What’s your current position? How long have you been in this position? Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I am currently the Communications Director for State Senator John Blake and have served in this role since the Spring of 2015. I work very closely with the Senator on all public statements and communications and manage all of our websites and social media pages.

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

It is really easy to come to work when you admire the good work that your company or your boss is doing. I think Senator Blake really does a great job for our region and he is a great person to work for and learn from.

Not sure if it was meant to be a work perspective question, but the two things I’m most passionate about are music and football. I love going to concerts, playing guitar and watching the Philadelphia Eagles – as frustrating as that may be most times.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school? Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I grew up in Montdale and graduated from Lakeland High School in 2002. After high school I went to Towson University just outside of Baltimore, MD. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science. I was also a four-year letter winner and played Tight End for the Towson Tigers football team. Towson is a great school and in a great location so I really enjoyed my four years there.

Right after college, I was offered a job as a Communications Specialist for the Senate Democratic Caucus. I was proud to call the State Capitol Building my office for over seven years. My wife and I were lucky enough to find jobs back in NEPA in 2013 so we relocated from Mechanicsburg to Jessup and are now living with our two daughters in Greenfield Township.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are? Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.

Family really shaped and influenced who I am. My parents are both really hard workers and that has always been something I admired and respected. Even today, they are at work for hours before I even think of getting out of bed. My dad was also my football coach growing up and throughout high school so he always pushed me to do my best.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-gradutaion?

I had always known about Leadership Lackawanna and my dad was an alum years ago. I also hosted a handful of trivia night fundraisers for Leadership and for different teams raising money for their projects.

I participated in the Core Program in 2018 and it was a really great experience. Our team made various updates and improvements to The Pavilion at Nay Aug Park. It was a lot of fun working with our team and doing something like that. The program was a great networking opportunity and a lot of us from the class became close friends and stay in touch regularly. After graduating from the Core program, I was fortunate enough to be selected to join the Board of Directors and currently chair the Events Committee.

Not sure if it was meant to be a work perspective question, but the two things I’m most passionate about are music and football. I love going to concerts, playing guitar and watching the Philadelphia Eagles – as frustrating as that may be most times.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school? Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I grew up in Montdale and graduated from Lakeland High School in 2002. After high school I went to Towson University just outside of Baltimore, MD. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science. I was also a four-year letter winner and played Tight End for the Towson Tigers football team. Towson is a great school and in a great location so I really enjoyed my four years there.

Right after college, I was offered a job as a Communications Specialist for the Senate Democratic Caucus. I was proud to call the State Capitol Building my office for over seven years. My wife and I were lucky enough to find jobs back in NEPA in 2013 so we relocated from Mechanicsburg to Jessup and are now living with our two daughters in Greenfield Township.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are? Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.

Family really shaped and influenced who I am. My parents are both really hard workers and that has always been something I admired and respected. Even today, they are at work for hours before I even think of getting out of bed. My dad was also my football coach growing up and throughout high school so he always pushed me to do my best.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-gradutaion?

I had always known about Leadership Lackawanna and my dad was an alum years ago. I also hosted a handful of trivia night fundraisers for Leadership and for different teams raising money for their projects.

I participated in the Core Program in 2018 and it was a really great experience. Our team made various updates and improvements to The Pavilion at Nay Aug Park. It was a lot of fun working with our team and doing something like that. The program was a great networking opportunity and a lot of us from the class became close friends and stay in touch regularly. After graduating from the Core program, I was fortunate enough to be selected to join the Board of Directors and currently chair the Events Committee.

What’s your current position?  How long have you been in this position?  Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I currently serve as the Mission Advancement & Marketing Director at the Greater Scranton YMCA. I began my YMCA career at the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA in 2011. In 2012, I accepted a position at the Greater Scranton YMCA and in 2015, I began serving as the Mission Advancement & Marketing Director for both the Greater Scranton and Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs. In March, 2019, following the December, 2018 arrival of my twins, I transitioned back to the Greater Scranton YMCA, while continuing to assist the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA in their marketing and public relation efforts.

