On this episode of the Wilkes-Barre Connect podcast we sit down with Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti about the city of Scranton and their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Mayor Cognetti discusses how she has worked to increase representation in city leadership and hiring through merit-based practices. She also walks through some of the challenges of implementing DEI initiatives in a politically polarized environment and the importance of advocacy from community members.

The mayor offers advice to those looking to get involved in local government and pushes back against the divisiveness that prevents communities from coming together.

To learn more about the Mayor and her office - https://scrantonpa.gov/your-government/mayor/about-the/

To learn more about Wilkes-Barre Connect - https://wyomingvalleychamber.org/wilkes-barre-connect/

Join the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber as we talk to our 2020 Charitable Organization of the Year Award recipient,  Osterhout Free Library, about the great work the do for our community. 

Join the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber as we talk to our 2020 Diversity Champion Business of the Year Award recipient,  PNC Bank, about their diversity, equity, and inclusion work

Cassandra, the executive director of America250PA, discusses the goal and purpose of the project. Cassandra also talks about the "meeting in a basement in Wilkes-Barre" that sparked the Direct Effect Challenge with state universities and the US Postal Service. 

Victoria and Heather talk with us about innovation and the United States Postal Service. Recently, the USPS has taken on the goal of reaching and impacting the next generation and make sure direct mail is included in marketing efforts, not just digital avenues. This includes direct effect challenges like the one wrapping up at the conference. 

This episode focuses on the Pitch participants that presented during the conference. StudioBE, SchoooldxFrugal Athlete, and American Paper Bag all talk about their story and beginnings, passions, and the impact their product or service has.  

Elyse Wilson speaks with us about the Westmoreland Club's newest initiative "501(c) Free" that will serve as a fundraising competition for nonprofits in Luzerne County. Those interested should follow-up at [email protected]. 

We sit down with Mike and Rich from North Slope brewery to discuss their story and brewing process. 

Dr. Dale, the Senior Officer for MIT Solve’s Sustainability pillar, speaks us with us about the fact that there are plenty of problems and causes that need solving around us. He talks with us about not just looking at how tech can help these problems but also building an impact model that will work the community to learn about the real issues that need tackling. 

Ced Funches, CEO at Schooold, talks with us about moving beyond just creating a product but creating something that has an impact on others and truly helps to move them forward. Ced also discusses Schooold and how our education system is dropping the ball on preparing students for real life.