Attollo Professional Development Series

What does it mean to lead an organization that once shaped your own life, and how do you carry that responsibility forward? In this Professional Development Series session, Jose R. Lopez, CEO of the Spanish American Civic Association (SACA), shares a story rooted in Lancaster city. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Lancaster, Jose's family was welcomed by SACA when they relocated here in the 1...

What does it mean to build a career around the belief that young people are the ones who change the world? In this Professional Development Series session, Andy Rich, the 17th President of Franklin & Marshall College, shares what has driven him across a career spanning national foundations, higher education leadership, and public service. From his time leading the Harry S. Truman Scholarship F...

What does it look like to build a career around preserving stories — and why does it matter more than ever? In this Professional Development Series session, Robin Sarratt, President and CEO of LancasterHistory, shares what nearly two decades in the museum field have taught her about leadership, community, and the power of history to connect us. From her early work at the Winterthur Museum to leadi...

What does it take to lead one of the most demanding institutions in your community — and do it with compassion, trust, and consistency? In this Professional Development Series session, Cheryl Steberger, Warden of Lancaster County Prison, shares a career built entirely on showing up. She started as a Correctional Officer in 1995, earned every promotion through hard work and integrity, and became th...

What does it mean to lead with purpose — not from pressure, but from a deep, grounded sense of who you are? In this Professional Development Series session, Dr. Amber Sessoms, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Natural Inclination LLC, explores what authentic leadership looks like in practice. A cultural strategist, nationally certified school psychologist, and the first person of color to rec...

What does it look like to spend a career fighting for something that matters — and how do you lead an organization with both purpose and impact? In this Professional Development Series session, Dana Hanchin, President and CEO of HDC MidAtlantic, shares what 25 years in affordable housing has taught her about leadership, equity, and community. HDC MidAtlantic works to build hope and opportunity for...

What does it look like to build a system where students graduate genuinely prepared for the careers and challenges ahead? In this Professional Development Series session, Dr. Lauren Miller, Executive Director of the Lancaster County STEM Alliance, shares how she has spent her career connecting education and opportunity. From teaching middle and high school science to serving as a school administra...

What does a lifetime of service teach you about leadership? In this powerful Professional Development Series session, Jack Crowley , President of Water Street Mission , shares lessons learned from more than 30 years of serving Lancaster’s most vulnerable neighbors. From his earliest days living alongside mission guests to leading one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations, Jack has...

What does it look like to build a career at the intersection of law, culture, and justice — and use it to change systems from the inside? In this Professional Development Series session, andré douglas pond cummings, Dean and Professor of Law at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, shares a career that has spanned federal judicial clerkships, Big Law, professional sports representation, ente...

What does it take to build something from scratch — and lead it into something the world comes to? In this Professional Development Series session, Andrea Shirk, President and CEO of Rock Global, shares the story behind Rock Lititz: how she joined as its first and only employee in 2013, and how she helped grow it into a premier live event destination where global touring acts come to design, rehea...

This episode contains references to suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.What does it look like to build a career and a community presence around the belief that every story matters? In this Professional Development Series session, Bri Nguyen, Communications Specialist at the...

What does it look like to build a career around purpose — and what role does community play in getting there? In this Professional Development Series session, Javita Thompson shares her journey from first-generation college student to senior higher education leader. As Senior Director at Elizabethtown College's Center for Community and Civic Engagement, she builds bridges between campus and co...

What does it take to lead one of the region’s most impactful philanthropic organizations? In this Professional Development Series session, Robin D. Stauffer, President and CEO of the High Foundation, shares insights from more than two decades of leadership dedicated to strengthening communities across Lancaster County. Robin discusses how philanthropy can create lasting impact, how strategic partn...

What does it take to fully realize your potential in your career? In this Professional Development Series session, Cynnie King shares how her work in both recruiting and executive coaching helps individuals and organizations grow with intention. As CEO and Co-Founder of CFW Careers, Cynnie has advised companies on building strong, values-aligned teams while also coaching professionals through mome...

How do we lead schools—and students—toward a more inclusive, empowered future? In this deeply personal and visionary session, Dr. Shauna Carter, Head of School at Linden Hall, shares what it takes to lead an academic institution with both excellence and empathy. Dr. Carter speaks to the challenges and triumphs of shaping the next generation of women leaders, how she’s redefining success in educati...

How do you lead with trust—in an industry built on numbers? In this practical and personal session, Sarah Lesser, Senior Middle Market Relationship Manager at Truist, shares how she’s helped clients grow through custom financial solutions and meaningful relationships. With decades of experience in the banking industry, Sarah reflects on how listening, empathy, and strategic thinking have shaped he...

How do you lead across disciplines, cultures, and generations? In this extraordinary session, Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, President of Millersville University, shares a journey that blends science, service, tradition, and leadership at the highest levels of higher education. Dr. Wubah is a trained microbiologist, global researcher, and elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sci...

How do we build systems where everyone belongs—and everyone grows? In this deeply insightful session, Salena Coachman explores the intersection of DEI, talent acquisition, and long-term sustainability inside organizations. As Vice President of Talent Sustainability and Talent Acquisition, D&I, and Board President of the AWI Foundation, Salena has led transformative workforce and culture strate...

How do you fight for justice in a system designed to overlook it? In this compelling session, JT Mullins, Legal Fellow at The Innocence Project, walks us through his journey in law—from student advocate to working alongside one of the nation’s leading organizations fighting wrongful convictions. JT shares what it takes to pursue impact litigation, review case histories, and advocate for those who’...

What does it mean to lead with service at the center of everything you do? In this inspiring session, Josh Hunter, Director of the Crispus Attucks Community Center, shares his journey as a community leader committed to empowering families, strengthening cultural identity, and creating spaces where youth and neighbors thrive. At this historic community institution in Southeast Lancaster City, Josh...

What does it take to lead a $200M mission-driven financial institution—and keep community at the center? In this impactful session, Dan Betancourt, President & CEO of Finanta, breaks down what it means to lead with equity in mind and capital in hand. With over 25 years in community economic development, Dan has grown Finanta into a regional powerhouse—supporting small business growth, launchin...

How do you lead with purpose—while leading an entire region forward? In this insightful session, Heather Valudes, President & CEO of the Lancaster Chamber, shares what it takes to shape a business community through strategy, advocacy, and relationships. From her early days in government affairs to becoming CEO in 2022, Heather has played a key role in Lancaster’s economic development and busin...

What makes a brand truly unforgettable? In this insightful session, Ángela Capeles, Founder and CEO of Capeles Agency, shares her approach to building iconic, resilient brands through intentional marketing, creative strategy, and authentic storytelling. With global experience across industries—fashion, entertainment, tech, hospitality, government, and more—Ángela breaks down what it takes to lead...

What if your creativity could move people—literally and figuratively? In this energizing session, Curran Blevins, founder of Common Run Club and Greyscale, shares how he built two purpose-driven brands rooted in movement, design, and storytelling. From grassroots community runs to cinematic branding projects, Curran’s work blends authenticity and creativity in ways that invite people to connect, r...

How do you inspire young people to reach for the stars—literally? In this visionary session, Dr. Jimyse Brown, Executive Director of Moonshot Museum, shares how she’s helping lead the charge in space innovation and STEAM education. From Pittsburgh to the cosmos, Dr. Brown brings a unique perspective on inclusive leadership, creative access to opportunity, and the role of bold storytelling in shapi...