Melissa Gilbert is an Emmy-winning, Golden Globe-nominated actor, director, producer, and NY Times Best Selling author.
As an actress, Gilbert’s career began at the age of two appearing in commercials and guest spots. Melissa achieved iconic status by the age of 19 after a 10-year run on the television classic Little House On The Prairie (Golden Globe Nomination).
She has starred in over fifty television movies and feature films, including The Miracle Worker (Emmy Nomination), The Diary of Anne Frank, and Splendor in the Grass.
Gilbert’s television series credits include Little House on the Prairie (Golden Globe Nomination, 2 Young Artist Awards), Sweet Justice, Stand By Your Man, and Secrets and Lies for ABC.
Gilbert’s company, Halfpint Productions, produced several films, including The Miracle Worker (Emmy Award).
Gilbert made her stage debut in 1979 as Helen Keller in “The Miracle Worker.” A member of the legendary Actor’s Studio, Melissa’s other professional theater credits include Laura in Glass Menagerie, Elma Duckworth in Bus Stop, Melissa Gardner in Love Letters, and Rose White, a role she created in “A Shayna Maidel,” (Outer Critic’s Circle Award and Theater World Award).
In 2008 Gilbert also created the role of Ma in the Guthrie Theater’s presentation of Little House on the Prairie: The Musical and toured North America the following year.
In 2014, Gilbert played M’Lynn in a production of Steel Magnolias at the Totem Pole Playhouse. Gilbert’s off-Broadway credits include If Only: A Love Story at the Cherry Lane, The Dead 1904 with the Irish Repertory Company, and My Brilliant Divorce at the New Ohio Theater. Most recently, Gilbert starred in the premiere of the critically acclaimed play When Harry Met Rehab at the Greenhouse theater center in Chicago.
As an author, Gilbert has penned three best-selling books; Prairie Tale: A Memoir (New York Times Best Seller), Daisy and Josephine, a children’s book, and My Prairie Cookbook. Her fourth book, Back To the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered, was written for Simon and Schuster’s Gallery Books and was released in May of 2022.
In 1996, Melissa made her television directing debut with the ABCafter school special “Me and My Hormones,”
Gilbert was president of Screen Actors Guild for two terms, 2001-2004. She served on the executive council of the AFL-CIO, The California Film Commission, and in 2016 was the democratic nominee for Michigan’s 8th congressional district.
In 2015, Gilbert and her husband Timothy Busfield co-starred, co-wrote, and co-produced the multi-award-winning short film” One Smart Fellow.”
Gilbert was honored with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award and when she was twenty-one, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Melissa is very proud to tell people that her star is just a short walk from her father’s. She is the proud mother/stepmother of six sons and one stepdaughter. She is also grandmother/step-grandmother to her absolutely perfect, brilliant grandchildren, Lulabelle, Ruby, Eli, Vito, Aury, Bowen and Ripley .
Robyn Hatcher is an international speaker, communication expert, consultant, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and “recovering” actor.
For the past 20 years, she has successfully trained and coached thousands of business professionals to help them elevate their personal impact, improve communication, reduce conflict, and decrease HR drama. Robyn has worked with and spoken in front of noteworthy brands like—UBS, Equitable, Alliance Bernstein, Global Industrial, Specialty Foods, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Raymond James, Lifetime Television, PayPal, Spotify, Con Edison, Hewlett Packard, and conferences like Professional Women of the Gulf Coast, Administrative Professionals Conference, Intel Women, Western North Carolina Black Business Conference, and many others.
She is also a managing partner with Practice Management Consultants, LLC. a consortium of Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) geared toward supporting Financial Services Firms on issues relating to Diversity & Inclusion, Sales & Communication, Leadership & Learning.
Hatcher is a vetted Vistage speaker and has spoken on hundreds of stages, large and small. She also serves as a mentor and faculty member for these women-run communities – Stand Out Webinars, EvolveMe, WiseHer, and Building Brave.
She has written several screenplays and was once a staff writer for ABC’s One Life to Live and All My Children. Hatcher has been seen on Good Morning America, The List TV, and numerous TV commercials and episodic TV shows. She has served on the board of New York Women in Communication, Manhattan’s Community Board Five, and the New York Chapter of the National Speakers Association, where she is currently President-Elect. In 2019, Hatcher was named by Ewomen’s news as one of the 21 women of the 21st Century.