The Greater Scranton YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. In my current role, I am privileged to lead the financial development and marketing departments; a role that allows me to work with Y senior leaders in securing the resources necessary to allow all members of our community to benefit from all our Y has to offer. Additionally, I have the joy of sharing the cause and impact of our Y with our community. I direct the Y’s Annual Support Campaign, grant process, participation in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program and additional fundraising initiatives. I also manage the Y’s marketing campaigns, social media platforms and public relations.

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

I believe all children, adults and families deserve the opportunity to benefit from all the Y has to offer, regardless of their ability to pay. Through the Greater Scranton YMCA’s fundraising efforts, I help make that a reality and that motivates me every day. All children should have the chance to learn the lifesaving skill of swimming, working parents should have the opportunity to send their children to preschool and summer day camp and all members of our community should be able to benefit from a membership to the Y.

Through program’s like the Y’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program and QUEST, the Greater Scranton YMCA works to combat the achievement gap, or the learning disparity that exists between children who do not have access to the same educational opportunities over the summer months as their more fortunate peers. The YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program, LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA and Enhance®Fitness are programs in the Y’s chronic disease prevention department that assist adults in our community in growing stronger in both mind and body. It’s programs like these that motivate me to continue advocating for those in need.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?  Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I grew up in Peckville, Pennsylvania and that is where I currently reside with my family. Northeastern Pennsylvania has always been my home. After graduating from Valley View High School in 2007, I attended Penn State University in University Park, PA (WE ARE!), where I graduated in 2011 with a degree in print journalism. Upon graduating, I moved back home where I started my first job as a regional reporter at the Scranton Times-Tribune.

The older I get, and especially now having children of my own, the more I love and appreciate all Northeastern Pennsylvania has to offer. It is such a wonderful place for families with so much to do. I am grateful my children will have the opportunity to grow up here just like my husband and I did.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?  Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.

A key influencer in my life has always been my mother, Kathy. Having overcome so much, my mother is my rock and I am so grateful to her for the childhood I was given and for all she continues to do for my family and I. She helped to teach me about resiliency and strength and I regularly go to her for advice and feedback. I am very lucky to call her mine.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-gradutaion?

I learned about Leadership Lackawanna through work and am so grateful I was given the opportunity to participate. I graduated from both the core and executive programs in 2015. After graduating, I had the privilege of serving on the Leadership Lackawanna Alumni Committee and Auxiliary Board.

Leadership has provided me with so many opportunities to grow more connected to the area I call home. Having grown up Northeastern Pennsylvania, one of my favorite things about my time in Leadership Lackawanna programs was how much I still learned about the region, as well as about the resources available to community members. Moreover, the connections I made, both professionally and personally, were amazing. Leadership programs provided me with so many opportunities to develop professionally and I truly believe thanks to my participation, I am a better, more confident and connected employee. I will forever cherish my time with the organization and cannot wait to remain active and participate in Leadership initiatives in the future!

What’s your current position?  How long have you been in this position?  Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

Since July 2017, I have been the President & CEO of Friends of the Poor.  We are a nonprofit agency sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) in Scranton, PA.  Our mission is to ease the burden of poverty and enhance the quality of life for all those living in low- to moderate-income communities.  We do this by offering emergency assistance in the form of food, clothing, household items, furniture, rent/utility assistance, and transportation to medical appointments.  We also offer programs and activities to the residents of the Scranton Housing Authority Family Developments, such as after-school programs, summer camps, and social/educational field trips.

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

My passion is providing a hand up for those in need.  I want to make sure that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to succeed.  No child can concentrate on schoolwork if they are hungry.  No parent can focus on their child or their home when they are stressed about keeping the lights on and the water running.  I don’t believe that anyone in a country as wealthy and developed as ours should be without the basics they need to survive.  So, even when I hear the most gut-wrenching stories and see the most impoverished families in our community, I am inspired by our volunteers and donors who believe so much in our mission that they are called to help.  Seeing the relief on the faces of those we serve when they realize we can help ease their burdens motivates me to continue and expand our work.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?  Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I grew up in Scranton and Dunmore, PA.  I went to the University of Scranton for undergraduate and Marywood University for graduate school.  At the University of Scranton, I took part in the Special Jesuit Liberal Arts (SJLA) Honors Program.  The basis of the program is a community atmosphere that encourages excellence and service to others.  Being a small part of that program changed me in a number of ways, but mostly it made me approach every new thought, idea, or story from multiple angles.  I began to see the world in shades of gray and each person’s story as enigmatic.  I’ve never left NEPA for more than two months at a time, but that is by choice.  I have a wonderful life here made possible by the opportunities and gifts I’ve been given by our community.  I feel like it’s my responsibility to give that back and hopefully see the next generation do bigger and better things.   

