Top 25 Women in Business 2017

MEGHAN LENNOX GAGORIK

CORINA N. SLAFF, Ph.D.

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Congratulations to all our 2017 toP women in business

Kathleen C. Behr

Amy Betts

Cena Block

Jackie Borthwick-Galvin

Attorney Grace Doherty Hillebrand

Gretchen Ann Eagen

Dr. Jessica Falk Chmil

Margaret Jarvis, M.D.

Lisa Konzelman

Donna LaBar

Meghan Lennox Gagorik

Faith Ann Liuzzo-Bartolomew

Rebecca Martino

Sheri Melcher

Cassidy Clair Miller

Stacie Millett Rechlicz, R.N.

Lora Paoloni Lynn

Charlotte Ravaioli

Attorney Melissa Scartelli

Laurie Schwager

Gina Severcool Suydam

Alison Skoff

Corina N. Slaff, Ph.D.

Maria Thompson Carter

Anitra Yusinski-McShea, Ph.D.

Photos by Emma Black

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Laurie schwager

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Bank of America Merrill Lynch is proud With more than 25 years of client management and business development experience, Laurie Schwager, vice-president/senior relationship manager at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) leads a team of bankers who deliver strategic financial advice and solutions to small to mid-sized companies in NEPA and the Lehigh Valley. “We help our clients grow, improve liquidity and cash flow, manage U.S. and international payments and invest for their futures,” she said.

Schwager serves on the board of directors of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce; is a member of the board of directors of Dress for Success of Luzerne County; and a loan committee member for MetroAction.

In her role at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, she serves on the Mid-Atlantic Region Executive Council for Business Banking and is the BofAML Ambassador to the National Association of Women Business Owners NEPA chapter.

Her banking career began when she entered a credit-training program at a bank in New Jersey after graduating from Bucknell University. She transitioned into a relationship manager role and, over 30 years, has been in relationship management in banking.

In the middle of her career, Schwager served as a retail branch manager and regional manager, where she managed five locations and 50 employees. “This

experience broadened my understanding of my clients’ needs and gave me the opportunity to help develop the skills and talents of my team. Today my clients range from entrepreneurs trying to start a new business, to corporations who have sophisticated financial structures and multi-bank relationships,” she explained.

Early in her career, a female bank executive was a great mentor to her. This was meaningful as there were very few women with leadership roles in the banking and finance industry at the time.

“My true mentors over my career were successful clients, managers and co-workers that served as great advisors and as a support network. I try to give back to my clients and co-workers in the same way in my daily activities,” she explained.

Schwager attributes her success to her ability to build relationships, both with clients and internal partners. “Helping my clients succeed helps me succeed in my individual goals,” she said.

Schwager is grateful for the support of her family — her husband, David Schwager, a local attorney; her 25-year old twins, Max and Melissa; her mother and sisters, who have seen her through it all; as well as a great number of wonderful caregivers who were always there to help her manage the demands of family, work, and community.

to join in honoring Laurie Schwager and all the Top Women in Business for their outstanding accomplishments in Northeast Pennsylvania. bofaml.com

General disclaimer for Bank of America Merrill Lynch, visit baml.com/disclaimer. ©2017 Bank of America Corporation. ARCG9B5L

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Corina n. slaff, ph.D.

Dr. Corina N. Slaff, interim dean in the College of Business at Misericordia University embraces change, always tries to help those in need and is never afraid to acknowledge a mistake. In the early 2000s, Slaff was the first female president of the Wilkes-Barre Rotary Club, an accomplishment she values. She also owns a consulting company and was, until recently, a partner in an energy venture company.

At Misericordia, Slaff is charged with setting the vision and providing leadership for this newly restructured college. She is past chair of the faculty senate and served as a member on the university’s strategic planning team. The department of business has four undergraduate programs and two graduate programs overseen by Slaff as chair of the department. “Our programs enroll approximately 700 students and are offered in traditional undergraduate and graduate, fully online, hybrid and accelerated formats” she explained. Slaff is also a tenured professor in the business department .

“Education plays a central role in where I am

today, but so did my mentors and my own experiences in life, but overall, I am where I am today due to my own hard work,” she explained.

Her mentors are her father and husband as well as a late colleague of hers, Dr. John L. Kachurick.

Her father, president and CEO, for more than 30 years, of a company more than 100 years old, and a former politician and presidential candidate of Romania, shared successes and failures of his career and life with Slaff. Her husband, an entre-

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preneur and business owner, is also an important mentor. She was inspired by Captain Allan Slaff, her husband’s uncle, who was dean of the Harvard Business School for more than 10 years; and by her late mother-in-law who was a speech and drama professor at Misericordia in the ’70s. She is inspired daily by the values of her institution and its founders, the Sisters of Mercy.

Her parents and husband have supported her throughout her career and during the long days spent on completing her doctorate or while teaching on evenings and/or weekends and while working on her administrative and/or community responsibilities.

Slaff has received the Rotarian of the Year Award and Rotary District Governor’s Appreciation Award. She is a member and reviewer for the Academy of Management and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education where she serves as an evaluation team member for re-accreditation.

She is former vice-president, board member and conference chair of the Northeastern Association of Business, Economics and Technology.

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top 25 women in business in nepa

amy betts

Living by the Golden Rule, is a key philosophy in the Mary Kay Cosmetics culture and after almost 20 years in business it is an essential part of me,” said Amy Betts, Mary Kay Cosmetics team leader.

Betts continues to build her business of 20 years because she believes in the products and company philosophies. “The Mary Kay culture celebrates successes, big or small, and builds leaders to motivate and empower others. Mary Kay has allowed me to grow with my business and when I started a family I was able to be mother and business owner,” she explained.

Betts attends annual Mary Kay seminars and workshops hosted by makeup artists, who are at the top in their fields.

Active in her community, she has been a member of the Junior League of Scranton, where she is currently the chair of the strategic planning committee, co-chair of the community research committee and a member of the nominating and placement committees and past chairs of several of the league’s other committees. She works part-time at Peace Lutheran Church.

As team leader at Mary Kay, she studies the products and company training; educates her clients and matches them with the best products for their skin type, skin challenges, lifestyle and per-

sonality and shares the marketing plan and reasons women love to run their own business.

Betts received her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota. Just seven months prior to graduation, she joined Mary Kay. While her husband was stationed in the army in South Carolina she worked as a training specialist with Palmetto GBA, (a provider of technical and administrative services for the federal government) while growing her Mary Kay client base and building a team of women who came into the business through her.

Following their move to Fairbanks, Alaska and the birth of their first child, Nora, Betts became a work-from-home mom. After a final duty station move to Fort Drum, New York, and the birth of their son, Alfred, the couple moved to Scranton.

Her mentors have been her national sales director, Gillian Ortega; her local sales director, Monica Scaduto and Katharine Schkloven.

“Through my involvement in Toastmasters International, Junior League and National Association of Women Business Owners, along with countless opportunities in the Mary Kay world, I have been developing my leadership and communication skills,” she explained.

Her husband, Ky Betts, has been her greatest supporter always believing in her and her potential.

Jackie borthwick-Galvin

As director of development and communications for Little Sisters of the Poor, Jackie BorthwickGalvin is responsible for creating and implementing fundraising strategies and event planning as well as developing and executing both the business and creative aspects of the marketing, advertising and public relations initiatives.

As a community volunteer, she aids organizations that support causes that are close to her heart — ones that support people who are poor, sick or in need of other types of assistance such as Queen of the Apostles Parish; J.M.J. Radio of the Diocese of Scranton; Pittston Tomato Festival Committee; the Alzheimer’s Association, NEPA; the Jill Donovan Fight Against Cancer; and more .

