October’s Speaker Series connected women’s health, workforce retention, and emerging policy considerations for Pennsylvania employers.
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC welcomed Ashley Walkowiak, Executive Director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women, to its October 28 Chamber Business Women+ (CBW+) Speaker Series for a timely discussion on menopause in the workplace and its implications for employees, employers, and the broader business community.
The conversation comes as Pennsylvania and federal lawmakers consider legislation addressing menopause-related workplace accommodations, healthcare access, and employee protections – proposals that could introduce new considerations for employers across the Commonwealth.
Against this evolving policy backdrop, Walkowiak explored how menopause and perimenopause can affect women during some of the most productive and influential years of their careers, raising important questions about workforce retention, employee well-being, and workplace culture.
“Menopause is not a personal inconvenience. It’s a public health and economic issue,” Walkowiak emphasized.
Beyond examining the challenges, the event provided an opportunity for employees, employers, and business leaders to exchange perspectives and identify practical solutions. Attendees participated in small-group discussions and shared ideas with the larger audience, including approaches to workplace flexibility, employee/employer education, healthcare benefits, and supportive organizational policies.
Representatives from organizations including UPMC and Johnson Controls contributed perspectives on existing workplace practices and opportunities for employers to better support their teams.
The interactive discussion reinforced a central theme of CBW+: bringing professionals together to share experiences, learn from one another, and explore issues that influence both individual careers and organizational success.
Emerging Legislation and Employer Considerations
The discussion comes as state and federal lawmakers consider several proposals addressing menopause-related workplace protections and healthcare access.
In Pennsylvania, House Bill 2135, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Cephas, passed the House on October 7 by a vote of 125–78 and was referred to the Senate Labor & Industry Committee on October 26. The proposed Menopause and Perimenopause Workplace Protections and Accommodations Act would establish requirements for reasonable workplace accommodations for certain pregnancy and menopause-related conditions.
Additional Pennsylvania legislation, including House Bill 1345, would expand Medicaid coverage for certain menopause treatments. Federal proposals also seek to address menopause-related research, education, healthcare access, and workplace accommodations.
These proposals will likely be reintroduced for the 2027/28 Legislative Session and could have implications for employer policies, employee benefits, and workforce management.
The Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has not taken a position in support of or opposition to these legislative proposals, but continues to monitor, evaluate and seek member feedback. We strive to keep members informed about emerging policy discussions and their potential implications for the regional business community.
Pennsylvania’s Forthcoming State of the Woman Report
Walkowiak also shared insights from the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Women’s forthcoming 2026 State of the Woman Report, which she indicated is expected to be released in November 2026.
The report draws on a 13-stop statewide listening tour and 10,814 survey responses from women representing all 67 Pennsylvania counties. It will examine women’s experiences and priorities across issues including workplace equality, healthcare access, economic security, caregiving, and personal safety.
The report will be Pennsylvania’s first comprehensive assessment since 2004 of women’s evolving needs, challenges, and access to critical resources, providing updated insights to inform future policy discussions and priorities across the Commonwealth.
Continuing the Conversation Through CBW+
The October discussion demonstrated the value of bringing employees and employers into the same room to explore challenges, exchange ideas, and identify opportunities for meaningful action.
Through its monthly CBW+ Speaker Series, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC creates opportunities for professionals at every career stage to engage with timely topics, build relationships, and learn from diverse perspectives across the regional business community.
CBW+ events are open to everyone who supports the advancement of professional women, with opportunities for networking, professional development, and collaborative discussion.
Learn more about CBW+ and explore upcoming events.
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ABOUT THE HARRISBURG REGIONAL CHAMBER & CREDC
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce- a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide. CREDC is the region’s toolbox for economic development. It is the only Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) approved by the Commonwealth’s Department of Community and Economic Development to perform economic development activities regionally using Pennsylvania’s funding programs across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties.