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?  Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.

I’ve been molded by many people in my life, starting with my parents, grandparents, and siblings.  Each believed in me and knew I was capable of more than I ever thought I was myself.  In college my professors at the University of Scranton and Marywood University had a tremendous impact on me because they consistently challenged me to work harder and do more.  Now, I’d say my biggest influence is Sr. Ann Walsh, IHM.  She “retired” when I was hired, but that really meant she went from working 100 hours a week to about 60.  Her energy, compassion, and willpower amaze me every day even after working directly with her for almost three years.  She describes our day-to-day jobs as putting out little fires.  In reality, from morning to night she is meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and trying her best to help them.  She never turns anyone away.  If we can’t help at Friends of the Poor, she’ll work nonstop with them until she finds someone who can.  She is a remarkable woman, and I hope to be half of the person she is one day.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?

I participated in the 2017 Core Program.  It was a wonderful experience meeting professionals from all different fields working to make Lackawanna County a better place.  It was interesting to me to learn so many new things about a place I’d already lived for 27 years, and it was a great learning experience to work in a large group on a project for a local nonprofit.  Often we can get stuck in our way of doing things so we begin to approach problems from the same perspective, but working with a group of ten forces you out of that habit.  Ultimately, the project and the person are better for it.

What’s your current position?  How long have you been in this position?  Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I am the associate producer and chief administrative officer of The Italian American Podcast, which is based in New York, NY. I handle the coordination and production of the episodes of our show, which focuses on all aspects of Italian American heritage. I perform research and craft show notes for our co-hosts, and I also get to schedule guests and pitch episodes. During the COVID-19 crisis, I was able to help transfer our show over to a digital format, allowing everyone to work remotely and have zero breaks in production. I also worked with our executive producer to come up with ways to keep our audience engaged during this difficult time in our world. I also work on our website, blog, social media, and public relations. I have been in this position since January of 2020 and absolutely love it!

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

I am most passionate about my Italian American heritage and that is the driving force behind everything I do. I have been working as a “Professional Italian American” ever since my college days—I have three books out on Italian American heritage in NEPA and am often a featured speaker about our area’s rich traditions both locally and nationally. It is an honor for me to be able to pass down the stories of Italian immigrants to our country. Knowing that these stories are preserved in some way is what motivates me to get up every day.

The fact that I now have a full-time job in the Italian American field is an absolute dream come true. My colleagues—my “famiglia”—at The Italian American Podcast inspire me every day to keep living my heritage. I have so much fun with our team that I honestly forget I am working—we all feed off of each other’s shared passions and it makes our show something very special that I hope our listeners can hear. A lot of love goes into every episode and I am proud to be a part of it.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?  Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I grew up in NEPA and currently reside in Dunmore. I was a 1998 participant in the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program while I was a junior at Bishop O’Hara High School. I am a 2003 graduate of the University of Scranton (Bachelor of Arts: Italian and French) and received my Master’s Degree in American History from there in 2006. I also hold a Master’s Degree in Journalism from Regent University (2009).

I strongly believe in our area and its deep potential. It is a source of pride for me to say that I am from northeastern Pennsylvania. I believe in our region’s strong commitment to its past while paving the way for its future. Our region is the perfect example of why historic preservation is so important—you see the marriage of past, present and future in every aspect of our life here. I couldn’t think of anyplace else I’d rather live.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?  Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.

My chief influence in my life is my mother, Annie Longo. My mother raised me as a single parent from the time I was three years old, and her example has taught me strength and resilience. From the time I was a child, she instilled in me a profound love for our Italian heritage from Guardia Lombardi (AV) and Lamezia Terme (CZ). She is the reason why I am who I am and I am proud to be her daughter.

I also count my great aunt, the late Jennie Moeller, as another major influence in my life. Aunt Jennie was my grandfather’s sister. I never knew my grandfather—I only knew him through the stories my mother told me about him and how he wanted to return to Italy, but never made it. Aunt Jennie helped bring these stories to life. She also taught me how to find the fun in everything I do and that laughter really is the best medicine.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with Leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?