Her book, Standing Ovation Presentations, contains a unique communication-style system called ActorTypes.
Hatcher lives in New York City with her husband, Ken Becker, and is the proud mom of Nolan Becker, a former minor league baseball pitcher, Yale grad, and Wharton MBA candidate.
Kate Sholonski is a certified life coach and co-founder/partner of Triumph Leadership Group.
Sholonski’s many years as a nurse, a wife, a mom, a business partner, a speaker, an author, and a leadership trainer have given her many opportunities to master the art of personal empowerment.
Her innate ability to access joy, humor, and playfulness with her storytelling and engaging presentations brings out the best in everyone she touches.
Sholonski’s presentations have elicited such comments as, “a true life-changer,” “best in the business,” “illuminating, soul-stirring,” “charismatic,” “transformational,” upbeat, moving, personal,” “awakening,” “empowering,” “the best training I’ve ever experienced.”
Guzal Mustafina came to America from Uzbekistan with little command of the language and customs of her new home. Yet her integrity and honesty have transformed countless American marriages and families in her role as a family systems and relationship coach. Her heartfelt, unconditional love transforms the people she serves.
Mustafina brings wisdom and compassion to partnerships. She brings playfulness and discipline to family systems. Her curious inquiry brings out the best in everyone.
Many of the teams Mustafina coaches are small family-owned businesses. She is fulfilling her dream by assisting people to find greater passion and enjoy simple pleasures together. Her clients are reaping the benefits of her strategic intervention.
Mustafina holds a bachelor’s degree from Baruch College and a master’s degree fromSage University.
Dr. Christine Kiesinger creates professional development trainings in the areas of: exemplary leadership, team dynamics, workplace cultures that thrive, relational health, conflict resolution, stress, and trauma.
Dr. Kiesinger is the co-creator of AMPLIFY: Women’s Leadership Certificate Program—the premier, innovative leadership development program for women in NEPA.
Dr. Kiesinger maintains a robust personal development and executive coaching practice. She takes a multi-disciplinary approach to coaching which includes her expertise as an IFS (internal family systems) practitioner.
Dr. Kiesinger is a published author, podcast guest, interviewer, and guest blogger. She has published in Thrive Global, Medium, and Authority and co-authored the book, “Narrating Midlife: Crisis, Transition, Transformation.” Her current labor of love is her keynote speech titled: “The Vow,” and the book manuscript that supports it, “The Vow: the art and practice of self-devotion.”
Dr. Kiesinger holds a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes University; a master’s degree from the University of Virginia; and her doctorate from the University of South Florida.
Elizabeth Keiper is a master coach in the transformational coaching method and a functional nutrition counselor. She specializes in habit change and root cause resolution.
Keiper is a small business owner for the last 14 years, making a positive impact on the local community, and serving children and their families.
Keiper holds a bachelor’s from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Norwich University.
Deborah Kolsovsky is a regional managing director with PNC Institutional Asset Management®, leading teams of experienced sales and investment professionals.
Kolsovsky team members are responsible for providing innovative and effective asset management solutions, including investment policy development and consultation, strategic asset allocation implementation, participant education for defined contribution plans, and ongoing client service.
Kolsovsky has been with the firm since 1990 and has extensive investment, banking, and management experience.
Kolsovsky is very active in the community, having served as a board member and volunteer for various health care, higher education, economic and nonprofit organizations, and currently serves as the board chair of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
Kolsovsky holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Scranton.
Susan E. Unvarsky is Prudential’s vice president of U.S. Customer Service Operations. Unvarsky oversees back-office operations for Prudential’s entire U.S. customer base. Her team consists of more than 700 associates located both domestically and internationally, and she is responsible for the administration of millions of life insurance, retirement, and annuities products, solutions, and outcomes for customers.
Unvarsky is also responsible for transforming the service models for the future, which will help Prudential’s customers to achieve financial wellness.
With Prudential for more than 30 years, Unarvsky has held various executive positions, including a chief operating officer of Prudential’s retirement business. Unarvsky currently sits on the board of trustees for Luzerne County Community College and King’s College, as well as the advisory council for King’s College.
Jasmine Willois is a nationally recognized expert and educator to lenders and creditors on mortgage trustee investing.
