Nearly 900 Attend EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience Nearly 900 women from northeastern Pennsylvania gathered for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, a premier women’s leadership event hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and presented by Geisinger. The day-long program at Kalahari Convention Centers and Resort brought together professionals, students, and changemakers for inspiration, connection, and growth. This year’s event featured two keynote speakers, 44 regional leaders, and 90 high school students—making it one of the most impactful EMPOWER programs. The day started with a breakfast keynote speaker, Christina Butler, an executive communication coach, whose presentation was sponsored by Peoples Security Bank & Trust. Butler energized the crowd with a session focused on clear, concise, and confident communication. She encouraged attendees to eliminate filler phrases and distractions from their language and instead focus on their “why” and “how” to deliver messages that resonate with purpose and poise. Dominique Dawes, Olympic gold medalist and trailblazing gymnast, headlined the afternoon session as the lunch keynote speaker, with support from PNC Bank. Dawes inspired the audience with stories from her athletic and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over ego. “Leave your ego at the door,” she urged attendees. “Greatness is not achieved alone—it’s about what we accomplish together.” In addition to the powerful keynotes, the event included breakout sessions led by 44 regional speakers representing healthcare, education, finance, media, and entrepreneurship. The sessions covered topics from leadership strategies and mental wellness to business innovation. “The energy in the room was electric,” said Bob Durkin, president of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. “EMPOWER continues to grow in reach and impact every year, and this event truly highlighted the strength and potential of women leaders in our region.” EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, is part of The Chamber’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful programming that supports women in leadership and professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania.
Olympic Gold Medalist to provide Keynote Address at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce announces that Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes will provide the lunch keynote at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience. Dominique Dawes is the first African American gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal. She is the owner of Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies. The first academy opened in July 2020 during the global pandemic, and the second location opened in 2023. Dominique Dawes, lunch keynote speaker Christina Butler, breakfast keynote speaker Dawes holds minority ownership in the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League. Alongside Drew Brees, she served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration. Recently, Dawes collaborated with LeBron James and Maverick Carter as Executive Producer of the Peacock docuseries “Golden,” which follows USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics and has been nominated for a Sports Emmy. EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. Marking its 10th year, the 2025 conference theme is “DREAM BIG!” and will be held on April 24 at Kalahari Resorts & Convention Center. Presented by Geisinger, EMPOWER is a day-long conference highlighting the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and lives while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other. In addition to Dawes, the breakfast keynote address will be provided by Christina Butler, a communications and presentation skills professional, and 44 regional speakers will present in breakout sessions. Attendees will also have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace. It is anticipated that the conference will host 1,000 attendees in 2025. For a third year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor EMPOWER TEEN, a specialized track for students currently enrolled in high school and between the ages of 16 and 18 years old. The program empowers and enhances students’ personal and professional development. Tickets are available through April 1, 2025.