I am a proud graduate of the Core Program Class of 2019 and my team was “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”

Leadership Lackawanna was, hands down, the best thing that could have happened to me. Not only did I make lifelong friends as a result of this program, but the professional growth I experienced through each session was second-to-none. Leadership Lackawanna provided me with the path to completely transform my professional career and to truly follow my passion in life. When I look back over my nine months in Core, I see a definite shift in myself on all levels—you’re not just developing as a leader, you’re developing as a human being. What is most special about Leadership Lackawanna is that you’re experiencing this development with other people—this allows you to forge a bond that can’t be broken with your classmates and your team. Empowered people empower people! I truly value the time spent in Core and am thankful to still be active with the organization via its Alumni and Selection committees. I also make it a point to attend our Core program reunion activities—it’s wonderful to be able to check in with everyone!

What’s your current position?  How long have you been in this position?  Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I have been with KCR for 20 years over the years working my way up in the organization; in 2015 I became President of the company.  My role is to create an environment for success for our staff and the people we serve.  Every day we work to serve 1300 individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities in PA and NJ.

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

I am energized when I hear from families that they are happy with the services their loved ones are receiving or when I hear from a colleague how impressed they were with our staff’s support of our clients.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?  Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I grew up in western New York State on a dairy farm, and my parents were also caregivers for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities.  These experiences created a strong work ethic and desire to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.  I attended Fillmore Central School and went onto the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (UPB) where I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  I furthered my studies at St. Bonaventure University graduating with a Master’s Degree in Education.

I met my husband, Justin while attending UPB and we subsequently relocated to NEPA when I secured my position at KCR.  We are now raising our children here.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?  Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.

Throughout my life I have had many people influence my success.  Every experience has been an opportunity to learn something new, every person important to my story.  In the beginning, my parents were great role models for a strong work ethic and serving others.  A key person during my college years was my boss at my college job, she was a role model for me as she had a great career and was raising a family at the same time.  I saw then that I didn’t have to choose one over the other, I could have a great career and have a great family, if I worked hard.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-gradutaion?

I was in the class of 2009, it allowed me as a professional not living, but working in Lackawanna County to learn more about local businesses and professionals.  I have regularly encouraged my staff to participate in the program as a part of their leadership development as I directly experienced the benefits of the program.  Networking with professionals outside of your industry is critical to leadership development and business success. 

What’s your current position?  How long have you been in this position?  Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I am the Director of Operations for Admiral Management Services since June 2010. My position encompasses development of upcoming projects, policies and procedures and overseeing management of each project. I have recently obtained my PA Real Estate Broker’s license and will be opening a real estate division of our company with emphasis on residential and commercial real estate in NEPA.

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

Developing projects from start to finish is rewarding. Taking a building that would otherwise be turned in to a surface parking lot and instead developing it into apartments and commercial spaces occupying the downtown neighborhood gives our entire team great pride and benefits the community.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?  Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I am born and raised in Scranton, attended the University of Scranton for a short time and worked my way up through the ranks to where I am today. Currently I live in Throop with my fiancé and four children.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?  Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.  

I have been lucky to have employers who allowed me to take my children to work with me when necessary. Without them, I would not have been able to succeed as a working mother of four. Paying it forward to our working parents throughout our company creates a family friendly atmosphere while teaching children how to be successful employees.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?

 I graduated from the Leadership Lackawanna Executive track in 2012. Leadership has provided me—and many members of my team— with tremendous opportunities throughout the past 8 years including serving as a board member for 3 years. I look forward to providing our employees with the Leadership experience for years to come.

What’s your current position? How long have you been in this position? Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work? 

I am the president of Reuther & Bowen, p.c. which is a 24-person consulting structural and civil engineering & steel detailing firm located in Dunmore, pa.  We primarily practice in NJ, NY and PA, but we go beyond this as well. This is my 10th year as owner of the company and the 21st year of the firm. My role is multi-faceted and includes overseeing the engineering design of building and site development projects on a wide variety of market sectors. This includes; academic buildings for colleges & universities, hospitals & assisted living facilities, multi-family housing, public and private k-12 schools, industrial buildings, high rise structures, research laboratories, and others.  My other responsibilities include marketing / business development activities, client relations and long-range strategic planning.

