Attollo Professional Development Series

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...

What does it take to build a city that works for everyone? In this session, Marshall Snively, President of the Lancaster City Alliance, shares his vision for inclusive economic development, collaborative leadership, and creating spaces where people and businesses can thrive. With decades of experience in urban planning and civic leadership, Marshall offers insight into what it means to move a city...

How do you build better communities? You build better leaders. In this inspiring session, Jennifer Diaz, Executive Director of Leadership Lancaster, shares what it means to cultivate leaders from all walks of life. She unpacks the power of local engagement, the importance of showing up authentically, and the need to develop leadership skills rooted in empathy, strategy, and service. With years of...

What if college access tools actually centered identity, community, and first-gen reality? In this powerful session, Dario Anaya, Founder of Pupil, shares his journey building a data-driven EdTech platform rooted in mentorship, belonging, and early exposure—not just test scores. Named to Inicio Ventures’ Top 100 Latinx Founders to Watch, the Learning Engineering Prize, and Life-Changing Labs’ 22 U...

How do you lead with heart—and build something that lasts? In this powerful session, Jennifer West, Executive Director of Girls on the Run Lancaster–Lebanon, shares how she’s helped build a movement that empowers thousands of young girls through confidence, character, and community. Jennifer reflects on the lessons she’s learned from leading a purpose-driven nonprofit, the challenges and joys of b...

What does it take to make real change—before you’re even 30? In this inspiring session, Ruby Mundok, Executive Director of Governor Shapiro’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, shares how young people can shape policy, shift culture, and lead with urgency. From grassroots organizing to influencing statewide strategy, Ruby offers a powerful look at what it means to speak up, stay en...

Leadership starts with identity—and grows with purpose. In this thoughtful session, Dr. Michael Badriaki, Superintendent at Lancaster Mennonite School, unpacks the power of culturally responsive leadership and the value of leading from a global perspective. Drawing from years of experience in education, advocacy, and cross-cultural development, he reflects on how to guide others while staying root...

Creativity is a superpower—and a leadership skill. In this session, Deb Brandt, Founder + CEO of Fig Industries, shares her journey building a values-driven creative agency that centers community and impact. She discusses what it means to lead as a designer, how to grow a business with purpose, and why local storytelling matters more than ever. From brand strategy to bold decisions, Deb offers les...

What does it really take to thrive in the world of corporate consulting? In this session, Dagan Rossini, Senior Consultant at Deloitte, walks us through his career journey—offering insight into strategic problem-solving, working with global clients, and staying grounded in high-pressure environments. From consulting case studies to personal growth moments, Dagan shares what he’s learned about adap...