Night of Empowerment

Join us for our first red carpet event of the year! Listen and learn from the best and brightest leaders across Pennsylvania.

Doors open at 4:45. Red carpet arrival.

5-6:15 — Networking event for high school and college students and their families with industry partners and panelists. Student ID required. Refreshments provided.

6:30-8 — Main panel discussion with industry leaders from across the state and region. This is open to everyone.

Panelist:

Lt. Col. Kristal Turner-Childs (Retired): Deputy Commissioner of PA State Police

Making history as being the first black woman to capture the role of Deputy Commissioner
in PA State Police, in 116 years. With over two decades with the force, she has made history as
the first Black woman to command a troop and serve as director of the Bureau of Forensic
Sciences. Being the first person in her family to graduate from college, Turner-Childs went on to
obtain her master’s from Central Penn College before graduating from the Northwestern
University School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy. Turner-Childs is
active in her community. A member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, she was instrumental in
starting a line-dancing class 12 years ago at the Boys and Girls Club of Harrisburg on Berryhill
Street. As well as being involved in other events to support her community. She also is the
founder and CEO of Eyes Wide Open, a nonprofit group that focuses on connecting physical
health to mental and spiritual well-being.

Special Agent Alton Richards: Federal Bureau of Investigation

Melonie Jackson: Vp of HR, UMPC for New York, Northwest PA, and North Central PA
With over 20 years of experience in her respective field, Melonie has successfully attained
her MBA in Business Administration at Texas Woman’s University. She is responsible for daily
human resources activities, including employee relations, employee safety and wellness
services, talent acquisition, compensation, and regulatory compliance.

Regina Hairston: President & CEO of African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, & DE

Named as one of Philadelphia Magazine’s 2021 Most Influential People in Philadelphia,
Philadelphia Business Journal’s Power 100, and Metro Philadelphia’s Power Women list.
Regina Hairston received a Bachelor of Science degree with a focus in political science and
public relations from Saint Joseph’s University. She holds a Master of Public Administration
degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Under her leadership, the Chamber has launched programs to increase and provide direct
access to capital, established a unique CEO peer group and mentorship program, and
leveraged corporate partnerships for the success of the Chamber’s members. Her work includes
serving as a critical member of a Philadelphia social impact task force, where she advised
corporate and government stakeholders on economic development strategies, mobilized
community resources, facilitated synergistic local partnerships, and tracked deliverables.

Dr. PageCarol Woods: Assistant Dean for Student Success at Lycoming College

Dr. PageCarol Woods is the Assistant Dean for Student Success at Lycoming College. She attended and swam competitively at the United States Military Academy and earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Texas Christian University. Dr. Woods earned her master’s degree in Strategic Communication from Liberty University. Finally, she earned her Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University. Dr. Woods has worked in higher education for 16 years. Dr. Woods is passionate about assisting students to be successful in their academic and professional endeavors.

Dr. Woods and her family, Dr. Nate Woods and two boys, recently moved to Williamsport from Washington state last year. Before moving to Washington, Dr. Woods worked as an Assistant Athletic Director at Southeastern University for 400+ athletes. She handled compliance, oversaw academics, and built a life skills program for the athletes. Parts of her life skills program, Dr. PCWoods’ Fireside Chats, have been utilized at other colleges and high schools. Dr. Woods has also published a book, “Post-It Encouragement: Quote, Reflect, Apply: A 90-day Inspirational Journal.” Her hobbies include drawing, building furniture, swimming, and spending time with her family.

Jovan Goldstein: Managing Partner of JTGoldstein Accountants & Business Advisors, also Chairman of the Board, of African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, & DE

The AACC board leadership: Chairman, Jovan Goldstein, founder and managing principal
of JT Goldstein LLC; vice chairman Bjorn Henriques, host of The Philly Ad Club Podcast. Jovan
has over 25 years of certified public accounting experience. He is the founder and managing
principal of JT Goldstein LLC, a certified public accounting firm. He oversees the firm’s Audit &
Assurance and Tax Departments and serves as an engagement partner and business advisor to
the firm’s clients by providing leadership on various audit, tax, CFO advisory and technical
engagements.

ALL TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. Unless a performance is canceled or rescheduled by the Community Arts Center or the performer, there are no refunds or exchanges. In case of inclement weather, should the performance occur, there are no refunds or exchanges. Should you be unable to use your tickets for any show, you may wish to consider donating them back to the Community Arts Center at least 24 hours before a performance as a tax-deductible gift.