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

I am passionate about having the opportunity to play a significant and meaningful role within a team design professionals and contractors on challenging transformational projects.  We are fortunate to often be involved with projects that help to further the mission of owners, institutional clients, and government entities while also improving the social and economic conditions of the region they serve.  I like to be in situations that require a high degree of innovative thought and coming up with solutions that propel projects forward, or more simply…being a “problem solver”.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school? Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?

I was born in Scranton and my parents moved to the North Pocono school district when I was in grade school. After high school I attended Penn state at university park where I earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering.  The engineering curriculum was very challenging, competitive and demanded extreme dedication, but my high school experience and the work ethic engrained in me through my upbringing led me through it.  After college, I moved to New York City and spent about 3 years working there before getting married. Shortly after marriage, I decided to leave the firm I was with to move back to nepa.  My wife and I wanted to live here and raise our children here because we love the quality of life.  We also enjoy being close to our families and loved ones – most of whom are here too.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are? Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you.  

Growing up, my parents were the biggest influencers on me.  My father started a contracting business at a young age and has a work ethic beyond what I have ever witnessed in another person. That work ethic rubbed off on me, and I developed a passion for architecture and engineering by working alongside him for many summers. This, along with his unparalleled talent and skill in construction and other areas of life inspired me to excel to the fullest in every endeavor – and to take risks.  My mother was highly instrumental in inspiring me to excel academically and to push hard in life to overcome challenges – but to also stay focused on the importance of family.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?

I was offered the opportunity to join leadership Lackawanna through a former employer and graduated with the class of 2003.  I made some good friends and some business contacts through the program and gained a deeper appreciation for the area where I grew up and live today.  The group that I served on in that class started the annual business plan competition (which was through the great valley technology alliance).  This competition helped to spark several small businesses that are still going strong.  I am very proud to have played a small role in that.  Since graduating I served on the board for a few terms and have been a member of the alumni association.  Last year I recruited and sponsored one of my employees in the program because I feel that there is enormous value gained from the experience for young professionals.  I also support the program’s mission to help inspire leadership in our community and the region at large.  The benefits to our region through leadership Lackawanna are countless.  I am thankful for my past experiences with the program and have no doubt that it will continue to be a valuable resource and catalyst for growth in the area well into the future.

What’s your current position?  How long have you been in this position?  Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work? 

I’m the Front Office Manager at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center responsible for the organization and distribution of our guest rooms and ensuring the highest level quality of service for our guests. In April 2020, I will be celebrating my 12-year anniversary at the Hilton, where I now play a key role in managing the revenue of the hotel, managing and training the front office team, and acting as a liaison between the GeneraI Manager and our entire staff. Among the many rewarding aspects of this career is getting to be the face of the property, supporting our guests and interacting with them upon arrival and throughout their stay to guarantee the best possible experience.  

I am also passionately involved with helping lead and participate in the many activities of our Blue Energy Committee, a volunteer group formed by our hotel that’s intended to create a positive impact on the people and communities across Scranton. We’re currently working closely with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority and we adopted the Nay Aug Community Park, taking pride in the maintenance and general upkeep of this beautiful recreational area in hopes that the community will have a place to enjoy for many years to come. 

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

My motivation comes from helping, inspiring and empowering others and bringing joy to people’s lives. Approaching my work, and my life overall, with this sensibility is what feeds my sense of purpose and gives me faith that I’m contributing to building a stronger and more unified community. I work closely with local universities and colleges such as Keystone College, Marywood University, Lackawanna College and the University of Scranton, as one of the unexpected gifts that comes with my job is having the ability to give hotels tours and educate students about our more innovative management approach to the hospitality industry. When I see the students get excited about the hotel industry, or when I can spark something within them about this career choice, it is truly one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever experienced working here. Additionally, there’s great satisfaction in taking the time to empower the next generation of community leaders and I do this now through coaching, resume writing workshops, and mentoring sessions, all with the intention and goal of encouraging our youth to build a better future for themselves. 

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school/join the workforce after high school?  Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA? 

