Wilkes-Barre Connect

Serving the public w/Romilda Crocamo

In this episode, we sit down with Romilda Crocomo, the County Manager of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Romilda provides a fascinating inside look at the role of a county manager, overseeing the day-to-day operations of a large and diverse county with over 1,500 employees.
Romilda shares her unique career path, from practicing law in the private sector to becoming a public servant dedicated to delivering critical services to the citizens of Luzerne County. She discusses the challenges of managing elections, maintaining infrastructure, and supporting the county's most vulnerable populations.
This conversation offers valuable insights into the important work of local government and the individuals committed to making their communities better places to live. Whether you're interested in public service or simply want to understand the complexities of county-level administration, this episode is not to be missed.
Hosted by - Dan KimbroughEditing Assistant - Matthew AshProduced by - www.ParkMultimedia.com

Community and Communication w/Mayor Mike Lombardo

In this episode, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Mayor Lombardo the City of Pittston to discuss the city's revitalization efforts and community engagement. Mayor Lombardo shares the importance of effective communication, highlighting initiatives like a quarterly newspaper to keep residents informed.
 
Our conversation explores Pittston's historical context and the mayor's personal connection to the city. Addressing diversity and multiculturalism, Mayor Lombardo emphasizes the need for open dialogue and finding common ground. He also provides advice for youth looking to get involved in local government and shares Pittston's plans for the future, balancing short-term achievements with long-term goals.
 
Throughout our conversation, Mayor Lombardo underscores addressing basic community needs while pursuing transformative initiatives.Hosted by - Dan KimbroughEditing Assistant - Matthew AshProduced by - Park Multimedia
 

Media Literacy w/Julie Sidoni

In this episode of The Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Julie Sidoni from WVIA to discuss the critical importance of media literacy in today's information landscape.
They explore the rapid changes in media consumption, the distinction between news and information, and the key differences between public and commercial media.
Julie shares insights from WVIA's listening tour, highlighting the diverse needs of communities within their large coverage area and the challenges of maintaining trust in local journalism. She emphasizes the value of hyper-local reporting and the role of local media in community engagement.
Julie also offers advice to young journalists and advocates interested in storytelling, underscoring the need to vet information sources carefully. Listen in to hear the vital role of local journalism in informing and empowering communities.
Hosted by - Dan Kimbrough Editing Assistant - Matthew Ash Produced by - Park Multimedia
To learn more about Julie, visit WVIA.org

Your Voice Matters w/Drew Popish

In this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Drew Popish, the Northeast Regional Director for Governor Josh Shapiro. They discuss Drew's journey into politics and the importance of youth engagement and diverse representation in advocacy. Drew shares how he initially had no plans to enter politics, but felt compelled to get involved to ensure his voice and perspective were heard. He emphasizes the crucial role young people have played in driving social and political change.
The conversation delves into the challenges Drew faced in feeling unwelcome in political spaces early on, and how he overcame those barriers. Drew underscores the need for diverse voices at the table, as it leads to more informed and equitable policies. Listeners gain insights into Drew's experiences working with rural communities, highlighting the unique challenges they face and the importance of ensuring their perspectives are represented.
He advocates for using one's voice to focus on the issues that matter, regardless of political affiliation. Drew drives home the power of advocacy and the importance of using one's voice to drive positive change in both local and national arenas.
Hosted by - Dan Kimbrough Editing Assistant - Matthew Ash Produced by - Park Multimedia
To learn more about Drew and his work - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewpopish
Governor's Website - pa.gov/en/governor

Authentic Diversity in the Workplace w/Jake Kelley

In this episode of The Wilkes Barre Connect Podcast, host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Jake Kelley of Mx. Kelley Queer Education LLC to discuss identity, inclusivity and authentic diversity in the workplace. Jake emphasizes the importance of understanding identities beyond surface labels and acknowledging marginalized communities' experiences. They discuss the challenges of inclusivity in corporate settings and share personal stories. Dan and Jake also explore the complexities of safe spaces, psychological safety, and how organizations can authentically demonstrate their commitment to inclusion through data, policies, and leadership from the top down.
 
