How did you get started?

I did not start the way most people have, by going to college. I started working in the accounting department for a steel company right out of high school. While I worked, I took a few accounting college courses. I proceeded to get married and after 5 years, we started a family. We had 4 children in 3 1/2 years, the last 2 being twins. I worked part-time jobs while raising our children. When all of our children were in high school, I went back to work full-time at a non-profit home care agency in Northeast Philadelphia doing bookkeeping, I worked there for 17 years where I advanced from bookkeeper to office manager to administrator to director. Unfortunately, the office was closed down December of 2021. I took some time off after being laid off and helped with our 8 grandchildren.

In 2015, while I was working in the home-care agency, my husband and I bought a Rita’s Italian Ice franchise in Warrington, and in 2021 we bought a second store in Chalfont, where we have worked together with our family, supporting our community. We have many fundraisers for the surrounding schools, sports teams, and other charitable organizations. My husband takes care of supervising the stores and marketing and I take care of the bookkeeping and payroll. In March, I was approached about a managerial position opening up at the Benjamin Wilson Senior Center in Warminster. I was contacted by the board of directors, interviewed, and accepted the position as manager. The people that I work with and the seniors that attend are amazing. The seniors still have so much to give and have such interesting pasts. We have daily activities for senior citizens to help keep them vibrant and in the community while staying social. Some of the activities are billiards, Pinochle, Bridge, aerobics, chess, line dancing, bingo, bango, Mah Jongg travel, etc. – the center is for the young at heart!

Who or what has inspired your line of work?

My mother inspired me with her work ethic and how much she cared for people. She was a church secretary for 40 years where she always took the time to talk to people and care for the needs of people. People are so thankful to know that you care about them.

What about your organization makes you the proudest?

Working in the home care field taught me that people and their needs come first. When it came to our Rita’s business, my husband and I have fundraisers to support and give back to our community. Supporting our community is very important to us and this is the best way we have found to do that.

What advice would you share for any woman looking to start or join an organization such as yours?

Follow your heart, make a difference, and care about people and their feelings.

What in your life do you not spend time on?

I try not to spend time holding grudges or staying mad at people, it takes too much effort.

The best piece of advice that a mentor gave to you …could be anyone in your life or on any subject?

Be true to yourself, don’t let someone else make you out to be someone that you are not.

Photography by Alison Dunlap

Bucks Happening collaborated with our partners at Fox & Holly to dress our 2023 Happening Women Honorees.  Fashion was custom-selected based on each woman's personality.  Check out Fox & Holly, part of the locally-owned LSL Brands company, owned and led by Bucks County entrepreneur Karen Thompson.

Nancy is wearing an Essential Fall Blouse.

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