Willois has more than two decades of experience in real estate investing, investment banking, and 1st trust deed experience. Before founding The Note Assistance Program©, Willois was an equity trader and investment banker for Morgan Stanley and Dean Witter. After losing close colleagues on 9/11, she left the industry and worked as a loss mitigation specialist with GMAC Homecomings. Bit by the real estate bug, Jasmine left corporate America to chase the freedom and returns of real estate investing.
An advocate for responsible investing, she is an in-demand nationwide speaker and serves on the board of Alternative Wealth Investments, Engerman Estates, and Hope Ranch.
Willois holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from California State University. She is a certified training professional with the International Society of Female Professionals and a certified delegate spokeswoman for the Women in Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem.
Karolyn DeMarco is an assistant professor and chair of the academic development division at Lackawanna College. She is the chair of the curriculum committee and an active member of the faculty intervention team as a mentor for students in need.
DeMarco describes her career as an absolute dream job and feels lucky to inspire and help her students each semester.
Supporting the community is very important to Karolyn. Each semester, she provides her students with opportunities to give back to the community by organizing events for local elementary schools.
DeMarco holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Scranton.
Mandie Hendricks is the vice president and wealth management financial advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott.
In this role, she provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, families, non-profit organizations, and businesses.
Hendricks’s passion is helping her clients pursue a secure financial future and gain financial independence by motivating them to save and invest for the future. She is proud to act as a fiduciary and offer comprehensive financial advice and investment strategies that are always in her client’s best interests.
Hendricks holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and is a Certified Financial Planner™. She serves on the board of directors for the Luzerne County Community College Foundation and the Freeland YMCA. She resides in Conyngham with her husband and two sons.
Megan Stone overcame debilitating chronic illness through healing unresolved traumas. This sparked her desire to help others to do the same. She helps clients navigate their journeys towards feeling and being their best selves by tapping into the mind/body connection and using other holistic healing methods.
Stone received her health coaching certification through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, the world’s largest nutrition school, and opened her own health coaching practice.
She is a self-proclaimed ‘spirit nerd’ and recently finished writing her first book, a memoir, and looks forward to writing self-help books and public speaking to connect with others on a larger scale.
Stone enjoys inspiring and engaging with her thousands of followers on her Facebook page and other social media platforms.
Stone holds a bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University.
Kimberlee Greenleaf is the Senior Account Manager for Audacy.
Kimberlee will say that her mom calls her a “late bloomer.” She elected not to go to college and entered the workforce in 1987. Originally from New Jersey, Kimberlee moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania at age 45.
Kimberlee has more than 35 years of experience in marketing and advertising. In her role as Senior Account Manager for Audacy, Kimberlee designs and creates custom strategies for successful companies in NEPA.
Kimberlee has developed lasting, strong relationships within the community. She strives to enrich the lives of those around her through voices people trust and content they love. She believes she must be trusted by her clients to be their primary marketing solutions partner, delivering multi-platform, data-infused, holistic audio campaigns.
Kimberlee is a top performer at Audacy with advanced knowledge in dozens of different industries to design custom solutions that deliver superior results.
Kimberlee’s goal is to continue to thrive in her work, personal and family life with amazing women as we stay fearless together!
Noelle Krempasky serves as vice president and director of marketing. In this role, she oversees the strategic marketing efforts of the organization, including digital sales.
Prior to being named to this position, Krempasky served as a marketing manager since 2018. In this role, she helped to create a robust and competitive brand. Her efforts, including her innovative marketing approach, drive sales in all divisions.
Krempasky holds a bachelor’s degree from Cedar Crest College. She’s also a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing, where she earned her Certified Financial Marketing Professional (CFMP) designation. She is a graduate of Leadership Lackawanna, Class of 2011.
Holly K. Pilcavage serves as president and CEO of Coal Creative, a creative agency in northeast Pennsylvania. She oversees all operations, finances, expansion, and community-based efforts in her role.
Pilcavage actively serves the underserved and underrepresented community members as an engaged member in various organizations, such as Dress For Success Luzerne County; board chair for the Rainbow Alliance; board member for the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber; board member and co-chair of Legislative Education & Advocacy Day (L.E.A.D). In addition, Holly chaired the first-ever Pride Parade in Downtown Wilkes-Barre, where over 700 community members walked in the parade, and 3,500+ attended the celebration.
