Mariah Fenton Gladis Receives Pennsylvania Business Award

MALVERN, PA – April 3, 2009–Mariah Fenton Gladis was named one of “Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business” in 2009 by Gov. Edward G. Rendell and five Pennsylvania business journals for her work as an international psychotherapist, Gestalt trainer, workshop leader, motivational speaker, ALS advocate, author and champion for women.

Governor Edward G. Rendell called the winners terrific examples of Pennsylvania's brightest business minds and role models for anyone who aspires to succeed. "Pennsylvania and the communities in which these award winners work are better because of them,” the Governor said. “I encourage Pennsylvania's young people to follow their lead."

"I’m honored to be recognized among a group of such remarkable women,” says Mariah. “We, as women leaders in the emerging global community, have the responsibility and the privilege of instilling both passion and compassion in the workplace, our communities and the world.”

“I am extremely proud of Mariah,” says husband, Ron Gladis, “especially considering she’s spent more than two-thirds of her career coping with ALS. She is a truly remarkable and inspirational woman.”

The “Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business” award is open to women in Pennsylvania who are owner, partner, president or some significant decision making capacity in their company. An independent panel of judges selected the top 50 candidates based on their dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women in business.

Along with winning this recognition and award of being one of Pennsylvania's "Best 50 Women in Business," Gladis is invited to several events on May 11, in Harrisburg, including an afternoon reception at the Governor’s Residence with Governor Ed Rendell and an evening awards reception at the Harrisburg Hilton. The winners will also be featured in business journals throughout the state.

Mariah Fenton Gladis, MSS, QCSW, is the founder and clinical director of the Pennsylvania Gestalt Center for Psychotherapy and Training and is on the faculty of Esalen Institute. She serves on the Board of Advisors of Camp Dreamcatcher—a camp for children affected/infected with HIV/AIDS, and is faculty and trainer for Center for a Healthy World, a volunteer-driven psychotherapy cooperative. Mariah also counsels people with life threatening illnesses and their families, hoping her personal story will serve as an inspiration.