15 Years of Impact

Our Beginning

Fifteen years ago, Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) began as a small but passionate network of women inspired by the Women’s Health & the Environment conference. This event, created by Teresa Heinz, The Heinz Endowments, and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, was more than a gathering—it was a call to action.

Nationally renowned scientists, writers, and activists shared groundbreaking insights on how our environment affects our health, sparking a shared commitment among attendees to protect our communities.

After the first conference in 2007, a group of women from different fields came together to raise awareness and share practical tools for healthier living. United by a vision of a healthier, more informed community, these women laid the foundation for what WHE is today.

"Imagine if a mom, who we had helped train to think about these [environmental health] principles and guidelines, took that knowledge and ran for her City Council, where she could make a difference in making that community a healthier and safer place. That's the future that Women for a Healthy Environment envisions."

Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis

Executive Director

Timeline

2010

WHE Launches

Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) is founded to advance safe and healthy environments in homes, schools, and communities.

2010

Healthy Homes Program Begins

WHE launches its Healthy Homes Program to identify and reduce environmental health hazards where families live.

2010

2015

Expanding Advocacy Efforts

WHE registers as a lobbying organization to drive stronger environmental health policies and protections.

2015

Healthy Schools Program Launches

WHE begins the Healthy Schools Program, supporting safer learning environments for children across Pennsylvania.

2015

2016

National Policy Impact

WHE contributes to the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, strengthening national chemical safety standards.

2016

WHE Hosts First Healthy Communities Conference

WHE brings together educators, health experts, and advocates to collaborate on building healthier neighborhoods and schools.

2016

2017

Focus on Early Childhood and Environmental Health

Launched the Healthy Early Learning Program with support from the Hillman Foundation.
Introduced the Eco-Healthy Childcare Program.
Started the 1000 Hours Program to promote safe learning spaces.

2017

Federal Recognition

WHE receives its first grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advance its Healthy Homes work.

2017

2018

Tackling Lead Exposure

Hosted the first Life Without Lead Summit to address lead hazards in homes and schools.
Launched the Get the Lead Out and Lead Safe Allegheny initiatives to drive policy change and community education.
Published the first State of Schools Report, highlighting environmental health conditions in local schools.

2018

2020

Rapid Response and Community Support

Distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to childcare centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hired its first Community Health Worker to strengthen outreach and support.

2020

2021

Major Growth and Local Wins

Reached a milestone with $1 million in annual revenue.
Opened a new Philadelphia Office to expand statewide reach.
Secured a $250,000 settlement from the Attorney General’s Office for lead prevention education.
Received the Benjamin Rush Award from the Allegheny County Medical Society.
Successfully advocated for the Pittsburgh Lead Safety Law.

2021

2022

Deepening Health and Housing Initiatives

Received a HUD Grant to launch the Healthy Homes Asthma Program.
Established a dedicated Development Department to support program growth.
Successfully advocated for the passage of the Pennsylvania Whole Homes Repair Act.

2022

2023

Growing Communications and Impact

WHE creates a new Communications Department to increase awareness, storytelling, and outreach efforts.

2023

2024

National Awards and a Major Milestone

Awarded the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for the Healthy Homes Asthma Program.
Recognized as a U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year.
Launched refreshed branding and a new, user-friendly website.

2024

2025

A New Chapter

Continuing expansion of programs in schools, homes, and early learning centers.
Leading new advocacy efforts focused on PFAS and Radon in Schools.
Preparing for major policy campaigns to protect environmental health at the state and federal levels.
Building deeper partnerships with communities across Pennsylvania.
Celebrating 15 Years of Advancing Healthy Environments across Pennsylvania and beyond!

2025