Pilcavage enjoys CrossFit, adventure, and tending to her 130 plants. She set a personal goal to spend time in all 50 states in the United States. She has one left.
Pilcavage holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton and a master’s degree from the University of Akron.
Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez is a national leading authority on leadership development, especially as it pertains to diversity and inclusion. She delivers keynote addresses and presentations drawing upon her experience from roles in the non-profit, private, and government sectors, as well as her doctoral research.
Dr. Bonilla-Rodriguez’s research about Latina leadership in the United States has served as the foundation for events, conference sessions, publications, and content development – to address the urgency of leadership development for a fast-growing population and create a pipeline of diverse leaders.
To change the political and leadership landscape for Latinos, Dr. Bonilla-Rodriguez ran for State Representative in the 189th District of Pennsylvania in the 2016 election cycle where she became the 1st Hispanic to make a State ballot in Pike and Monroe Counties. In November 2019, she became the 1st Hispanic elected as School Board Director in the East Stroudsburg Area School District where she Chairs the Education committee.
Passionate about supporting professional organizations, she is a Board Member of the Brodhead Watershed Association, Colonial IU 20 where she serves as Vice President, Prospanica NY where she serves as Vice President of Professional Development, ACLU of Pennsylvania, Latina VIDA, Latinas on the Plaza and an Advisory Board member for several organizations including: The Board of Hispanic Caucus Chairs, Monroe County Children and Youth where she Chairs the Education committee, SciGirls, the Alliance for Positive Youth Development, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education Equity Task Force where she Chairs the Advocacy subcommittee. In addition, she was appointed by Governor Tom Wolf to represent the Poconos Region on statewide commissions on Redistricting Reform and Latino affairs where she Chairs the statewide Education committee.
Dr. Bonilla-Rodriguez was recognized as a 2014 Coors Light Lideres finalist and is the recipient of numerous awards including a proclamation from the NYS Assembly, the Proud to Be Latina Soy Poderosa award, the GACLA recognition award and the SISGI Beyond Good Ideas Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership award.
Her published written accomplishments include the books Gender, Race and Ethnicity in the Workplace and Today’s Inspired Latina (Volume II), as well as contributing to the Huffington Post and being featured by several media outlets including NBC Latino, Chief Writing Wolf, and the Empowered Latinas series.
Dr. Bonilla-Rodriguez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Social Work from the College of New Rochelle where she received the College President’s Medal, graduated with Departmental Honors, and was awarded the Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Award. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Organizational Communications and a Specialized Certification in Corporate Communications, both from the College of New Rochelle. Personal endeavors of overcoming statistics and accessing higher education, led her to earn a Doctorate in Education focusing on Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College.
While, she is proud of her many accomplishments, she highlights her greatest as being the mother of twelve-year-old twin boys, Caleb and Joshua. She resides in Pennsylvania with her boys and husband Robert. Her favorite quote is: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” (Newton).
Alex Grover is the president of i2M, a manufacturer of flexible plastic films headquartered in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Grover is passionate about renewing the future of plastics manufacturing, which she believes comes through integrating sustainable product development with people empowerment.
Under Grover’s leadership, i2M has seen record growth and the execution of significant sustainability initiatives that prevent plastic from entering the waste stream.
Before i2M, Grover held several management roles at Altria, a Fortune 100 CPG company in Virginia.
Within the community, Grover serves as vice-chair of the board of CASA of Luzerne Co; Wilkes University School of Engineering & Business executive advisory board member; vice-president of Altitude Philanthropies; and an active member of the National Association of Manufacturers and Vinyl Sustainability Council.
In her free time, Grover enjoys getting outdoors with her family.
Grover is a graduate of the University of Richmond Robins School of Business and Jepson School of Leadership and a former D1 Cross Country & Track athlete.
Maria Conigliaro Traino is the daughter of third-generation Italian restaurant owners—learning hustle, service, and adaptability from a young age. These qualities served her well as she built and elevated her award-winning design and marketing agency, Inspired Studio, now in its 10th year.
Over the last decade, Conigliaro Traino has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, executives, and marketing directors to craft one-of-a-kind brand identities for businesses throughout the country. Maria engages with her clients fueled by curiosity and creative problem-solving, helping others to discover and communicate their authentic purpose.
As a certified NeuroCoach, her work is much the same. She partners with motivated entrepreneurs and business leaders to define and design their version of success with intention, using a brain-based framework that rewires neuropathways through bespoke counsel and action.
