The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking committee has recently awarded their twelfth annual Women’s Empowerment Grants. This grant was established to encourage women to pursue training or education that will help them start or advance a career. The target of the grant is women who are currently working and want to advance in their career through education or training; are returning to the workforce; or are seeking to change their current career path.

“The applications we received this year were all outstanding and we truly feel the recipients for this year’s grants will be empowered by receiving the assistance these grants are able to provide.” explains Leann Fallabel, Chamber VP of Marketing and Woman’s Networking Committee Coordinator.

The Women’s Networking Committee raises money for this grant throughout the year at their events including, evening networking mixers, an annual Ladies Night Out event, a holiday decorating contest and social and luncheon programs. Since the inception of this grant, the Chamber has been able to award 39 women, $34,000 in grant funds.

In addition to raising funds at these events, for the nineth year, PPL has made a contribution to the fund. This year the contribution was for $500.

For 2019 the committee awarded two grants. The first was in the amount of $2,150 and was awarded to to Melanie Mejia of Hazleton. Ms. Mejia is a senior at Penn State Hazleton and working toward completing a Bachelor degree in Engineering with a focus on Alternative Energy. The second grant was in the amount of $750 and was awarded to Morgan Cassano of Hazleton. Ms. Cassano is currently attending the Penn State Hazleton Licensed Practical Nurse program and plans to graduate in December.

The woman will be recognized at the Chamber’s upcoming Annual Business & Community Awards Luncheon, which is being held on Thursday, October 24th, at Four Blooms Restaurant in Drums.

For more information on the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Woman’s Networking Committee’s events and initiatives visit or to celebrate with the grant recipients at the upcoming awards luncheon, contact the Chamber at 455-1509, email or visit www.hazletonchamber.org.