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.

Misericordia University Hosts Virtual Open House for OT Program

Misericordia University will host a Virtual Open House on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6:00–6:45 p.m. to provide prospective students with an overview of its Nontraditional (Weekend) Entry-Level Master’s Program in Occupational Therapy. The online event will include a brief presentation on the program’s curriculum, followed by a Q&A session to offer insights into how the hybrid-format program is tailored for adult learners.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Pre-registration is required, and the Zoom link will be sent to registrants via email.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Unveil 2025 Promotional Slate

The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are thrilled to announce their exciting 2025 promotional schedule. Fans can look forward to a season filled with fun giveaways, special appearances, fireworks, theme nights, and much more! This year’s promotional calendar will feature 11 fireworks nights, four Copa de la Diversión games, and three brand-new custom jerseys, along with unique events for all ages.Opening Night and Early Promotions The 2025 season kicks off on Tuesday, April 8, when the RailRiders host the Rochester Red Wings. Gates open at 5:30 P.M., with the first 1,500 fans receiving a 2025 magnetic schedule. First pitch is at 6:35 P.M., followed by the season’s first fireworks show.To celebrate Opening Night, fans can Beat the Clock and save big on tickets! Tickets purchased online between 10:00 and 10:59 A.M. will be just $4 plus fees. Prices increase to $6 plus fees from 11:00 A.M. to Noon, and $8 plus fees from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. This offer is only available for online purchases.Copa de la Diversión & Specialty Nights The first of four Copa de la Diversión games takes place on May 8 (Thirsty Thursday) against the Red Wings. The RailRiders will also take on their alternate “Vejigantes” identities on June 24, July 31, and August 30.Additional highlights include STEM School Days on May 14 and 28, presented by Penn State Scranton, Hazleton, and Wilkes-Barre. Students will participate in a trebuchet competition before enjoying the game at 11:05 A.M. These games will feature STEM-related activities and local business displays.On May 17, the RailRiders will join Minor League Baseball’s Malmö Oat Milkers for a night of quirky fun in partnership with Oatly, the world’s largest oat milk company.Special Giveaways & Theme Nights Several special promotions will take place throughout the summer, including:

  • May 18 – The first 500 kids 12 and younger receive a CHAMP squish.May 30 – Scout Night, followed by a Scout campout.May 31 – Military Appreciation Day with a camo hat giveaway for the first 1,500 fans and military-themed jerseys worn by the RailRiders.June 13 – Girl Scout Night, with an overnight campout following the game against Syracuse.June 14 – Amazing Golf Ball Whacker Night featuring Christopher McDonald, who portrayed Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore, with a custom bobblehead giveaway for the first 1,500 fans.
    • Fans can also look forward to Sensory Friendly Days on June 29, July 6, and August 31, offering a sensory-safe environment for fans of all ages.Themed Events & Fireworks The RailRiders’ Friday Night Fireworks begin on May 30 and will continue after every Friday home game for the rest of the season. Other fun theme nights include:
  • July 4 – Military-themed jerseys auctioned off to benefit Camp Freedom, followed by an extended fireworks show presented by the PA Lottery.July 11 – Christmas in July, complete with holiday decorations and a post-game fireworks show.July 12 – Margaritaville Night with a Hawaiian shirt giveaway and custom jerseys benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.August 1 – Faith & Fellowship Night with fireworks.August 16 – Harry Potter Night™, featuring custom jerseys, RailRiders Platform 93/4 socks for the first 1,500 fans, and a special photo op with house elves.August 2 – 90s Night, complete with a 90s Dance Party on the Geisinger Plaza.
    • The season concludes with Fan Appreciation Day on September 14, honoring all who make RailRiders baseball possible.Ticket Information Single-game tickets, along with season ticket plans (full, half, partial, and flex), are available now. Purchase tickets online at www.swbrailriders.com or at the PNC Field Box Office.For more information or to book your group for a promotional event, please contact the RailRiders front office at (570) 969-2255.All promotions, theme nights, and giveaways are subject to change. Additional details will be announced as the 2025 season approaches.