Leadership Lackawanna

I believe NEPA is a great place to live. We have an abundance of parks and hiking trails, we experience all four seasons, and we're close to major metropolitan areas while still maintaining substantial rural landscapes. There are so many blessings here that we either take for granted or don't even realize exist. We need community leaders who are willing to champion this region and all it has to offer. But you have to put in the work. You can't just sit on the sidelines and expect someone else to do it. It's on YOU to be the change you want to see.

What inspires me most is seeing so many leaders committed to bettering our community. Leadership Lackawanna brings these people together, helps them understand the challenges and opportunities facing our region, and empowers them to take action. If we keep that momentum going, I truly believe we can do something transformative for NEPA.

Relationship-building is very important to me, and I’m very grateful to have made several friends during my Core experience who are genuinely amazing people and who want to make our community better. The tone was set immediately when I had the chance to connect with people who started as strangers but quickly became genuine friends. We all share similar values and not only care deeply about our community but also actively show up to make it better. I continue to see many of the same faces still coming out to support Leadership projects, whether in advisory roles or other volunteer capacities, and it’s really inspiring to see. I love my friends!

Through Leadership Lackawanna, I've seen firsthand how much impact dedicated people can have. The organization has completed countless projects benefiting nonprofits across the region that are committed to making NEPA a better place to live, work and play. Many of these organizations were ones I had never even heard of before, but now I'm a champion for their work and mission.

Yesterday, the Leadership Lackawanna Core Class of 2026 proudly celebrated the official ribbon cutting of our community project at UNC's Angel's Attic!

Working alongside the incredible staff and volunteers at UNC, our team transformed Angel's Attic into a more welcoming, boutique-style space for the community. Project improvements included new flooring, clothing racks, shelving, pegboard displays, and a refreshed waiting area complete with chairs, side tables, and décor designed to create a warm, dignified experience for everyone who visits.

We are incredibly proud of what was accomplished through teamwork, dedication, and community partnership. Seeing this vision come to life has been a rewarding experience, and we hope the improvements will serve the community for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, talents, donations, and support to make this project a success. We encourage everyone to stop by, see the finished space, donate items, and consider volunteering to support this wonderful resource.

Another successful community project is in the books, and we couldn't be more grateful to have been a part of it!

We are proud to announce the successful completion of our Leadership Lackawanna Core Program project in partnership with countryside_conservancy. What began as an idea has become a reality through the generosity, support, and dedication of our community.

Together, we helped fund and build a new bridge that will enhance access and connectivity along the trail for years to come. This project is a lasting reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together to invest in their community.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the businesses and organizations that helped make this project possible, including North Penn, Penn East FCU, thehonesdalenationalbank, Carpenters Local 445, designBLD, Times-Shamrock Communications, Skirmish Paintball, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa of Dickson City, backyardalehouse, Renaissance Body Art, Guimento and Son and the many others who donated and supported our efforts. Your contributions played a vital role in helping us achieve our goal.

We would also like to give a special thank you to Mutant Brewing for graciously hosting our fundraising event and providing a welcoming space for our community to gather in support of this project. We are grateful for your partnership and generosity. Also our entertainment for the night Clamdog.

Thank you as well to everyone who attended our fundraising event, donated raffle items, made monetary contributions, shared our mission, and volunteered their time throughout the project. Every contribution, whether large or small, helped bring this vision to life.

This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose. We are honored to have worked alongside so many dedicated individuals, businesses, and organizations to create something that will benefit our community for years to come.

From the Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2026, thank you for your support, partnership, and belief in this project. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this endeavor a success.

Together, we didn't just build a bridge, we built stronger community connections.

Congratulations to the Welcome Scranton! Class of 2026!!!! Welcome Scranton! is a 2½-day immersive experience designed to connect participants with the people, places, and priorities shaping the Scranton region today. Through exclusive site visits, engaging discussions, and conversations with civic, business, and community leaders, participants gain firsthand insight into the area's economic development, cultural assets, recreational opportunities, and community initiatives.

Graduates leave with a deeper understanding of the community, an expanded professional network, and practical ways to become more engaged in the region's future success.
Leadership Lackawanna proudly congratulates the Welcome Scranton! Class of 2026:

Lewis Beavers, Penn East FCU
Bobby Cordaro, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Parker Dorsey, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania
Emilie Gebert, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Nathan Goberdon, Geisinger
Lily Hannon, Weis Pharmacy
Eric Idelfonso, City of Scranton
Justin Kucharski, Tobyhanna Army Depot
Bernard Nti, Covenant Presbyterian Church
Holly Ord, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania
Kathleen Pearage, Tri-Star Academy
Grace Shaner, City of Scranton
Melissa Wicksnes, Peoples Security Bank and Trust
Sam Zavada, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

“We commend these individuals for their commitment to learning more about our region and for investing their time and talents in strengthening northeastern Pennsylvania. Their engagement, curiosity, and dedication to community leadership embody the spirit of Welcome Scranton!, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make throughout our region,” stated Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna.

✨ Help Stock Oaktree Terrace's Resident Boutique ✨

The Oaktree Terrace Resident Boutique gives residents access to everyday essentials and special items that bring comfort, confidence, and joy. We’re asking for donations to help keep the shelves stocked.

Current donation needs include:
👕 Clothing (all sizes)
🧴 Hygiene products

📍 Donation Drop-Off Location:
400 Gleason Drive
Avoca, PA 18641
(Main Entry Way)

Thank you for helping us share the joy and support residents in meaningful ways. 💙

We’re excited to welcome the newest class of Tomorrow’s Leaders Today! 🎉

80 amazing high school students are ready to learn, grow, and step into their leadership potential — and we can’t wait to watch this group shine as they become the next generation of leaders! 💼✨

LAST CALL!!📣💙

NEPA Gives is wrapping up soon, but there’s still time to be part of a powerful day of giving!

If you’ve been thinking about supporting Leadership Lackawanna, now is your moment!

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has already contributed, shared, or supported our work today—your impact is felt and appreciated.

Donations will be accepted until 7:00 PM tonight, so be sure to give while there’s still time.

Donate at www.nepagives.org/organization/Leadership-Lackawanna⁠