible.
Whether you’re a student preparing for college, a young professional navigating new environments or a seasoned leader looking to sharpen your skills, this event offers valuable takeaways for women at every stage of life and career. With interactive learning and built-in networking opportunities, attendees will leave not only with practical tools, but with new connections and greater confidence.
Students attend free as part of Women2Women’s commitment to creating accessible opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
Bring water and active clothing! Wear comfortable active clothing or bring those clothes to change into at the event as we will be actively learning self-defense techniques!
Andrea Adam | Berks County Probation & Parole Department
Andrea Adam has dedicated the past 18 years to the Berks County Probation and Parole Department. She began her career in Juvenile Probation and currently serves as the Assistant Chief Probation Officer for Adult Probation and Parole.
In her current role, Andrea oversees officers supervising general caseloads and leads the department's newly established Female Trauma Unit (FTU). The FTU was created to provide gender-responsive supervision for women involved in the criminal justice system by connecting them with specialized support, treatment, and services that promote long-term success while on community supervision.
Andrea earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she is the Chair of the Board of Directors for Girls on the Run Berks County, reflecting her commitment to empowering women and girls both within the justice system and in the community.
Lauren Minnich | ATA Martial Arts
Marlena Ohlinger | Berks County
As Women2Women celebrates its 15th Anniversary—our Crystal Anniversary—we’re reflecting on the leaders, stories, and connections that built this community. Throughout 2026, each event will feature founding members, former speakers, award winners, and other influential voices who exemplify the impact Women2Women has had on women and Greater Reading over the past 15 years.
Date and Time
Thursday Sep 10, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDT
Location
Reading High School
801 N 13th St., Reading
Fees/Admission
$20 /GRCA Member
$30 /Future GRCA Member
FREE /Students (contact kjohnsen@greaterreading.org)
Contact Information
Jackie Stiles
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