- November 24, 2025
- Posted by: LWB
- Category: News
The Leadership Northeast Core Class of 2026 had the unique opportunity to meet Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro during their Volunteerism and Servant Leadership program on Nov. 6.
The governor joined the class at the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank to reinforce the administration’s support for food banks and partner agencies, as well as the local farming community. He packed boxes of food with volunteers and spoke about the impact of recent food-stamp benefit cuts amid the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Several class members worked alongside Shapiro as they prepared food boxes for distribution to local families in need, while the entire class attended his subsequent press conference.
The experience, including a speech from core class member Crystal Kotlowski, chief operating officer at Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, offered participants an up-close look at leadership in action and the vital connection between public service and community engagement.
“LNE is grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro, his staff, and to the Commission on EconomicOpportunity for the chance to witness the progress made when servant leadership is combined with effective collaboration,” said Jessica Cronauer, executive director of Leadership Northeast. “We commend the Shapiro administration, the Northeast Delegation, CEO and its partners for their efforts to mitigate the effects of this hunger crisis. Leadership Northeast is deeply committed to the future of NEPA and hopes to support this initiative in every possible way.”
Boasting an alumni base of over 3,500 servant leaders, Leadership Northeast East was founded in 1981 as a community leadership development organization. A nonprofit organization, LNE is dedicated to developing informed and committed leaders from all segments of the community who will serve, strengthen and improve Northeastern Pennsylvania. For information, call 570-270-5323 or visit www.leadershipnortheast.org.