Borthwick-Galvin graduated from King’s College with a bachelor of arts degree in communications and a master’s degree in health care administration with a concentration in health care marketing/public relations. She also earned graduate certificates in public health administration and executive leadership in health care administration at King’s.

Her mentors and best role models have been her parents, Jack and Lorraine Borthwick. Her late father was a dedicated community leader who volunteered his time at church fundraisers and served on several church boards as well as scoutmaster

of the former Boy Scout Troop 341 in Avoca for 34 years. Her mother has always amazed her as she supports her family in every way, when her husband became ill in the 1980s, as well as being a constant loving presence for her family.

Living by the scripture “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40), she said she is blessed to have been raised in a loving home where she was taught respect, to be non-judgmental and love God. Galvin was named “Employee of the Month” at the Times Leader; received the merit award in The National Newspaper of Admissions Marketing nationwide advertising competition; was selected for the “Top 20 Under 40” in the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal; is a member of the Apostles Parish at St. Mary’s Church and is a parish council subcommittee member; community relations coordinator; and a Women’s Guild and Fundraising Committee member. She is co-coordinator of the Little Sisters of the Poor’s Association Jeanne Jugan lay ministry; a member of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network and the Pittston Tomato Festival Committee.

She and her husband, Jim, have a son, J.J., and reside in Avoca.

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Cena block

As founder of Sane Spaces and creator of Time & Space Style Inventory, Cena Block is passionate about supporting professional women “Many of us are making ourselves sick from stress,” she said.

“It’s one of the driving reasons behind becoming a certified coach.”

After studying broadcasting at Ithaca College, Block earned a master’s degree in corporate communications. When the wireless industry came on scene in the early ’90s, she moved into management training and performance development. She left her career in wireless a few years after 9/11 to raise her children and consult privately.

Sane Spaces LLC was launched as a professional organizer for small business and residential clients.

She developed the first online web-based time management and organizing personality assessment tool: The Time & Space Style Inventory (TSSI), which helps coaches, organizers, educators and especially those who consistently struggle with managing time and staying organized. She is currently in the final stages of certification as a life and business productivity coach. Block works with corporations and nonprofits to deliver interactive workshops with a combination of principles to improve teamwork, business skills and communication.

Block has been a Pike County Chamber of Commerce member since 2008 and is active on the Women in Business committee. She has been involved with Leadership Pike, Ladies Day and is an adjunct trainer at Sussex County Community College and the University of Scranton. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and has served as president and board member of the Northern New Jersey NAPO. Block said her family life is sacred and being an

attorney melissa scartelli

Attorney Melissa Scartelli has been known to take large and small cases, for young and older clients, depending on how passionate the cause behind the case. “Some causes need to be brought forward regardless of profitability. I feel the need to stand for those causes and for what is right,” she explained. Scartelli is among the few female trial lawyers who have achieved board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocates.

As president and CEO of Scartelli Olszewski PC, she is lead lawyer on all civil jury trials in her office.

She is involved in all aspects of her business and ensures that “all our lawyers participate in continuing legal education and all administrative staff stay abreast of advances in technology and best practices” she explained.

Scartelli is a graduate of Scranton Prep, holds a bachelor’s degree from Dickinson College and a law degree from Dickinson School of Law. She was granted the International Academy of Trial Lawyers entrepreneur has offered her the flexibility to serve award at graduation for her performance at Trial Moot Court. Her mentors have included Dean Gary on the board of the PTA, Delaware Valley High Gildin, of Penn State Dickinson Law School. “Dean School drama boosters and Boy Scout troop No. Gildin is not only a legal scholar but also a trial 76 where her two sons are Eagle and Life scouts. lawyer who mastered the art of trial advocacy. He She also volunteers at her son’s recitals and ballet instilled in me a passion to become a trial lawyer,” performances.

Her parents have always nurtured a healthy work she explained. While acting as law clerk for the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, the ethic, as well as endorsed her creative thinking and Hon. S. John Cottone became another mentor who individualism and have been great mentors to her. taught her that justice is truly blind and that the law Mentors in her professional life have been Sunny must be applied fairly and without regard to race, Schlenger, author and flow coach, and Denslow religion, socio-economic background, politics and Brown, founder of Coach Approach for Organizers.

Block does not believe in overnight success but friendships.

The slogan of Scartelli Olszewski PC is “Small that success is based on clarity of focus, commitment, having a supportive environment and staying Enough to Care, Large Enough to Win.” “In putting the interests of clients first, I have discovered that with an idea long enough to see it through. She is success flows naturally,” she said, adding that her grateful to the support of her husband as well as

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late father, Edward R. Scartelli, prodded her to be fearless in achieving her goals. She represents injured victims of accidents and medical malpractice and is known to be fearless in and out of the courtroom. On Sept. 11, 2005, Scartelli received the Outstanding Citizenship Award from the Pennsylvania State Police, in recognition of her rescue of three victims from an overturned boat on Lake Wallenpaupack.

Recently, she has been asked to become a member of the Board of Overseers at Penn State Dickinson Law School. “I am excited and honored to help shape future lawyers,” she said.

She has also been nominated a Super Lawyer for many years and is a life member of the MultiMillion Dollar Advocates forum for Trial Lawyers in America. She is a past president of the Northeast Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association.

Melissa A. Scartelli, Esquire www.Scartelli.com Life Member Multi-Million Dollar aDvocates ForuM FOR TRIAL LAWYERS OF AMERICA™

top 25 women in business in nepa

alison skoff Alison Skoff is in constant pursuit of excellence.

As a health and business coach with Isagenix, she offers the opportunity to live a healthy, clean and lean lifestyle and to create wealth while doing so.

Assisting hundreds of clients in search of solutions for weight loss, energy, performance, and healthy aging, Skoff said Isagenix’s multi-faceted approach ensures that the top-of-the-line systems can easily be tailored to fit any goal. “Clients have experienced life-changing weight loss, increased health, vitality and improved athletic performance.

I created a team of more than 6,000 associates to aid in these changes,” she explained.

Her training in ontological coaching allows her to partner with clients to identify old patterns that have impeded their health goals in the past. “Together we create clarity and set specific, attainable goals. We then co-create precise actions and steps to achieve these goals, identify obstacles, co-create a plan to overcome those obstacles and provide encouragement, support and motivation along the way,” she explained.

Before joining the Network Marketing profession, Skoff was a successful occupational therapist, educated at the University of Scranton.” I loved my career — but the constant struggle of balancing a full-time job plus multiple part-time jobs with parenting left me overwhelmed. When I was introduced to Isagenix by a friend, it was to improve my health to keep up with all that I was juggling. Then I saw the opportunity as a way to earn money while setting my own schedule,” she said. “For me, time and financial freedom are the true measures of success,” she said.

Her mentors have been several powerful women in network marketing including Kathy Coover, Susan Sly, Kelley Dickerhoof, Betsy Frame,

anitra Yusinskimcshea, ph.D.

Dr. Anitra Yusinski-McShea follows the four Ps: professionalism, perseverance, positivity and passion. “These are the attributes I try to live by and instill in others, said the vice provost of student formation and campus life at the University of Scranton.

Her role requires her to make difficult decisions that often affect individual students. “Every once and a while a student says thank you and it motivates me to persevere,” she explained. “As an educator, it is rewarding to know that one can facilitate learning even in the most difficult of moments.”

Community engagement is a large part of McShea’s role and is directly tied to the university’s mission “to be a woman for and with others.”

