Strzelec Named Top 25 Women in Business Honoree by NEPA Business Journal The leadership of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jennifer Strzelec, program coordinator for its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, has been selected as an honoree for the prestigious Top 25 Women in Business by the NEPA Business Journal. The NEPA Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business recognizes outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community involvement, and professional success throughout the region. As program coordinator, Strzelec plays a vital role in advancing Leadership Lackawanna’s mission to cultivate community leadership and foster professional development across northeastern Pennsylvania. She primarily supports the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) program, a seven-month initiative designed for high school juniors. In this capacity, Strzelec oversees recruitment, marketing, evaluations, and administrative operations. Her leadership ensures that the next generation of leaders is equipped with the essential skills and knowledge they need. In addition to managing TLT, Strzelec runs Leadership Lackawanna’s collegiate initiatives and alumni engagement, fostering a lifelong network of leadership and community involvement. Strzelec brings a diverse background to her role. She previously gained valuable experience as a preschool aide in Mt. Cobb and at the YMCA in King George, Virginia. Her commitment to service extends beyond education, as she is a veteran of the United States Army, where she served in the avionics division at both Fort Hood, Texas, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. “This honor is a true reflection of her talent and hard work, and I’m very proud to see her recognized. Indeed, it is a testament to her dedication, not only to Leadership Lackawanna but to our community,” shared Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna.
Leadership Lackawanna, Opportunities to Support the Core in the Community all Month Long Starting February 1 | Support the Core Class Project to assist Griffin Pond Animal Shelter This Weekend: February 2 | Support the Core Class Project to restore the Carbondale Train Station. Next Weekend: February 8 | Support the Core Class Project to assist the Scranton Counseling Center. February 14 | Support the Core Class Project to Renovate Imagine NEPA Performing Arts Backstage
Leadership Lackawanna Announces Applications Open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 Program Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for Leadership Fundamentals 2.0. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is a virtual eight-week course that provides advanced leaders with all the fundamentals of leadership but at a 2.0 level! Topics may include prioritizing purpose, reframing, humility, running effective meetings, generational differences, and workplace diversity. Applications close on February 3, 2025. Leadership Fundamentals 2.0 is open to anyone who desires to advance their personal and professional growth. Apply online at LeadershipLackawanna.com.
2024 Graduates of Leadership Lackawanna Executive Program Leadership Lackawanna is proud to announce the 2024 graduates of its Executive Program. Leadership Lackawanna’s six-week Executive Program, sponsored by Comcast Business, deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton region, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. It accepts applications from professionals in an executive-level (director or higher) position with extensive industry experience and demonstrated career progression. “Our mission at Leadership Lackawanna is to enhance the skills, connections, and knowledge of our participants,” said Nicole Morristell, executive director of Leadership Lackawanna. “I’m confident the 16 individuals in this year’s Executive Level Program gained valuable insight into our mission and that they forged lasting connections that will strengthen them, both personally and professionally. It is my sincere hope that they will take these benefits and use them to positively impact the community!” This year, participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. Sessions were held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks at various locations in the greater Scranton community, including cocktails and dinner. The 2024 Executive Program graduates include: Jen Azarowicz, Plaskolite Dana Bilotta, Tobyhanna Army Depot Bonnie Carone, Geisinger Community Medical Center Nick Coleman, Geisinger Health Sarah Effertz, Blu Elefante Events Kyle Gattuso, PNC Bank Maggie Hawk, Hawk Family Foundation Doug Hein, Scranton Counseling Center Kristin Hudspeth, PeoplePro Advisors Alexandra Kusoffsky, Alleima Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Al O’Donnell, Scranton School District Adam Ropati, The Dime Bank Frank K. Sweeney, Scranton Rent All Corp Ruth Turkington, Fidelity Bank Aimee Wechsler, The Wright Center for Community Health
2024–25 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Class Announced The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and its community leadership and professional development division, Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the 2024–25 class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT)—a transformative program that prepares high school juniors for leadership roles in their communities. Sponsored by NBT Bank, the TLT program spans seven months, immersing students in hands-on experiences across essential sectors, including healthcare, STEAM, history and heritage, crime and corrections, financial literacy, philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and community service. “This year, we are proud to welcome these 67 remarkable teens into the Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Program. We’re hopeful they’ll use the skills and knowledge they gain over the next seven months to positively impact their schools and communities as confident and capable young leaders,” shared Jen Strzelec, program coordinator for Leadership Lackawanna. The TLT program provides these young leaders with unique opportunities to develop critical leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Throughout the program, students will engage in workshops, field visits, and interactive discussions led by regional experts and industry leaders, preparing them for the real-world challenges and opportunities that await them. The class participants are: Addison Daiute Aidan Tinney Andrew McDonald Anthony Betti Audrey Agnello Ava Roberto Ava Strzelec Ava Wisnosky Benjamin Reese Benjamin Kulikowski Brendan Korty Charlie Stampien Emily Atonal Emily Grover Emily Loomis Emma Guse Emmelia Rucks Gabriella Dennis Gabrielle Jordan Gavin Roberts Gianna Vachino Grace Bennett Isabelle O’Brien Jaiden Trunzo James Prislupski Joseph Griffin Joshua Cuck Julia Noto Kate Peters Kathryn Apolinario Kathryn O’Hora Katie Gutekunst Kaylyn Davis Kelsey Smith Kevin Vincent Khloe Mistishin Kiera Crowell Kiley Williams Krithika Krishnan Lauren Bartell Lindsey Bartell Luke Warring Madeleine Mackarey Madelyn Battaglia Madison Hallock Madison Smith Maryn Kukuchka Matther Kirchner Mia Peregrim Molly Carter Molly Banik Mya Cesarini Natalia Ghirelli Natalie Talluto Natalie Puckett Nathan Beecham Nmesoma Udoye Nora Crambo Olive O’Rourke Olivia Lawler Olivia Lach Raphael Thomas Ryan DeMarco Sona Hanumali Timmy Fogley William Murphy Wyatt Barucky