I grew up in New York City and was born and raised in the Bronx. I went to BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College) where I studied Business Administration and had access to some of the most interesting and influential educators. My professors were high level business attorneys, business owners, executives and community leaders of New York City and all were passionate about educating us to “find our why.”  They became professors only to see students like myself find their passion and live out our dreams. In 2008, I came to Scranton when my daughter Sahmira was born. My family are my greatest supporters. At first, the move to Scranton was supposed to be temporary, but I fell in love with my family life, the city and the hotel business and knew that this new chapter of my life was one that would push me to become a stronger and more impactful leader. It most definitely has. 

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are? Tell a bit about them and what they did that influenced you. 

I’ve been influenced by so many people throughout my life, but there are two executives who have influenced me tremendously at this phase of my life and career,  John P. Argonish, former General Manager of the Hilton Scranton and Ryan Alpert, former Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hilton Scranton. Both John and Ryan saw something in me professionally and helped me to see it myself.  John encouraged me to take on a position as a Sales Manager to help me see the hotel business differently and helped me see that I can take my career as far as I want it to go. Ryan’s support came in the form of genuine encouragement, helping me to know, and truly believe, that I can do anything I want. He shared with me a quote that I live by until this day: “You can’t be paralyzed by fear.” 

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation? 

It was John Argonish who enrolled me in the 2015-2016 Leadership Lackawanna Core Program. My experiences there are still paying dividends to this day. I made so many professional contacts, people who I now get a chance to work with on a daily basis,  and made some friendships that will last a lifetime. I also learned so much about the city and I’m willing to challenge anyone in Scranton Trivia. Since graduation, I have volunteered for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Association, Women’s Resource Center and the Lackawanna River Conservation Association. Lackawanna Leadership has played a key role in helping me become more of a community advocate within my workforce and has given me the opportunity to meet people from other industries and volunteer organizations. The work we did with Scranton’s Historical Architectural Review Board will forever be a resource to the city of Scranton, PA. 

Where do you work and what is your current position? How long have you been in this position? Can you give me a brief overview of what it is you do in your work?

I work at Gertrude Hawk Chocolates and I am currently the Production Coordinator. I’ve held this position for two years; however, I have been with the company for nine years. I am responsible for planning and managing the production schedules for all of the manufacturing lines at Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, ensuring efficient scheduling and project management to properly direct production activities.

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

I really love Gertrude Hawk Chocolates as a company. It started in Scranton and is now located a short distance from its original location. The Hawk family is very inspirational, between what they do for their company and community. Leadership Lackawanna really instilled in me the importance of community involvement in addition to your normal “9-5” job. Gertrude Hawk supports and encourages this. Seeing the Hawk family so passionate about their business is really motivating to want to help it continue to be successful.  

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school? Where did you go, and what was that like? How did you end up in NEPA?
I grew up in Waymart, PA and went to Marywood University for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree after high school. I really enjoyed the experience of going to an art school which was also a liberal arts school. After working in the art and design field for ten years I went back to school at the University of Scranton for a Masters in Business Administration degree. Gertrude Hawk was very supportive of me returning to school and allowed me to move into a different department within the company after receiving my MBA. My entire family is in NEPA and I love this area!

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna? In what class year and program did you participate? Describe your experience. How did the program affect you post-graduation? What has your involvement with leadership Lackawanna been post-graduation?

I was approached by leadership at Gertrude Hawk Chocolates about participating in the Core program in 2013. I really loved the experience of the Core program. Even though I am local to the area, I knew no one in my class (except a fellow Gertrude Hawk co-worker) and I was introduced to a lot of things in the area that I had not experienced before. The program gave me a lot of confidence with public speaking and overall at work. Post-graduation I was elected to the Leadership Lackawanna Board of Directors. I’m currently serving my last year of my second term on the board. In this last year I’m also serving as Chair of the Board! I’m very involved with fundraising for the program and enjoy meeting all the new participants in all three programs every year.

In what ways are you/have you been active in the community (boards, committees, volunteering etc.).

Immediately following finishing the Core program I volunteered on the board of Dress for Success Lackawanna, which was the organization I worked with while in the Core program. I served on the board for two years. In addition to what I currently do for Leadership Lackawanna, I also serve on the board of the Scranton Chamber of Commerce and volunteer for the NativityMiguel School of Scranton.