She supports students’ philanthropic endeavors in the spirit of community engagement such as volunteering to clean the streets of Scranton via the University of Scranton’s Student Government Street Sweep or refurbish a home in the community for a family in need. She has been a guest lecturer for the and Jani Ehlo. Skoff attributes her success to master’s program in higher education at Marywood staying committed even when things are uncertain University; and a speaker for the Lucy Hobbs Conand holding the belief that all things are possible. nection program at Benco Dental in Pittston.

She is grateful for the lessons her parents taught As vice provost, she is responsible for the her about hard work and commitment and the love overall management of the division. She serves as and support of her husband, JB, and three children, co-liaison to the board of trustees’ education comMaggie, Caroline and Jake. mittee and holds memberships on the president’s In the community she is a member of Women cabinet, provost’s council, incident management In Philanthropy; she volunteers at St. Clare/St. team, strategic enrollment and admissions, resiPaul School and at St. Paul’s Food Pantry; is a dence life and financial aid. mentor in the WIP program; and is a member of Her parents instilled respect and a passion for Friends of Lackawanna. education and the importance of integrity. “It was Skoff has earned the “Six Figure Income through their support and encouragement that I Earner” distinction for 2015 and 2016 at Isagenix.

built up an authentic love for learning,” she noted.

Yusinski-McShea earned her doctoral degree in human development with a concentration in higher education administration from Marywood University, her master of arts degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University and her bachelor of arts from Elizabethtown College. She resides in Mountain Top with her husband and three children.

Yusinski-McShea has two mentors. Dr. John Saddlemire, who taught her about the field of student affairs; and Dr. Vincent Carilli, under whose leadership she grew as a professional.

Her husband, Shawn, has been her greatest supporter and, as working parents of three children, (Miles, 6, and twins Audrey and Brynley, 3) without his love and support, she would not be able to make it all work. She is a member of the National Association of Personnel Administrators and the Jesuit Association of Personnel Administrators.

The University of Scranton Congratulates NEPA’s Top Women in Business Anitra McShea, Ph.D.

Vice Provost for Student Formation & Campus Life, The University of Scranton

Charlotte Ravaioli, G’83 • Lora Lynn, G’84, G’89, G‘95 Alison Skoff, ’99 • Jessica Falk, D.M.D., M.S.D., ’01

Northeastern Pennsylvania’s most nationally recognized private university

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top 25 women in business in nepa

stacie millett Rechlicz

Stacie Millett Rechlicz, R.N., is committed to helping seniors and their families navigate the transition from their current home to a safe and nurturing senior living environment. “The Pines approach was to create a better lifestyle for our seniors that cultivates independence and vitality but also provides amazing personal care. We provide a warm, nurturing home-like environment with the latest technology, enabling residents to thrive with dignity at a level that matches their individual needs,” she explained.

The Pines also has a 24-bed secured Memory Care Unit with programming that reflects the understanding of the special needs of seniors with memory-related issues.

Our family of caregivers at the Pines is handson within the facility, hence our motto “where our family cares for yours.”

“We can not do this alone here at the Pines. The care and compassion our excetional staff provides residents and their families is a fundamental ingredient in the success of The Pines,” she explained.

As administrator, Rechlicz is responsible for the overall management of the facility.

Earning a BSN from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and a master’s degree in health administration from St. Joseph’s University, she

worked as a registered nurse with kidney and liver transplant patients at Thomas Jefferson Hospital and in utilization review/quality management. She was the UR/QA department manager at Roxborough Hospital and after her return to the area, she changed hats and owned the Golden Goose Toy Store in Clarks Summit for 11 years.

Missing the nursing field, she returned to it in 2010 at Endless Mountains Health Systems in Montrose, a small rural hospital, caring for general medical and orthopedic surgery patients, prior to moving to the Pines in 2015.

She was a finalist for the Scranton Chamber of Commerce SAGE Award “Pride and Progress: New Construction;” won the Abington Journal’s Best of the Abingtons: “Best Senior Living;” the Happie Award, “Best Senior Living” from Happenings Magazine; and the Abington Suburban Magazine, Readers’ Choice Award “Best Senior Living.”

Her husband, David Rechlicz, is a family dentist in Montrose and her son, Jack, is in dental school.

“Both have been incredibly understanding about the time and energy that I have committed to the success of this business,” she said. Her sister, Mari Doherty, is also involved in daily operations at The Pines. “Family support has been essential in this endeavor,” she said.

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Charlotte Ravaioli

Charlotte Ravaioi, has great passion for education and Keystone College in LaPlume.

As chief of staff of Keystone College, Ravaioli serves the president, his cabinet and the board of trustees. She helps drive strategic change, provides counsel/advice to the president and board chair and manages board engagement and advocacy efforts.

She also acts as liaison among administration, trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community and ensures that college constituencies are heard.

Ravaioli is active in Women in Philanthropy; The Mulberry Poets and Writers; A4, the African-American Arts Alliance; and The Gathering, an annual three-day symposium on creativity and imagination. Ravaioli graduated from Marywood College with a bachelor’s degree and from the University of Scranton with a master’s degree in English. She taught part-time at the University of Scranton, Lackawanna College and Keystone College until hired full-time at Keystone in 1983. “As soon as I entered Keystone’s campus, I knew this was where I wanted to spend my professional life.” She said there was a sense of student-centeredness and she felt embraced by the college even as an adjunct.

She points to mentors Marie and Gus DePietro, of Jay’s Restaurant in West Scranton, who taught

her the value of hard work; Dr. William Rakauskas, of the University of Scranton, who taught her to be a teacher; former Keystone president Dr. Edward G. Boehm, Jr., who taught her how to lead and, most important, her husband, Albert, who taught her to be a good person.

“When I am sometimes amazed by the richness of my life and worry that the goodness won’t last, my husband says, ‘Suffer the happiness.’ So I try to suffer the happiness each day,” she said.

In addition to the support of her husband, her three daughters are amazing, accomplished, brilliant women who have professional careers, are raising families and are changing the world, she said.

Ravaioli was awarded the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Chair for Distinguished Faculty Service at Keystone College and the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award of the Scranton Area Foundation for community service. “I had the privilege of working with Margaretta when she was president and it was a joyful and rewarding experience,” she said.

Aside from her work at Keystone, a most enjoyable activity is vacationing with the family. In 2016, 16 family members traveled to the American Southwest. This year the family, including nine grandchildren, will vacation in Yellowstone National Park.

Charlotte Ravaioli

is Always Tops with Us.

The Ke eystone College community joins the Northeast Pennsylvania

Busine ess Journal in saluting Charlotte Ravaioli as a noteworthy busine ess leader in our region. ver thirty-five years Charlotte has devoted her life to assist For ov studen nts and Keystone College grow, develop and prosper. As a long-re espected Professor of Communication Arts and Humanities and as Dean of the College she encouraged and mentored decad des of students toward real world success.

More recently, Charlotte assumed leadership responsibilities as both Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Chief of Staff for the College.

Congratulations, Charlotte, from all your friends and family at

www.keystone.edu

Keystone College!

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Gretchen ann eagen

Gretchen Ann Eagen knew from early childhood she would face challenges in life. “Having had major medical illnesses gave me the strength to know they could be met but the outcome may be different than desired. The challenges often provided me with a new path and introduced unexpected opportunities,” explained the talent management Specialist (TMS) at Geisinger Health Systems.

She supports the community through fundraising and volunteer efforts with the Abington Heights Civic League Inc.; honors veterans through the annual memorial day parade and other projects; helps with vision screening for kindergarten students; provides education awareness and fundraising for Alzheimer’s/memory loss victims; works as an aide for the elderly; is a Waverly Community House volunteer; provides career, education and internship coaching for high school, college students/parents and job seekers; and supports cancer awareness and fundraising and animals in need.