Conigliaro Traino is active within the business community where she resides in northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters.
Danielle Weinschenk is a respected public affairs specialist with 15 years of expertise in the federal government sector. However, Danielle’s passion is community leadership and working with local nonprofits to make NEPA a better place.
Weinschenk’s devotion to the community was sparked during her time as a member of the Leadership Lackawanna Core Class, where she was honored as “Class Leader of the Year,” and subsequently “Alumni Leader of the Year.” Weinschenk currently serves as executive vice chair on the Leadership Lackawanna board of directors and as an advisor for Core Class Community Service Projects. She has participated in and advised projects benefiting the North Pocono Public Library; Mercatili-Segilia Park in Moosic; and the Children’s Advocacy Center in Scranton.
In addition, Weinschenk is a volunteer and board member for the NEPA Youth Shelter; a board member for Cinderella’s Closet of NEPA; and volunteers for various community events across the region such as the Boys & Girls Club Holiday Party and Scranton Distro Day.
Weinschenk holds a master’s degree from Champlain College and is a graduate of Penn State’s Corporate Communication program. She also possesses a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, a Hootsuite Social Media Management certification, and other certifications related to public relations and digital media.
Weinschenk encourages all EMPOWER attendees to be the change they wish to see in the world. We all have the capacity to be community leaders!
Kim Drumgo is the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for Geisinger, an integrated health services organization that serves more than three million residents through 45 counties in central, south-central, and northeast Pennsylvania with over 24,000 employees.
In her role at Geisinger, Drumgo provides strategic leadership and support of DEI programs across the health system. Her focus areas include fostering inclusive cultures, talent attraction and growth, community health equity, and supplier diversity.
With over 25 years of experience, Drumgo is recognized as a thought leader with demonstrated experience leading change initiatives in large matrixed organizations such as Anthem, AICPA, and BCBS.
In the last 15 years, Drumgo has established multiple inaugural DEI offices and revitalized a fortune 30 DEI program to align the accountability of DEI with its 70,000 employees strategically.
As an expert in the field of diversity management, Drumgo has been cited or featured in Becker’s Hospital Review, Chief Healthcare Executive, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Diversity Network Journal, Diversity Manager, The Journal of Accountancy, and many other publications and conferences.
Drumgo is the past chairman of the PhD Project board and member of the Conference Board Diversity Council. She serves as an advisor to many other entities focused on diversity and inclusion.
Drumgo holds a bachelor’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland.
Dr. Katie Leonard is the President & CEO of Johnson College, NEPA’s only technical college. She started at the college in 2007 in fundraising and marketing. During her tenure, she gained experience in all areas of the college, leading to her role as executive vice president. After a nationwide search, Dr. Leonard was selected as Johnson College’s 8th President & CEO in January 2018.
Under Dr. Leonard’s leadership, Johnson College has joined the rankings of premiere technical education, being ranked #10 on Forbes Top 25 Two-Year Trade Schools. Plus, enrollment increased by 18% over the past six years; six new academic programs have been added, and more experiential learning opportunities for students have been added through the College’s industry immersion program. Most recently, the College announced its first-ever satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, to serve the greater Hazleton region, beginning August 2023.
Dr. Leonard holds a bachelor’s degree from York College of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree from Mansfield University, and a doctorate from Capella University.
Nicole Strauser, a vice president, beneficiary fulfillment, has over 20 years of experience with Prudential.
In her current role, Strauser is responsible for delivering final promises for group insurance, individual life insurance, annuities, and retirement customers.
She is focused on strengthening Prudential’s operational discipline and empowering associates via ideation and customer obsession to transform our customer experience.
Prior to her current role, Strauser held various roles across Prudential’s retirement organization, including the contact center, client services, and all back office operations from money in, and money out, to complex record keeping.
Strauser currently sits on the board of Leadership Northeast, a local nonprofit focused on creating servant leaders in the community. Strauser also serves as the Prudential executive site lead for the Scranton office and the executive sponsor of the Scranton PRIDE BRG.
Strauser holds a bachelor’s degree from Marywood University. She is a Series 6, 99, and 26 registered principal.
Jill Valentini is the vice president and northeast regional retail sales manager for Fidelity Bank. Valentini has been with Fidelity Bank for 14 years.
