Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening

She Knows Where She’s Going Award

Since 1990, Girls Inc. of the Berkshires has presented the “She Knows Where She’s Going” Award to an area woman, or women, who makes a difference in the Berkshires and serves as a role model for girls. The award is presented in each spring as part of our Ruth P. Boraski Celebration Evening. The evening highlights our recipient’s accomplishments and tells her story and acknowledges excellence in young women from Berkshire County high schools by providing scholarships to assist them as they continue their education.

2025 Award

Girls Inc. of the Berkshires is thrilled to announce its annual Celebration Evening, taking place on Thursday, May 8 at 5:00 PM at the stunning Proprietor’s Lodge in Pittsfield. The evening will shine a spotlight on 12 remarkable female scholars from across Berkshire County and honor Brenda Petell as this year’s “She Knows Where She’s Going” Award recipient.

This signature event celebrates Strong, Smart, Bold young women of Berkshire County, who are blazing their own trails, as well as those in the community who have paved the way through advocacy, mentorship, and service.

About the 2025 Awardee: Brenda Petell

Brenda Petell currently serves as the Vice President, Community Engagement Officer at MountainOne, where she leads the bank’s community-driven initiatives and volunteer efforts across the region. Her professional journey began in finance and human resources at three Fortune 100 companies before she transitioned into the nonprofit world as the Director of Volunteer Engagement at Berkshire United Way.

A proud graduate of Wahconah Regional High School, Berkshire Community College, and Southern Vermont College (where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration), Brenda has always remained deeply rooted in her community. Her professional success has been driven by a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and helping others, a common thread that connects every chapter of her career.

Brenda’s community service includes leadership roles with GE Elfun, SABIC Volunteers, and 1Berkshire’s Youth Leadership Program Steering Committee, as well as her graduation from the Berkshire Leadership Program in 2007. She currently sits on the Advisory Committee for the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires, the Berkshire Advisory Board for the Department of Transitional Assistance, and the Board of Directors for Berkshire Education and Corrections Services.

You can regularly find Brenda giving back—especially during tax season as a volunteer for Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity’s VITA program—or spending time with her large, loving extended family, affectionately referred to as her “sibkids.” Brenda is a tireless advocate for children, equity, and access, with a long-standing relationship with Girls Inc. of the Berkshires as a mentor, volunteer, and supporter of events like the GABCC Free Store.

Her passion for community has also included involvement with the Berkshire Robotics Challenge, Pittsfield Academies, Business Professionals of America, and five years coordinating the Berkshire Museum’s High School Science Fair.

“Brenda’s unwavering dedication to lifting others, especially youth and families, makes her a shining example of what it means to know where you’re going—and to bring others along with you,” said Melissa Mazzeo, Board President of the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center. “She is a force for good in the Berkshires and beyond.”

Come here more about Brenda at this years Celebration Evening!