In her position as TMS she is a leader in recruiting registered nurses, graduate nurses, nurses aides and other nursing department personnel for Geisinger Health System.

After completing college, she fell in love with the field of job exploration and thought she would be talented at helping and inspiring others find their career niche. Thirty years later she pursues the same passion. “Education, personal journeys and passion for the medical field led me to dedicate my career in healthcare. Eagen earned a bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College and did post graduate studies in business and special education from George Mason University. She is also educated in life, career coaching and self awareness education programs.

She has had “village support” through close friends, the community and family, including

Cassidy Clair miller

CC Cleaning contributes to the community through job creation. “In 2016 we added six fulltime positions to our roster,” said president/owner Cassidy Clair Miller who manages 15 employees, while continuously developing her brand. Some days that means marketing, while others it means going out and scrubbing floors with the crew. “My company, customers and staff are my endless mission,” she said. I have a strong belief in top down leadership and attention to detail.”

Miller began cleaning homes out of high school, “It was great work as it allowed me to make my own schedule and generate an above average wage while attending classes at Penn State,” she said.

She graduated with her bachelor of science degree in business in 2010 and decided to persue growing CC Cleaning, as she had already established a solid customer base.

Her parents have been her greatest mentors.

“They have been full of encouragement throughout my business journey and have always pushed me to follow my dreams,” she said. Her philosophy says, “The only limits you face in this life is your mother Shirley Wagner Eagen; father James M. Eagen, as well as her daughter, Brianna Rose Eagen level of thinking.” She said she understands that and fiance’ Matt Mackie and her brother Jay Eagen. there is a way to think through even the most challenging situations.”

Her greatest challenge, success and joy has been Miller’s finance, Donnie, has challenged her to raising her daughter, Brianna, as a single parent, She is a member of the Abington Heights Civic step outside of her comfort zone and is a huge part of helping her run the day-to-day operations of CC League Inc., Greater Scranton Chamber of ComCleaning,” she said merce, Skills in Scranton Healthcare Committee, CC Cleaning is a certified “Woman Owned BusiGettysburg College Parents Alliance and the Society ness” by the Women’s Business Enterprise National of Human Resource Management.

She serves as chairperson for HEIFER Interna- Council (WBENC), the largest third-party certifier tional (AHCL Inc.); is a member of Greater Federa- of businesses owned, controlled and operated by women in the United States. The company belongs tion of Women’s Clubs and won the GFWC PA to the International Sanitary Supply Association State Award for Home Life Efforts, and Alzheimer (ISSA), an association of more than 6,000 compaEducation and Awareness and more.

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nies in the professional cleaning industry. ISSA also helps increase success by offering business tools and services that specifically focus on the professional cleaning industry.

The business is currently working on multiple industry certifications, including CIMS, the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization and the Cleaning Industry Training Standard (CITS) program is designed to increase professionalism and demonstrate a commitment to effective training.

Specifically, the program is focused on training and certifying frontline cleaning professionals, verifying training programs and training facilities to a set industry standard and improving the skills of industry trainers through a comprehensive workshop.

Save the Dates

To register: wyccc.com/events Educational Luncheon Series: Monthly, on the second Wednesday Business “After Hours”: Monthly networking opportunities Legislative Breakfast: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 Leadercast Live: Friday, May 5, 2017 Leadership Wyoming: Space is limited. Apply by June 30, 2017 FallFest Mixer: Thursday, September 28, 2017 Member Appreciation Breakfast: Thursday, November 30, 2017 Shop Chamber Contest: November 24 - December 24, 2017 Please note: Dates subject to change. Check wyccc.com for current information

top 25 women in business in nepa

Gina severcool suydam maria thompson-Carter Gina Severcool Suydam, president of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce (WyCCC), serves approximately 450 members with a focus on leadership, education and connections.

In 2016, the chamber developed its first Leadership Wyoming Class and new this year is Leadercast Live, the largest one-day leadership conference in the world simulcast, from Atlanta, Georgia in partnership with Keystone College. She supports the monthly Educational Luncheon series and workshops that assist about 50 members each month in growing their businesses. Many businesses join the chamber to grow their network and their busines and Severcool Suydam said she takes pride in meeting one on one with members and coaching them by providing connections to other members. The largest event held by the chamber is the Fallfest Mixer which brings more than 600 business professionals.

The chamber serves as the economic development agency for Wyoming County, and Severcool Suydam has been facilitating the plan for development of natural gas service to Tunkhannock.. “We are securing the necessary infrastructure for the future of Wyoming County,” she said.

Severcool Suydam attended King’s College and earned a degree in accounting. During her employment with Parente Randolph (now Baker Tilly) and while volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, she discovered a passion for fundraising and relationship management. In 2003, she left accounting and went to work for the American Cancer Society and later the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2013 she was looking to move back to Wyoming County and within three months of accepting the chamber position she and

Maria Thompson-Carter said her success comes from hard work, perseverance, dedication and a work ethic instilled in her at a young age. “On days I felt like it was an uphill battle, I never gave up, I learned from others and from the mistakes I made along the way. I am where I am today because of it,” said Thompson-Carter, owner of Northeast Title and Tag Inc. in Clarks Summit.

As chief executive officer, Carter manages the entire organization and makes certain the company is in line with its budget; leads and motivates employees; and develops business strategies to meet overall strategy and the company mission. “I would have to say though, my favorite part is getting behind the counter and working face-to- face with the customers. I love interacting with them, getting to know a little bit about them in the 10 minutes they share their time with me.”

The company is a member of local chambers of commerce within each community. “We value getting to know the businesses throughout the region her family moved from Jessup to Tunkhannock. and the people we serve in those areas,” ThompHer mentors include her aunt, Donna LaBar, son-Carter said. Throughout the years, Northeast who is always determined and successful; and Title and Tag has taken part in different fund-raising Patty Vergnetti and Jo Moon both of whom are programs, such as Feed a Friend, Toys for Tots, tremendously strong and passionate and supStuff the Bus and school district booster clubs. portive of her.

Her greatest mentor has been her father who Her husband, Tony, and children, Anna, Aiden taught her everything she knows about business. “I and Alex, are her serenity. “Not that we are ever am the business woman I am today because of his calm with baseball, soccer, play practice, choir and knowledge, patience and confidence in me. I believe more, but they are the foundation that holds me up. the way he has conducted business in the past cerWe all enjoy quiet weekends and movie nights and tainly influences the choices I make today,” she said. family time snuggled on the couch,” she said.

The entire Northeast Title and Tag family has Suydam is a member of the board of direcalways had a family-friendly philosophy. “Our mistors for the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber sion statement is ‘Our family behind yours’ and this Professionals. “Recognition from my peers in the is truly our way. The company has had associates chamber industry was a great honor,” she said.

Procter & Gamble Mehoopany, PA

who has worked here for nearly 20 years. Our relationships with our associates can be attributed to the success of the company,” she explained.

Thompson-Carter stays in the moment through mediation, relaxation, and not “sweating” the small stuff. She tries to live day-by-day, spending time with those she loves. She is grateful to her entire family who are very active and supportive within the business, including her children and husband.

“I would not be the person I am today without my husband’s and children’s unconditional love and support,” she said.

Carter is a member of the PA Online Messenger Association; Insurance Agents and Brokers Association, and was awarded The Best Insurance Company, Happenings Magazine; Back Mountain Above and beyond Customer Service, Best Notary Public, Best Insurance Agency, Abington Suburban; and nominated for Exceptional Customer Service in the SAGE Awards.

“I am truly honored and appreciative to be among the top 25 women in business,” she said.

The entire Procter & Gamble, Mehoopany, PA organization would like to congratulate Gina Severcool Suydam, President of the Wyoming County Chamber, for being selected one of the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s 2017 Top 25 Women in Business this year!

