Jennifer Shoemaker

What’s your current position? 

I am the Program Manager for the LEAD Center at Outreach.  We are located in Scranton and help individuals in employment search, creating a resume, mock interviews and put out a weekly job posting that is shared throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming and Susquehanna County.  We assist all job seekers and specialize in helping individuals with criminal records, transportation barriers and individuals in recovery.  I have worked at Outreach since 2015 and have been a Program Manager for The LEAD Center since 2019.  We have an amazing team at the LEAD Center who work to move families toward stability and economic self-sufficiency. Many folks just need a boost to get themselves in the door, we hope to help people find gainful work and break the cycle of recidivism and poverty.

 What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do?  What are you most passionate about? 

I am motivated by the amazing people who come to the LEAD Center looking for employment help.  They don’t have to share their stories with us but we get to be part of their journey in employment, help them in job search and assist them during the entire process.  Nothing is more rewarding when someone we have worked with gives an update that they are employed, doing extremely well and feel they are in a better place in their life.  That is our passion at the LEAD Center, working with all individuals and helping them succeed with their goals.  We believe everyone deserves to have a good job and to be treated with dignity and respect. 

 Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school? 

I grew up in Dunmore, PA and attended Dunmore High School.  I went on to attend the University of Scranton and obtained my Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. I loved growing up in Dunmore, it’s a small town, everyone knows each other and the community is really supportive.  My first job in High School was at Friendly’s and I have always loved interacting with people and getting to know my customers.

 Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are? 

I’d have my say my key mentor has always been my mom.  She worked so hard when my brother and I were growing up.  She set an amazing example of strong work ethic, managing diversity, independence and overcoming challenges.  I share much of those same traits with my job seekers today and hopefully provide motivation and hope they can succeed despite challenges and hardship.

 How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna?

I learned about Leadership Lackawanna through the Outreach Board members and was honored to be picked to be part of the graduating class, 2021.  My experience was fantastic.  I met so many awesome people with shared and different backgrounds.  We helped contribute to an amazing benefiting organization and created a vision for a team and how to help others inspire to achieve it.  That is truly what Leadership Lackawanna embodies, helping improve what you already know, and laying the groundwork for a successful career. I currently help with behind the scenes involvement in Leadership Lackawanna.  I enjoy doing emails, follow ups and creating organization when needed.  My free time is often spent on my small farm in Wyoming County with my silly goats Rocky, Bullwinkle, Belle and Boots, who wonderfully take up much of my time.