Women’s History Month Tribute written by Mary Cate Kitsmiller, Duquesne University Intern
Although the term Zero Waste is relatively recent, its core tenants of rethinking, reusing, and reducing have been around for a while and have been foundational to PRC’s history and mission. Since its establishment in 1939, PRC has had a strong focus on keeping Pennsylvania beautiful but in the 1970s first engaged in large-scale recycling, which caused a shift in mission to a Pennsylvania where nothing is wasted. PRC’s commitment to the core tenants of Zero Waste would be nowhere without the dedication of women who have helped lead and grow PRC’s programs. Two of PRC’s early women leaders – Hilda Fox and Cynthia Calhoun – were way ahead of their time. Hilda and Cynthia were trailblazers. They used their resources, skills, and influence to preserve Pennsylvania’s natural beauty, fight billboards, and prevent litter. They did this though the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s, long before the first Earth Day was ever observed.
Hilda Vogel Fox lived in Media and was an active member and leader of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, where she found inspiration and motivation for the organization that would become PRC. Hilda was with PRC from the very beginning, joining with others who were concerned with the growing proliferation of billboards and junkyards along roadways. She was an early disruptor – organizing boycotts and letter writing campaigns against companies who advertised on billboards, highlighting the worst offenders in print and TV ads, and organizing public campaigns for cleaner streets. She never let up. Hilda was a national leader in scenic preservation and litter prevention. Under her leadership, in the 1950s PRC introduced the Litterbug and initiated a national “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign in conjunction with the National Council of State Garden Clubs and Keep America Beautiful. She served as PRC’s President for 15 years. Hilda was a persistent, feisty, environmental champion.
Cynthia Shallcross Calhoun had roots in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. She supported and led many public service organizations in both cities, from PRC to Planned Parenthood and the Pittsburgh Symphony. Cynthia worked closely with Hilda to advance PRC’s mission to preserve scenic beauty and conserve natural resources. Elected as PRC’s President in 1956, Cynthia led a successful battle to enact PA’s first billboard control law as well as legislation to control strip mines, regulate junkyards, and preserve open space. Cynthia was a tireless, dedicated, environmental champion.
In 1973, the perfect choice to become PRC’s first Executive Director was Ruth Becker. Like Hilda and Cynthia, Ruth was a passionate advocate for waste reduction, recycling, and the preservation of a quality environment. Ruth led PRC through the 1970s and ’80s when the modern environmental movement began. Among her many talents, Ruth was an engaging and sought-after speaker, crisscrossing Pennsylvania and traveling to other states to advance PRC’s mission of environmental protection and conservation. She relentlessly pushed for legislation to mandate recycling – hosting workshops, organizing outreach and education campaigns, and advocating to legislators. Ruth played a starring role in the passage of Act 101 in 1988. In recognition of Ruth’s work, in 1992 PRC honored her with the coveted PRC Fox Calhoun Award. Ruth currently serves as PRC Board Member Emeritus.
Today PRC continues its reliance on determined and passionate female leaders such as several recent Board Presidents including Winnie Branton and Diana Alwine.
PRC’s current executive director, Sarah Alessio Shea, oversees statewide public and private partnerships focused on education, material collection/recycling, watershed protection, and litter prevention. During the 21 years that Sarah has been with PRC, she has filled many roles including program specialist, education coordinator, collection events manager, managing director, and deputy director. Through these positions, Sarah has coordinated PRC’s Hard to Recycle and Household Chemical Collections, managing more than 60 events that have served 35,000 residents and diverted 3.4 million pounds of material from landfills. She also led the development of PRC’s Act 101 White Paper, published in 2021, advancing statewide recycling policy. As Deputy Director, Sarah oversaw PRC’s staff and programs across Pennsylvania, ensuring effective implementation of environmental initiatives. She has secured grant funding from government agencies and private foundations, building lasting relationships that have strengthened PRC’s capacity and expanded programs in recycling, waste diversion, and environmental education. Through her commitment to collaboration, she has made contributions that have lasting, scaling, and replicable impact and empower communities to do the same. Beyond PRC, Sarah contributes to the broader recycling community through board service with the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania and the National Recycling Coalition, where she uses her expertise and experience to guide strategy and advocacy at the state and national level.
photos show at top of page
(left) Ruth Becker with Governor Richard Thornburgh
(right) Hilda V. Fox and Cynthia S. Calhoun with PA Secretary of Highways Henry Harral