Touching lives, improving life.

P&G

Congratulations Gina!

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Women in the workforce As part of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) year-long 50th anniversary celebration in 2015, the agency released “American Experiences” versus American Expectations, a report that illustrates the significant changes to the demographics of the American workforce since EEOC opened its doors in 1965.

The report, which also highlights continuing challenges in our workforce demographics, uses Employer Information Report (EEO-1) data to track employment participation from 1966 to 2013 for several demographic groups, including women.

Beginning in 1966, all employers with 100 or more employees (lower thresholds apply to federal contractors) have been required by law to file an EEO-1 with EEOC. In fiscal year 2013, the most recent year for which data is available, approximately 70,000 employers filed reports indicating the composition of their workforce by sex, race/ethnicity, and major job categories.

(For more information about the EEO-1 and job categories, see eeoc.gov/employers/eeo1survey/ index.cfm.)

American Experiences versus American Expectations reveals several noteworthy trends concerning the experiences of women in the workforce: • Women saw increased participation rates in officials and managers, professionals, technicians, and sales workers from 1966 to 2013.

• While women saw increases in their participation rate in officials and managers, professionals, technicians and sales workers from 1990 through 2013, there was a decline in their participation rate as office and clerical workers during those years.

Despite overall increases in participation rates for women in officials and managers and professionals occupations, barriers to entry may still exist. In 2013, women represented 53.2 percent of professionals, while they made up only 38.6 percent of officials and managers.

Data also suggests that women continue to experience occupational segregation in nontraditional jobs. In 2013, women composed 7.3 percent of all craft workers, while the participation rate for women in the office and clerical worker category was considerably higher at 75.6 percent.

By comparison, between 1966 and 2013, women’s participation rates in the workforce increased from 31.5 percent to 48.7 percent (2013 EEO-1 Indicators report). In 2013, the

United States’ 161 million women made up roughly 51 percent of the population. Despite the gains in employment made by women in the last 50 years, the annual median earnings of women working full time in 2013 was $39,157, compared with men at $50,033.

Dr. margaret Jarvis

2015 EEO-1 Aggregate Report Pennsylvania 11679 UNITS Total Employment Men Women

2,346,808 1,177,804 1,169,004

Executive/Senior Level Officials and Managers Total 36,851 Men 25,925 Women 10,926 First/Mid Level Officials & Managers Total Men Women

219,851 131,091 88,760

Professionals Total Men Women

508,903 211,635 297,268

Technicians Total Men Women

140,236 61,906 78,330

Sales Workers Total Men Women

216,446 100,425 116,021

Office & Clerical Workers Total Men Women

292,821 68,262 224,559

Craft Workers Total Men Women

135,447 125,369 10,078

Operatives Total Men Women

251,874 197,935 53,939

Laborers Total Men Women

171,619 119,442 52,177

Service Workers Total Men Women

372,760 135,814 236,946

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Dr. Margaret Jarvis has been medical director at Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center since 1999.

As such, she realizes when she advises patients to take care of themselves, she needs to hold herself to the same. “Sometimes that means I have to take time away from work in order to come back with more patience, empathy and humility. I need to be there for my partner, friends, family and animals,” she explained Jarvis is also secretary and incoming vicepresident of the board of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). She is involved in education projects and writes the questions for the certifying exam. “Addiction medicine is now recognized in the same way that psychiatry or pediatrics is,” she said.

She is also acting chair of the Quality Improvement Council, “where addiction medicine has catching up to do with other medical specialties.

We are working on publishing practice guidelines and establishing performance indicators,” she said.

At Marworth, among other work, she is now involved in expanding addiction services throughout Geisinger Health System. “We are creating clinics for outpatient management of medications for addiction,” she said.

Jarvis attended medical school and completed a psychiatry residency and substance abuse medicine fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV now Virginia Commonwealth University). Her mentor, Dr. Sidney Schnoll, suggested addiction as a great place to create a career and supported her in obtaining grant funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to support her fellowship.

Another mentor has been Louis Baxter, M.D., who helped her become involved in leadership at ASAM. Her father has been a source of advice, especially about balancing career, personal life and health. “I am fortunate that my partner has been willing to take on the care of our animals and the property without begrudging me the time I dedicate to my career,” she added.

In addition to her other memberships, she is a member of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health (SASH), and its former president.

She was awarded the SASH Merit Award in 2011.

To unwind, the doctor rides her three horses, a major sanity saver. She has two goats, more than 20 chickens and lots of cats. “When I’m really frazzled, hugging a goat or burying my face in a horse’s neck helps,” she said.

top 25 women in business in nepa

Human Resources can develop female leadership

In a growing organization with a continuously changing employee base, it’s easy for demographAccording to the Center for Ameriics — especially gender statistics — to can Progress, women make up only fall by the wayside, as HR priority is 14.6 percent of executive officers, 8.1 often placed on mandatory reporting percent of top earners and 4.6 percent procedures for legal compliance. of Fortune 500 CEOs. Though female However, ignoring the issue will professionals have made progressive inevitably create disparities. Furtherstrides in the workforce, the numbers more, picking and choosing which support the argument that traditional information is “most important” is a pires workplace discrepancies still exist and sure sign that a company has outgrown are a very real challenge for individuals its human capital management sysand companies. tem and needs adjustments to prevent inefficiency.

On an organizational level, it’s the responsibil- The use of a HCM system to track all functions ity of HR professionals to work toward closing of a business and its people creates a seamless this gap by tracking individual employees and experience that maximizes company resources. working with executives to make sure female job Once disparities are recognized and initiatives candidates are proactively identified and being are put in place to attract and hire female employbrought into the company. More importantly, they ees, it’s up to HR to make sure programs are in need to ensure that female employees are receiv- place to retain and advance those employees so ing the proper onboarding and training needed to that they may develop into internal candidates for acquire skills and experiences that will help them managerial roles. This is another area where HR succeed and develop into future executives. can lean on technology.

Progressive employers attract and retain the An integrated, single-database HCM platform best talent and a diverse employee base gives has the ability to track individual employees and companies an inherent advantage in business. identify what credentials they need to move up For medium to large-size companies, a single- and take on larger and more visible leadership database human capital management platform roles. This is essential information when identifycan give HR managers the data they need to ining female candidates within the company and form executives of their current employee makeup making sure they receive the proper training and and what gaps exist in both diversity and pay. The experience to prepare them for managerial posiuse of a comprehensive HR technology platform tions and leadership opportunities that arise. as the core system of record serves to benefit not With pinpoint data insights produced by only individual employees, but also the company a single-database HCM technology platform, as a whole. employers and HR professionals can create Many HR environments utilizing the personalized professional development paths for traditional pen-and-paper filing system, or female employees. disparate systems, likely will not have employee Diversity in the workplace isn’t simply a matdemographic statistics at their disposal and ter of ensuring fairness. Statistics show that top will fail to effectively and consistently identify performing companies leverage diversity to bring gender and wage gaps within their companies. in new insights and perspectives and to excel These figures and reports can be automated past their competition. Diverse expertise can and viewed in executive dashboards in singlechallenge tired strategies and incite positive and database, integrated human capital management meaningful change. It’s up to HR to identify the (HCM) technology platforms. In many cases, existing gaps and work to solve them. Technolthe insights gained from these reports provide ogy can help empower your organization and the early warnings and act as a catalyst for HR take you there. professionals to proactively recruit and develop Michael Pires is chief executive officer of JetPay HR female employees. and Payroll Services. Visit jetpay.com

Lisa Konzelman

By Michael Pires

Lisa Konzelman is an optimist with a can-do attitude rooted in an inherent trust in God’s plan for her life that gives her purpose, peace and focus. The vice-president of advancement at Clarks Summit University, quotes Proverbs 16:3, which she has followed since her college days. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your thoughts.” She said, “Every day, I make a choice to fixate on positive thinking, productivity and relationships.”