Leadership Lackawanna Announces 2024–25 Core Program Class The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2024–25 met on Thursday, September 12, for their first session, which included an orientation and an introduction to leadership basics held at PLASKOLITE in Scranton. Leadership Lackawanna strives to enhance emerging and established leaders’ skills, connections, and knowledge, strengthening our communities, workplaces, and organizations. Core Program Class participants: Amy Fotta, Marywood University Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc. Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College Jordan Fritz, Johnson College Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a Division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc. Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union Kyle Linko, CTCLC Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank Mallory Coyne, United Concordia Mariam Abugri, P&G Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania Michael Kohut, Benco Dental Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions Nicole A. Morristell, executive director, shares, “I’m excited for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. This year’s participants have accomplished great things in their past and I look forward to seeing how they will utilize the leadership skills they acquire over the next ten months.” In Leadership Lackawanna’s 10-month Core Program, participants gain direct and indirect leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the issues relevant to the Greater Scranton region, through monthly sessions. Areas of focus can include community development, economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, history and media, with sessions featuring widely recognized specialists. Members of the class also devote a large portion of their time to develop and implement community projects, hence enhancing their leadership abilities, fostering teamwork and benefiting local nonprofit organizations. Leadership Lackawanna’s Core Program accepts applications from candidates who live, work or play in Lackawanna County. ATTACHED PHOTO: FRONT Jackie Caraballo, SCHOTT North America, Inc.; Amy Fotta, Marywood University; Holly Warren, Izzy’s Pizzeria; Belsy Gutierrez, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine; Jennifer Mylott, ESSA Bank & Trust; Lisa Valentine, The Honesdale National Bank; Renee Stella, Greater Scranton YMCA; Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton; Anne Cherundolo, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Sidney Johnson, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Brian Kasperowski, Nunzi’s Advertising; Chrissy Grunza, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA; Danithza Farrell, FNCB Bank, a division of Peoples Security Bank & Trust; Raelynn McCafferty, The Wright Center for Community Health; Kelly McLaud, Penn East Federal Credit Union MIDDLE Morgan Sewack, Penn State Scranton; Meghan Pace, Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Pennsylvania; Colleen Burns, NEPA Alliance; Jessie Magnot, Commonwealth Charter Academy; Kathiannie Tavera, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania; Anne Marie Matles, Maximus Federal Services; Jennifer Nagy, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education; Corey Walsh, Penn East Federal Credit Union; John Kasaczun, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Marla Gambucci, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; Christa DeSanto, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Inc.; Tracey Scott, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Kaitlyn Charles, NBT Bank BACK Danelle McClanahan, Lackawanna College; Jordan Fritz, Johnson College; Kyle Linko, CTCLC; Jordan McAndrew, Montage Mountain Resorts; Mallory Coyne, United Concordia; Erin Nissley, The Wright Center for Community Health & Graduate Medical Education; Zachary Boniello, Cornerstone Building Solutions; Eric Montella, Fidelity Bank; Paul Dumas, Times-Shamrock Communications; Jesse Tutino, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Michael Kohut, Benco Dental; Matthew Lukeski, Tobyhanna Army Depot; Mariam Abugri, P&G; Matthew Pelucacci, Tobyhanna Army Depot
Leadership Lackawanna Hosts Second Annual “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Piano Fundraiser Leadership Lackawanna, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce community leadership and professional development affiliate will host “Howl At The Moon” Dueling Pianos Fundraiser on Friday, October 18, at the Radisson Lackawanna Station in downtown Scranton. The event will occur outside under the heated trainshed and feature live entertainment, courtesy of the national “Howl At The Moon” dueling pianos group. Attendees are invited to sing, dance, and howl as versatile and talented musicians perform their favorite songs from 80’s rock, 90’s pop, and today’s dance hits on pianos and more in a high-energy show! The event will also feature basket raffles, a selfie station, games, food, fun, and more. Lauren Rusen, board member and events committee chair, shares, “For the second year, we will hold this event at the Radisson because it allows more people to enjoy this fantastic night of dancing, singing, and supporting a great cause! The space is perfect for this kind of event. Guests can come for the music, stay for the opportunity to win amazing prizes, and dance the night away.” All proceeds from the event will support Leadership Lackawanna’s mission of enhancing the skills, connections, and knowledge of emerging and established leaders in northeastern Pennsylvania—as well as supporting community service projects conducted by Leadership Lackawanna participants. Tickets are available online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com and at the door. To learn more about Leadership Lackawanna, please visit www.LeadershipLackawanna.com.
Leadership Lackawanna Launches Applications for 2024-25 Executive Program July 29, 2024— Leadership Lackawanna, the community leadership and professional development affiliate of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, announces applications are open for the Executive Program. The six-week Executive Program deeply engages high-level professionals in the greater Scranton area, broadens their social network, and increases their overall knowledge of the community. Participants meet key business and community leaders as they receive an overview of Lackawanna County’s history and culture, economic and political structures, community events, civic groups, recreational activities, and nonprofit organizations. The Executive Program accepts applications from advanced-level professionals with a tenured career path and extensive leadership experience. Applicants must live, work, or play in Lackawanna County. Sessions are held one evening per week for six consecutive weeks starting Monday, September 23. The sessions are held at various locations and include cocktails and dinner. Applications are now open and will be accepted through August 31. To learn more about the Executive and all other Leadership Lackawanna programs, visit www.leadershiplackawanna.com.
