EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience: Inspiring Leaders and Cultivating Potential EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger and hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, left attendees feeling motivated, challenged, and deeply engaged in soul-searching conversations. With over 800 attendees, including 61 enthusiastic high school students, the event was a testament to the region’s commitment to cultivating leadership and business innovation. Attendees found the experience to be resourceful, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the event’s two keynote speakers and 46 regional breakout speakers, panelists, and wellness presenters. For the second consecutive year, The Honesdale National Bank sponsored the teen program, providing high school students with a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a series of workshops and interactive sessions, these young leaders were equipped with the skills and motivation to uncover their purpose and drive positive change in their communities. The Teen Program was in partnership with The Chamber’s leadership development affiliate, Leadership Lackawanna, and Luzerne County’s leadership cohort, Leadership Northeast. President of The Chamber, Bob Durkin, shares, “The growth of EMPOWER with over 800 attendees is, I believe, a measure of the emergence of women in leadership positions across northeastern Pennsylvania. We hope and believe that this program is providing women with professional and personal development tools and resources that will add to that trajectory.” Keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, renowned for their expertise in leadership and personal development, shared their insights and experiences, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. “You are going to fail. PERIOD. You are human, and it’s just going to happen. However, it’s what you do with that failure to move forward to continue with your purpose,” shared Patrice D. Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic. Dr. Hazzouri and Banks, through their captivating stories and practical advice, empowered participants to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and unlock their purpose. Attendees at the breakfast keynote session were asked to name one word that defines their purpose. The three most common phrases reported were happiness, helping others, and families. The challenge to all attendees was to run hard after their purpose and allow their purpose to fuel their life ambitions. The event’s lineup of regional breakout speakers and panelists covered a diverse range of topics. Attendees found these sessions to be invaluable, offering actionable takeaways, and fresh perspectives on leadership in today’s dynamic world. The conference included the Highmark Wellness Studio, which hosted 10 wellness presenters, and the Fidelity Vendor Marketplace, which housed 37 Chamber members and their businesses. As EMPOWER continues to evolve, organizers remain committed to providing a platform for leaders at all stages of their journey to connect, learn, and grow together. With each passing year, the event serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Northeast PA, save the date for April 24, 2025, at Kalahari Resort & Conventions.
The Chamber is Gearing Up for EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is hosting its ninth year of EMPOWER, presented by Geisinger, on Thursday, April 25, at Kalahari Resort & Convention. EMPOWER is the premier women’s leadership event in northeastern Pennsylvania. It 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. The 2024 conference theme is “purpose.” It will feature dynamic keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, as well as special appearances from the mayor of Scranton, Paige G. Cognetti, Honorable State Representative Bridget Kosierowski, and the Honorable State Senator Rosemary Brown. Dr. Hazzouri is a licensed psychologist, speaker, and founder of Hazzouri Psychology, a full-service psychology practice in downtown Scranton. Patrice D. Banks is the founder of Girls Auto Clinic, which provides automotive buying and repair resources, products, and services, and is a platform for Banks to educate and empower women through their cars. Attendees will engage with 44 regional speakers through invaluable breakout sessions and have access to a wellness studio and a small business marketplace. Breakout session presenters include: Lori Moran, The University of Scranton; Kathryn Bondi, Posture Interactive; Dr. Andrea DiMattia and Dr. Michelle Schmude, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Bethany Staples and Brittany Watt, Market Share Consulting; Dr. Carrie Demers, PureRejuv Wellness Center at the Himalayan Institute; Jennifer Lutsey, Children’s Service Center; Shane Powers, NeighborWorks of Northeastern PA; Jenna Urban, Urban Mac Media; Dr. Elizabeth Carter, AAPPEAL, LLC; Dr. Katie Desiderio, Moravian University; Olivia Eaddy, Prudential; Kristyn Smith, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Eric Acosta, Wilkes University; Nicole Strauser, Prudential; Shanie Mohamed, the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce; Bella Ceccoli, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Glynis Johns, Black Scranton Project; Kelley Laird, Fidelity Bank; Mandie Hendricks, Janney Montgomery Scott; Dr. Tricia Richards-Service, I Need A Speaker; PA State Senator Rosemary Brown; Marie Beggin, Penn East Federal Credit Union; Chelsey Coslett, NEPIRC; Stephanie Mihal, MMQ & Associates; Dr. Sarah Wodder, Scranton Counseling Center; Jennifer Davis, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc.; Patricia Cummings, Patricia O Cummings Therapy, LLC; Christie Estadt, Body Blueprint PTC; Dr. Barbara Plucknett, The Body Blueprint Demystified; and Brianna Strunk, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. For a second year, The Honesdale National Bank will sponsor a teen program at EMPOWER. The program is a unique opportunity specifically curated for teen attendees (ages 16-18) designed to enhance personal and professional development. The Teen Program is in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna and Leadership Northeast. Over 800 attendees will appear at EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, on April 25. Tickets are available online at www.ScrantonChamber.com.