Konzelman leads a team of fund-raising professionals in fund development. “I am grateful to serve with a team who mentors our students and works hard to help them afford their education,” she said. She began the CSU Golf Classic 12 years ago and it has raised more than $1 million for student scholarships.

Konzelman surrounds herself with people who influence and challenge her professionally, personally and spiritually. She also networks with fundraising professionals in other universities and colleges. “We are all dealing with the same challenges — sometimes on different levels,” she said.

Her mentors have been two earlier CSU vice presidents of advancement who were strong influences in her life and career. “I was encouraged to take risks and pursue development of new

initiatives, value professional development and remember that fundraising at its core is ‘friendraising,’” she explained.

She and her brother, the CEO for DataPipe, were blessed with parents who valued excellence and modeled lives of service. “They left an indelible mark on my life and helped shape my life direction,” she said. Konzelman has chaired the sponsorships committee of Komen for the Cure’s 25th Anniversary and serves with her husband on the First Impressions team at their church.

“I am grateful to have close family members, each who value our time together and support each other in life, work and service to others,” Konzelman said. “I want to be my team’s biggest cheerleader by encouraging them to take initiative, pursue professional and personal development and lead the team in collaborative planning and execution of new or re-directed fundraising initiatives.”

Konzelman graduated from Clarks Summit University and received a CFRE from Indiana University School of Philanthropy. “It is truly an honor to be selected as one of the Top 25 Business Women of NEPA. I’m grateful to be in the mix of gifted women who serve our businesses, nonprofits, and communities well,” she said.

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Dr. Jessica Falk Chmil

Dr. Jessica Falk Chmil, owner/orthodontist of Orthodontist Specialists Dr. Jessica Falk and Dr. John Gershey, grew up an only child with a single mom who sacrificed most everything for her. She has followed her mother’s example of hard work and perseverance that taught her to set goals and diligently pursue them. “Because of her, I never took the education I was receiving for granted. I always worked hard to make her proud and I think I have.” she said.

Falk Chmil has served as treasurer of the Scranton District Dental Society for the last seven years. Orthodontic Specialists sponsors events in the community, including school fundraisers, plays, sports teams, races, dance recitals, memorial fundraisers and more. This year, a new program, “Committed to our Community,” a local fundraiser/ event will be highlighted and in April the office will donate mouth guards to local school sports teams.

Falk also performs a great deal of pro bono work for children who present to the office in financial need.

“Not only do I straighten a person’s teeth, but I get to see their sense of achievement and confidence shine with their new beautiful smiles,” she noted. “ I have a wonderful staff that is very skilled at their different roles throughout the office so they help me tremendously with all the aspects of our business,” she said.

Falk attended the University of Scranton earning her bachelor of science degree in biology. She and her husband, Corey, both attended Temple University School of Dentistry. She performed her orthodontic residency at St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, where she received a certificate in orthodontics and a master’s degree of dental science.

Her mentor has been her partner in practice, Dr. John Gershey. “We have a great relationship and have always worked well together. He is very conscientious and caring but also a very knowledgeable business person,” she explained.

She and her husband, Corey Chmil, a general dentist, have two children, Cole Henry, 3, and Connelly Rose,1. “They are what bring me the most joy day in and day out,” she said.

Falk Chmil has received the Valley Advantage Reader’s Choice Award and named the Times Tribune Best Orthodontist consecutive times and voted to the national list of Top Dentists in Orthodontics also consecutive times. “I take great pride in knowing that my patients and their families are happy and satisfied with their treatment and I am so thankful to have them vote for me for these awards,” she said.

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sheri melcher

As owner/director of Creative and Performing Arts Academy (CaPAA) of NEPA, Sheri Melcher, along with her husband, Michael, have waded through many obstacles over the past 10 years before finding their footing and new home at the Ritz Theater in Scranton. Melcher works with an extremely passionate staff and more than 300 students and families at CaPAA which offers a children’s choir; acting classes and musical theatre dance class; and other productions. She also directs a nine week summer camp program.

Melcher develops and implement CaPAA’s programming and curriculum; manages the ARTS ENGAGE program which, through Lackawanna County’s funding, provides children in Scranton and Carbondale school districts the opportunity to participate in CaPAA’s programming. She is also a member of the adjunct piano faculty at Marywood, where she teaches piano to undergraduate music and performance majors.

She has enjoyed an extensive performance career, including chamber music recitals at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall with Philadelphia orchestra musicians Richard Amoroso and Adam Unsworth.

She has performed in recital with internationally acclaimed violinist Eugene Fodor at the Kennedy Center, bass-baritone Eric J. Owens and with members of the Baltimore and National Symphony Orchestras.

She is also the music director for Northampton Community College’s fall musicals and the organist/choir director at Jarrettown United Methodist Church.

Melcher taught upper and middle school music history, music theory and world music, at Springside-Chestnut Hill (SCH) Academy in Philadelphia.

During her tenure at SCH, she was honored with the E. Perot Walker Prize for Teaching Excellence and named a Cy Nathan Faculty Chair. She was

recently awarded the PA Theater Person of the Year for 2016 by PA Theater’s Guide readers.

A graduate of The Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University and Temple University’s Esther Boyer College of Music, Melcher holds bachelor’s degrees in piano performance and music education as well as master’s degrees in piano accompanying and pedagogy.

Her mentors have included Lambert Orkis, a professor she studied under at Temple University and Roland Woehr, Jr. whose passion was a great inspiration. Her husband of 22 years and business partner of five years, is her greatest supporter; her late parents never missed a recital; and her daughter, Kayla, and son, Sam, have supported her tirelessly over the years.

top 25 women in business in nepa

Donna Labar

Success to Donna LaBar is retaining the same feeling today that she had when she was a young business person. LaBar is a certified integrative health coach, author and public speaker and Century 21 real estate appraiser and broker.

She was the first realtor-associate board member of the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors and owned four Century 21 franchises locally by 1990.

She served two years on Century 21’s National Broker’s Communication Congress. She continues to own two Century 21 franchises in Clarks Summit and Tunkhannock and is a partner in a commercial brokerage firm. LaBar studied the potential effects of the oil/gas industry in the local real estate market and she and two other businesswomen joined forces to raise funds for a downtown streetscape project in Tunkhannock’s business district in the early ’90s. Ten years later, and more than $1.2 million raised, there was economic improvement downtown and Rotary International awarded the women the “Paul Harris Fellow Recognition.”

Over the same years intense personal interest in holistic health led her to become certified as an integrative health coach specializing in restorative nutrition. She published “Simple. Natural. Healing” and continues to speak about natural health transformation for support groups and civic organizations. LaBar

serves on the board of the Wyoming County Community Health Foundation and has been a coordinator for the Natural Health Clinic. She oversees the real estate franchises and works with her partner on commercial development and transactions in the northern tier.

She continues her public speaking, consulting and teaching natural health and wellness in the region and throughout the country via internet atdonnalabar.com and on her radio show on Twigs Café Radio entitled “Donna LaBar on Mind, Body and Soul.”

LaBar has found many great mentors in the pioneers of the local real estate industry and through her work with the local chambers of commerce.

Her friend’s father, Allen Garbus, was also her mentor, and introduced her to holistic healing.

When life gets crazy, she stops and asks herself, “Donna, do you want to be right or do you want to be happy?” She ultimately wants to live peacefully and happily doing what she can to bring positive change to the world, she said. “There is no room in that goal for self-righteousness.”

