AWEC President Pelicia Hall and the Executive Committee are pleased to announce the 2025 Legacy Award is presented to Laurel Harry. AWEC annually presents the Legacy Award to an outstanding professional who has supported the development and contributions of senior and executive women in corrections.

Throughout her distinguished career in the field of corrections, Dr. Laurel Harry has exemplified the values and mission of AWEC-demonstrating exceptional leadership, mentorship, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to advancing women our profession.

With over 26 years of service, Laurel has not only shaped policy and practice within her organization but also leaves a lasting impact on countless individuals across the corrections field. Her career is marked by visionary leadership and a relentless dedication to public service, diversity and equity. Whether serving as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Corrections or through her involvement in AWEC, she has consistently lifted others as she has herself moved up in the corrections field.

A hallmark of Laurel’s legacy is her unwavering mentorship. She has actively guided and inspired emerging women leaders in corrections, sharing her wisdom, offering support and modeling excellence.  Many of today’s leaders credit her influence and guidance as  pivotal to their professional growth.

Laurel is an active member of the Correctional Leaders Association (CLA) and was recently named the Treasure for CLA. She is an active member of the AWEC Board of Directors and just recently completed her first group mentoring facilitation.

Beyond her impressive resume, Laurel’s character, humility and tenacity defines her legacy. She embodies the spirit of the legacy award not only in what she has accomplished but how she has done it-with courage, compassion and profound sense of purpose.

Please join us in congratulating Laurel Harry on being the 2025 Legacy Awardee.