Her career is a true success story within the branch banking network. Valentini’s responsibilities include leading the retail team to continued success and providing her knowledge and guidance to the managers and branch bankers to continuously enhance the client experience.
Valentini has completed numerous continuing educational courses with the American Institute of Banking, as well as the Pennsylvania American Bankers Association. She is a 2015 graduate of the Leadership Lackawanna Core Program and served as the chair of the Leadership Lackawanna board of directors. She served on the board of directors of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on the boards of Lackawanna Dress for Success and The Chamber affiliate organization, MetroAction.
Valentini is the current chair of The Chamber’s membership committee and the women’s network Luncheon committee.
Susan Kelly is a vice president at Knowles Associates Insurance Consultants, Scranton.
Susan has more than 30 years of experience specializing in property and casualty insurance, including property, liability, worker’s compensation, automobile, executive, cyber, professional liability, and personal liability. In this role, Susan’s responsibilities include personal lines sales development and strategic planning.
Susan serves on the Wyoming County United Way board of directors and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Lackawanna Industrial Fund Enterprises (LIFE) board of trustees and is a member of the Tunkhannock Rotary Club.
Susan previously served on the Lackawanna County Dress for Success board of directors and was the past president of the NEPA Chapter Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.
Susan has been recognized as a Top 25 Women in Business in NEPA and was a recipient of the Sunday Times Northeast Woman.
Susan attended Lackawanna College and Bloomsburg University andis a Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter from the American Institute for CPCU, the Insurance industry’s most respected professional designation.
June Webre is the retail bank director for ESSA Bank & Trust. She has an extensive 40-year career in banking.
Webre started her career banking in the retail branch network and over the years, worked in small business lending and private banking at both small and medium-sized banks.
In 2006, Webre joined Team Capital Bank, a de novo bank, where she became the lehigh valley region president. There she managed the regional retail and commercial lending divisions.
In 2017, Webre joined ESSA Bank & Trust to become the lehigh valley region president. She retired from her position in January 2020 to care for a family member.In 2021, June returned to ESSA Bank and Trust and was named the retail bank director.
Throughout her career, Webre has served on many boards and committees of non-profit organizations in the Lehigh Valley. In 2011, she received the Women In Business award from Cedar Crest College, and in 2018, she received the Lehigh Valley Business Women of Influence Award.
Webre holds a bachelor’s degree from Cedar Crest College and is a graduate of Stonier’s National School of Banking and the PBA Commercial Lending School.
Elizabeth Nagy serves as VP, director of sales, marketing and digital banking for The Honesdale National Bank.
Before joining HNB, she gained her start in the financial industry working as AVP, channel and customer engagement manager for NBT Bank, N.A.
Prior to moving to Pennsylvania, Elizabeth worked at Taylor, a public relations agency in New York City supporting Fortune 500 consumer and luxury brands.
In addition to working for The Honesdale National Bank, Nagy supports her professional community by serving on the board for the American Bankers Association Bank Marketing School and the public relations committee for the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. She serves as treasurer of The Honesdale National Bank Foundation. She further supports the NEPA community through serving on the boards of Dress for Success Lackawanna, the Greater Carbondale YMCA, and Skills in Scranton, an affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
Nagy obtained a bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University. She continued her formal education and obtained a master’s degree from Syracuse University. In addition, she earned a certification in Customer Experience from Rutgers University. and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management. She is accredited as a Certified Financial Marketing Professional.
Marlyn Kissner is the vice president of membership and community relations for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. Marlyn works closely with Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau members, ensuring benefits are leveraged for maximum marketing outreach and business growth. In addition, Kissner works closely with community leaders and is a key connector supporting Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties.
Kissner holds a master of science degree in Management from Rosemont College and a bachelor of science degree in Education from Kutztown University. She is a board member of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation, and also a member of their Nature and Commerce Committee, a member of Palmerton Women’s Concourse Club, and is a volunteer for the Franklin Township Fire Company.
Chelsea Manganaro is the founder and owner of Nearme Yoga, Nearme Cafe, Shop Nearme, and NEPA Yoga Festival.
Manganaro is a master in Reiki, a 500-hour registered yoga instructor, a health and wellness coach, Shaman certified, a certified chef, and a children’s yoga instructor.
Manganaro has taught over 10,000 yoga classes and workshops over the last decade.