Sadly, her mother died suddenly 29 years ago; her father in 2015 and her husband of 34 years eight years ago. “Today I am held high by my life partner, Bob Lizza, my daughter Monica LaBarHughes and her husband Steve Hughes, my family, friends and staff.”

attorney Grace Doherty Hillebrand

Grace Doherty Hillebrand knows how to listen and as a trial attorney with Scanlon Howley & Doherty P.C. that has become a very important part of her success.

“When you listen to other perspectives and treat everyone with respect, you gain more appreciation for their circumstances,” she explained.

“I have learned in my career and in life that by listening I gain the most knowledge to best address a situation from a legal case to a toddler tantrum.

St. Ignatius said it best: ‘Be slow to speak and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent.’”

As a trial lawyer, Doherty Hillebrand represents individuals of all backgrounds who need representation in handling what is often the most stressful and difficult events in their life.” I find success in knowing that I’ve been able to help my clients through rigorous advocacy of their rights and reputation. I truly believe that our community is best served when the interests of each of our clients are zealously defended,” she explained.

Hillebrand has been involved with the Community Council for the Children’s Advocacy Center; St. Joseph’s Center; the Waverly Community

House; the board of the Young Lawyers Division of the Lackawanna County Bar Association; and as a parishioner of St. Gregory’s Church and president of the St. Andrea Society.

Hillebrand graduated from Scranton Preparatory High School, the College of the Holy Cross; and Fordham University School of Law. She moved back to Scranton and began her legal career at Scanlon, Howley & Doherty, P.C. Her greatest legal mentors are her father, James A. Doherty and her law partners: Tom Nealon, Jim Doherty III, Kevin Hayes and James Riff. “On a daily basis, I am encouraged and guided by their discipline, diligence and command of the law when advocating for our clients. As a trial lawyer, there is always more to learn,” she said.

Her family is a conglomerate of support without which she said she could not achieve her goals. “ My mom is the rock of our family and I hope to become at least half the mother she is. I am grateful for my husband who has taught me to always remain positive in life and I am blessed with three children who show me true joy in the smallest things in life,” she adds.

In her free time, she loves to run. “Things always seem better after a run.” she said.

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Lora paoloni Lynn

Lora Paoloni Lynn has opened many doors for students in her 38 years of teaching at Scranton Prep.

During these years, she taught Spanish at various levels and has been involved in many aspects of the school. She has been cheerleading moderator for basketball, football and wrestling, and as chairperson of the department she oversaw the expansion of language offerings. Her proudest accomplishment was receiving the Ad Altiora medal from Scranton Prep which acknowledges 20 years of devoted service. She is also proud to be teaching many second generation students. “Wow! Teaching students of my students, she said with a laugh.

Lynn’s love for languages has brought her to Spain, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. “Traveling gives me the opportunity to learn diverse cultures, customs and accents among Spanish-speaking countries. Slide shows, from my travels, help me open the world to my students.”

Lynn holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the Universidad de Valencia in Spain. She has also completed all the course work for a master’s degree in Hispanic Civilization from New York University, completing two summers at the Universidad de Salamanca, Spain. She received a master’s degree in counselor education, a master’s degree in Eng-

lish education and an MBA all from the University of Scranton. She is presently taking a graduate class at the University of Scranton.

“I have a lot to offer in experience,” she said.

“Most of my Pennsylvania continuing professional education coursework has concerned the diverse learner, including teaching children with disabilities,” she said.

She is a volunteer for SCOLA, teaching skills in English to a Spanish-speaking group from Colombia. She is also caregiver for her elderly parents, Edmund, who regularly attends Zumba, and Virginia Paoloni.

Lynn has worked as an interpreter for district magistrates in Luzerne County and Lackawanna County Court. She has three children, Emily, 31, Michael, 20, and Thomas, 18. Her daughter was a member of the Peace Corps in Peru and Paoloni visited her there, climbed Machu Picchu and visited the highest most navigable lake in the world, Lake Tititcaca.

She has received tremendous support from her parents throughout the years. “My father has instilled a great work ethic in me and has been a supporter of education, always wanting my sisters, children and me to further our education. My mother taught me how to be kind, generous, and give service to others in need,” she explained.

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Kathleen C. behr

Kathleen C. Behr builds solid relationships with her clients by listening to what they have to say, getting to know them personally and working with them to achieve their goals. As senior financial advisor/vice president at Merrill Lynch/The Preate Behr Group, Behr helps clients develop investment portfolios based upon their financial goals and risk tolerance.

Behr has been a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch for almost 20 years. She focuses on assisting women with their investment needs and ensures they are educated as to what they are invested in and why. She is also a specially qualified senior portfolio advisor who, in addition to providing traditional advice and guidance, can draw from her experience to help clients pursue their objectives by building and managing custom investment strategies, selecting from a wide range of Merrill Lynch model portfolios and third-party investment strategies.

Born and raised in New York, Behr attended and graduated from the State University of New York. After raising her family, she began her career at Merrill Lynch as a client associate in 1995 when she was 41-years-old. She supported her now partner, Joseph Preate, for almost three years in that role — assisting clients, opening new accounts and handling all types of administrative duties.

“It became apparent that Joe needed assistance managing his book of business and after many lengthy conversations with my husband and Joe, I entered into an intense training program for almost two years to become a licensed financial advisor at Merrill Lynch,” she explained. “I was 44-years-old and at times, I was the only woman in my local training class consisting of more than 30 men. At the time, it was an uphill battle being a woman in a predominantly male-oriented field.”

After completing training, and passing the Series 7 and 66 exams, she and Preate entered into partnership in 2000. She was able to draw from Preate’s experience and knowledge of the business to deepen client relationships, enhance her own career and solidify a successful partnership at Merrill Lynch.

“From my own experiences and challenges, I mentored others in my office as they were pursuing their own professional careers. If you want something bad enough and work hard to get it, there is nothing you cannot accomplish,” Behr stated.

Behr lives in Clarks Summit with her husband of almost 40 years, Alex. She is a member of the Scranton Canoe Club where she is active in a professional women’s only golf league. “On weekends, I enjoy spending time with my family — especially my three grandchildren,” she said.

Merrill Lynch applauds Kathleen Behr as one of the Top 25 Women in Business.

The Preate Behr Group Joseph G. Preate Senior Vice President - Wealth Management Wealth Management Advisor 570.330.8784 Kathleen C. Behr Vice President Senior Financial Advisor 570.330.8783 Ryan J. Mcgee Assistant Vice President Registered Financial Analyst 570.330.8779

Merrill Lynch 417 Lackawanna Avenue Scranton, PA 18503 www.fa.ml.com/preate_behr

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top 25 women in business in nepa

Men learn to push workplace diversity

‘Many men simply don’t understand women on many levels and often come into a situation with an inherent bias or preconceived notion’ they don’t know (and in the case of women) how they are navigating issues that we don’t know they are navigating,” he said.

Regardless of how we think we may have Welp said many advanced as a men simply don’t unnation, gender bias derstand women on still exists in many “there’s a mindset in the levels and often workplaces. A recent workforce that says this is a many come into a situation study published in women’s issue and we need with an inherent HR Dive, a human resources trade to focus on women. but then bias or preconceived notion. He said many publication, found there’s the whole issue of male managers don’t that when asked, 77 percent of men and what men need to do and how understand how often times 55 percent of women men need to respond to (bias women don’t like to arrive at believe men would in the workplace).” events late or after make better managdark for fear of their ers in high-stakes safety. In addition, projects. michael welp is co-wounder some women don’t “If you think of ‘white men as Full Diverlike to stay on the about gender as an sity partners,’ a diversity first floor of a hotel issue and you think consulting firm for many for the same reasons. about gender as a Fortune 500 companies.