Learn more about Jake at https://juicywithjake.com/
 

Young Professionals Council w/Mollie Boyd and Rachael Stark

On this episode of Wilkes-Barre Connect, we discuss the Young Professionals Council and its role in bringing together young leaders in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Former Chair Rachel Stark and current Chair Mollie Boyd share how the group provides opportunities for professional and personal growth while giving back through service. From conferences to fundraising events, learn how YPC fosters positivity and involvement in the community.
For those looking to get connected, we'll tell you where to find these passionate professionals online and in person.
 
FB - https://www.facebook.com/wbconnect
Join the Council - https://www.wyomingvalleychamber.org/young-professionals-council/
Attend the Young Professionals Conference - https://business.wyomingvalleychamber.org/ap/Events/Register/XDHvD3wfOtDCQwQAA
 

2023 Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference - Barriers To Entrepreneurship with Jacqueline Escobar and Dan Kimbrough

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, Jacqueline Escobar and our host Dan Kimbrough hold a discussion Connect Coference around barriers to Entrepreneurship and the challenges and opportunities for small business owners in our region. Business leaders like @ParkMultimedia's Dan Kimbrough share real stories of overcoming barriers like lack of funding and building community connections when they first started out. We also learn about the vital support organizations like @WilkesSBDC and the Chamber provide through programs, resources, and advocacy for #minorityownedbusinesses. The takeaway - no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey, don't be afraid to tap into the network here in NEPA.

2023 Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference - Education and Workforce Development with Zubeen Saeed and Susan Magnotta

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast Zubeen Saeed and Susan Magnotta lead a discussion on workforce development and education in Northeast Pennsylvania. The conversation includes local professionals and covers career exploration, pathways to education, and opportunities to get students exposed to different careers at an early age.
 
Show Notes - 
Junior Achievement is focusing on career exploration and workforce development programs for K-12 students through initiatives like Inspire and YES. They are expanding these programs to more districts in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. For more information - https://nepa.ja.org/
 
Building Blocks Learning Center is working on partnerships with local colleges and high schools to create workforce labs and give students hands-on experiences in different fields. For more information - https://buildingblockslearningcenter.com/
 
To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/
 

2023 Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference - Housing Support with Maryanne Velez and Vivian Williams

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we hear from Maryanne Velez from the United NEPA Alliance and Vivian Williams from the Scranton Area Community Foundation.  They discuss data on rising rents and the lack of affordable housing options. We also hear from college students and young professionals discussing concerns about remaining in the area after graduation.
Solutions, such as community needs for living wages, wraparound support services, and career opportunities beyond warehouses are addressed. Maryanne and Vivian also discuss partnerships between nonprofits, unions, and schools as ways to promote skilled trades and long-term housing stability. Key takeaways include:
The impact of the pandemic on the real estate market,
importance of a "housing first" approach, 
strategies to rebuild the middle class.
To learn more about the Scranton Area Foundation - https://safdn.org/
To learn more about UNA - https://www.unacorp.org/
To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/

2023 Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference - Foundational Support with Dave Pedri and Maggie Martinelli

On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect Podcast, we hear from Dave Pedri and Maggie Martinelli from the Luzerne Foundation and the Scranton Area Foundations, respectively. This conversation is a live panel discussion from the 2023 Wilkes-Barre Connect Conference. Maggie and Dave share how each foundation can work with individuals or nonprofits looking to do good in the community, but coming up against roadblocks. 
We also learned about some community resources to help raise awareness for your non-profit and hear the live Q&A from the audience. 
To learn more about the Scranton Area Foundation - https://safdn.org/
To learn more about the Luzerne Foundation - https://www.luzfdn.org/
To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/