Empowering evening draws community to campus

Published 03.05.2024

Photos by Matt Deane, student photographer

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Allen Taylor, math teacher and head boys basketball coach at Williamsport Area High School, shares his thoughts as part of the Night of Empowerment panel discussion. Other panelists (from left) are: Lt. William C. Slaton, staff services section commander for the Pennsylvania State Police; Mohamed Osman, pain medicine physician at UPMC; Emma Thompson, administrative officer at the Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Board; and Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources at Penn College.

The second annual Night of Empowerment drew an enthusiastic crowd of more than 150 community members to Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center Auditorium. Hosted by the Williamsport Representation Council, the recent gathering offered opportunities for networking and inspiring discussions.

“The Night of Empowerment is an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our differences,” said Nate Woods Jr., special assistant to the president for inclusion transformation. “The Williamsport Representation Council uses this platform to give successful community members a chance to encourage other community members by providing some ‘best practices’ that will help them in life and career. We don't accomplish this by the panel discussion alone, but through a networking opportunity with varied community resources.”

Expert panelists included: Dawn M. Dickey, director of disability and access resources at Penn College; Mohamed Osman, pain medicine physician at UPMC; Lt. William C. Slaton, staff services section commander for the Pennsylvania State Police; Allen Taylor, math teacher and head boys basketball coach at Williamsport Area High School; and Emma Thompson, administrative officer at the Lycoming-Clinton Joinder Board.

Penn College junior Jashonda S. Scott, a human services & restorative justice student, was a moderator along with Cyn-Sere Khalil Coney, a senior at Williamsport Area High School who is the current “Mr. Millionaire.”

“Penn College is proud to align with the Williamsport Representation Council because this event aligns with our core value – strength through respect. We believe in celebrating our differences using mutual respect to create a welcoming learning environment,” Woods said. “We're grateful for the work of the Williamsport Representation Council. This year, Bair Excavation supported the initiative financially. Tim Bair is a Penn College graduate."

The Williamsport Representation Council consists of the City of Williamsport, Lycoming College, UPMC and Penn College.

To everyone who engaged in the event, Woods added, "Thank you for building upon our shared experiences to celebrate our differences.”

Thompson (left) enjoys a photo op with her mentor, Bilquis Ali, a healthcare leader, author and advocate.

Woods (second from right) takes in the evening with campus and community members.

Stepping up to offer information and items is the community action agency STEP Inc.

Williamsport Chief of Police Justin Snyder arrives in the ACC and shakes hands with Assistant Chief of Police Jason Bolt (back to camera).

Orlando and Jessica Rodriguez, owners of Rich Port Adventure Co. and The Empanada Shack, enjoy the community event.

Penn College students mingle.

Stanley Cary Jr., manager of community relations at UPMC Williamsport, engages in the evening.

A state Department of Corrections representative attracts an audience interested in career opportunities during the night's networking portion.

Lycoming College student Firoz Davis gets his blood pressure checked by UPMC Healthy Partners, which also offered guests information on ways to achieve a healthier lifestyle.