“Those are some topic, people almost examples of what always discuss some women might women’s issues,” said Michael Welp, cofounder of ‘White Men as Full Diversity Partners,’ experience that men may not understand or a diversity consulting firm for many Fortune 500 realize,” he said. “And we don’t realize, as men, that we are swimming in different waters than companies. they are.”

His clients include Lockheed Martin, StarHe said in many cases, men want to make bucks and Shell. He’s been working in the field workplace diversity better, but are often puzzled for decades and has written several books on as to how to proceed and in some cases can the topic. The training programs — where men almost feel strange trying to get ahead. learn how to push workplace diversity forward and learn about their own unconscious biases Welp said even though women account — have been used in boardrooms and offices for a little more than half the population, a around the country. small percentage are executives in Fortune 500 “There’s a mindset in the workforce that says companies. Also in many cases, training — on this is a women’s issue and we need to focus on women’s issues —must be done by men. Howwomen. But then there’s the whole issue of what ever, he said working with the structure already in men need to do and how men need to respond to place is helpful and necessary. this,” he said.

A 2014 study by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission found that in the tech Welp said he often works with white men for sector alone, men (white men more specifically) a four-day period and let them reflect on issues such as what it means to be white, what it means outnumber women almost 2-to-1 in the industry. it means to be male, and for many, what it means “It’s not like you can check the box on this to be heterosexual. issue and be done with it,” said Welp. “This is an ongoing journey and training must be long-term.”

“The focus is to talk with them about what

Faith ann Liuzzo-bartolomew

By Phil Yacuboski

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From a very young age, Faith Ann LiuzzoBartholomew loved to dance. She founded the Faith Ann Liuzzo’s School for the Performing Arts and later in life, opened FAB Travel. In dance or in travel: “It has never been about making money and being rich. It is always about the relationships made and emotions shared,” she explained.

Sacrifices (such as) choosing dance class/ rehearsal over going to the movies with friends were made by her — and her family, as following her dreams meant sacrifices for them, too. Her children, Gabrielle and Colin, grew up in the studio and her husband, Conrad, is probably her greatest supporter in all her endeavors. Her parents, Tom and Faith Ann, gave her her start and allowed her to follow her dreams.

As a dancer and dance teacher, she performs at picnics, festivals, nursing homes and schools, and her students have been involved as well.

Organizations have included the Miss America organization, the Hugg-A-Bug Club; cheer and dance teams at local schools and junior football organizations; and others. She began a dance program for special needs students and works with students with handicaps.

Responsible for the day-to-day operations of a travel agency, Liuzzo-Bartholow says that when

she plans a vacation for someone, it’s as if she is planning her own. At the dance school she plans classes and activities, coordinates special events, performances and parties, as well choreographing routines, choosing music and costumes.

She earned her bachelor of arts degree from Marywood University in radio/TV communications/ public relations and worked toward a master’s degree from Wilkes University in computer technology in education. She is a graduate of Dance Educators of America; a Sandals Certified Specialist; a graduate of the College of Disney Knowledge; a specialist with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Jamaica Tourism, RIU Resorts and has earned continuing education in all areas of the travel industry She is grateful to her dance teacher, Helen Gaus and Karen Beasley, both of whom were her mentors.

In addition to her other family members; her sister and brother-in-law, Bernadette and Tim Montefour; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Krista Liuzzo and her “other sister” Melissa Daniels, she is extremely grateful for their support.

She was awarded the SBDC’s Woman of Merit; named Pinnacle Elite Agent with KHM Travel Group and has been recognized in Who’s Who Among Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs.

top 25 women in business in nepa

Rebecca martino

At Stately Pet Supply in Clarks Summit, Rebecca Martino is the product specialist who determines what’s really in the bag and how did it come to be so.” She asks: “Would you like to understand the ingredient of chicken vs. chicken? I can help you.”

Owners take their pets to veterinarians where they receive physical assessments, diagnoses, medical management or surgical interventions. Diet recommendations are common, too. Afterward, pet owners are “unleashed” to find healthy commercial products. “This is where I come in,” she said.

Having graduated from Misericordia University with a BSN she was employed at Geisinger Wyoming Valley as a float R.N. She continues working per diem shifts to this day.

She joked she started her business out of anger.

“My pit bull, Betsy, was experiencing symptoms of what we now know to be an allergy to an ingredient in her food. “There was much unnecessary time, expense and medication involved in treating her re-occurring ear infections and skin problems. We were quite literally administering allergy medications and then serving her food to which she was reacting.” Martino’s sister, Katie, suggested a dietary change and symptoms disappeared.

“One of my greatest responsibilities is keeping up with the products. I must be in the know on the

brands I carry or competing brands, and the product packaging does not provide those answers,” she said.

Her mentors, Elizabeth Turner of Olyphant and Christopher Scarlata, “have guided my learning of business etiquette and retail sales in ways they may not even be aware of,” she said. She is also grateful to her landlord, Warren Raker, who has been incredibly supportive of her venture. Her parents, hard working, polite and loving have left a permanent impression on her. They volunteer their time at the store weekly and have gotten to know the families of customers.

Martino said she cares about the pets. “The animal is 100 percent the customer and owners respond to someone who sincerely wants what is best for their pet. It is in this response that I’ve found a community that will allow me to be successful. I would not be here without them,” she said.

The business has consistently been rated as the best place to buy pet food in several consumer polls and was awarded The Abington Journal “Best New Business;” Weekender “Best Pet Supply;” and Happenings Magazine “Best Pet Supply.” ”I absolutely love the service I provide. I thank all of my customers for their loyalty and buying from a local, family-owned business.”

meghan Lennox Gagorik

Meghan Lennox Gagorik is making a difference in the many lives she touches. “I think it is the intent to make a difference without the expectation of a return. When you start with what you want as a result, it clouds how you approach topics. If you approach things in a more humble manner and ask what others need and what you can do to make a difference in their lives, the return organically follows,” she explained.

As marketing director for Toyota of Scranton, she oversees the marketing, advertising, community events, brand outreach and employee engagement and events. She is very active within the community and has chaired Passionately Pink for the Cure and was the event planning chair for the Ball of Hope; co-chaired Relay for Life of Scranton; and served as vice-president on the board of the American Cancer Society’s local chapter as well as several other boards and committees.

Lennox Gagorik studied marketing at PSU’s Smeal College of Business. After college, she worked in real estate and appraisals. “I was fortunate to work with many other inspiring, community-minded individuals like Elaine Shepard and Carol Chisdak who encouraged my involvement. This eventually led to a full-time job in fundraising. I continued in that field for three years

before transitioning to the automotive industry,” she explained.

In January of 2015, Lennox Gagorik began work at Toyota of Scranton as public relations director, involving the company in more than 200 causes and groups her first year, resulting in a major brand uplift in the community. As she advanced to marketing director the following year, she continued to increase brand awareness. “I took all of those skills, concepts and the community-minded attitude from my past experience and applied it to help lead Toyota of Scranton in their efforts to make a difference in our local community,” she said.

Her husband, Greg, is her mentor. “His strength, compassion and commitment to our community inspires me every day. I have watched him for years always put others first and I was inspired,” she said Lennox Gagorik says she is very blessed to have the support of her family including her husband, children, Michaela and Nathaniel; sister, Melissa; family members; and friends who are like family to her.

Meghan and Greg Gagorik received the Sam & Jane Cali Star Award from Broadway Theatre League of Scranton. Toyota of Scranton received the SAGE Award for Best Practices in Community Involvement and the Toyota President’s Award for the last eight years in a row.

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