Manganaro wanted to share her passion for yoga and hospitality, so she brought her ambitious vision to the local community with the first location of Nearme Yoga & Cafe in Moosic, PA, in 2014.
In 2015, Manganaro realized that NEPA did not have any events focused on wellness; thus, the NEPA Yoga Festival was created. The event brings together business owners, yoga instructors, and participants looking to create better versions of themselves. The event is for all ages & fitness levels. The event also invites vendors and artists to share their passions.
Manganaro holds two degrees from the University of Scranton.
Edna Cementina is a certified group fitness instructor who has been leading fellow NEPA clients in fitness for the past five years.
Her gym – Emobile Gym Fitness – offers a range of classes, including core, strength training, cardio, HIIT, STRONG Nation, and Zumba.
Currently, Cementina holds certification for group fitness and personal training in American Sports & Fitness Association (ASFA), as well as certification in Zumba, Zumba Toning, Aqua Zumba, and STRONG Nation.
Jackie Kerekes is a NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and group fitness instructor. She has worked in different gyms and studio settings, training and teaching different fitness classes before starting her own training business.
Kerekes’s focus is to guide/coach clients to form a healthy lifestyle through exercise and good nutrition. Her business has grown and recently moved to a new location, adding a smoothie bar for the community to enjoy.
Kerekes enjoys networking and supporting other local businesses, especially women-owned.
An active participant in the community, Kerekes’s participated in NEPA Strong events and is a member of the Abington Business Professional Association and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, she has received The Times Leader “Best of the Abingtons” award for Best Fitness Trainer and Best Gym since 2020. The Training Loft was also a finalist for The Scranton Chamber’s Sage Award for Small Business of the Year 2022.
Kerekes holds an Associate Degree in Business. In addition, she is certified by theNational Academy of Sports Medicine as a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and Group Fitness Instructor. She is also a POUND-certified instructor.
Talia Walsh is on a Quest to inspire others, using her life experiences and knowledge, to become their best self in all aspects of their lives.
As an exercise physiologist, entrepreneur, and business owner of two fitness studios, she focuses on empowering others to reach their goals using multiple tools touching on health, fitness, nutrition, goal setting, and mindset.
Walsh inspires, motivates, and ignites her audiences to embrace life and reach for their highest potential.
Quest Studio is a specialty fitness studio and wellness center comprised of three studios within two locations on one block in Jessup, PA, that’s been operating for six years.
Quest Studio received the SAGE Award for New & Emerging Business of the year, Small Business of the Year, and Woman of Excellence. She’s also helped raise over $350,000 in the local community to support injured and homeless veterans in honor of her late fiancé killed in Afghanistan in 2007.
Walsh holds a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and holds several health and wellness certifications.
Christie Estadt is the owner of Body Blueprint Personal Training Company. She has been in the fitness industry for over 30 years.
Estadt started Body Blueprint 16 years ago as a small personal training company. It has evolved into a wellness facility that offers: personal training, semi-private training, small group training, a registered dietitian, nutrition, accountability, stretching, and massage.
Estadt company was awarded the Top Personal Training Studio in Clarks Summit in 2022. It is known for its personalized attention given to each person, whether in a one-on-one setting or a small group session.
Estadt’s specialty is corrective exercises and stretches. Good posture and balance are necessary for good movement.
Estadt holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University, a C.H.E.K. (Corrective, Holistic, Exercise Kinesiology) Exercise Coach, and C.H.E.K. Practitioner Level 1. She is certified in everything from step aerobics to Pilates.
You name it—she has done it!
Michael Normandia is the owner and head trainer of LFG Life Fitness Goals in Clarks Summit, PA. At the core of his business is a passion for helping others connect their body and mind—work and think hard—and intentionally build a strong, healthy lifestyle.
At an early age, Normandia used fitness as a form of meditation when he felt stuck—it was his way of processing, venting, feeling joy, and being uncomfortable. Mike learned that the key to moving his life forward was integrating a strong mindset into his physical routine.
At LFG, Normandia empowers his members to use Fitness and set Goals that will change their Life. Normandia and his trainer coach members (ages 14+) through increasing the strength of their body and mind—helping them push past their comfort zone and realize their goals in all areas of their lives. LFG offers small-group and personal training sessions as well as nutrition coaching.
Normandia is deeply inspired and motivated by his son and daughter, who they live in Scranton, PA.
