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Foundation hosts 4th NEPA Learning Conference

10.04.23

Foundation hosts 4th NEPA Learning Conference

Over 200 participants from 90+ local nonprofit organizations attend


The Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its Center for Community Leadership & Nonprofit Excellence, hosted the 4th NEPA Learning Conference on September 20 – 22 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

The staff of the Scranton Area Community Foundation pictured on the main stage of the Casey Ballroom at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center.

Attended by over 200 participants from 90+ nonprofit organizations, the 4th NEPA Learning Conference in Downtown Scranton offered three days of networking and interactive sessions focusing on advocacy, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The conference brought together renowned industry experts to empower attendees with tools for collaboration, fundraising, leadership, capacity building, and more!

Conference attendees watch a panel discussion at the NEPA Learning Conference.
Conference speaker Gary Bernstein (left) engages panelists during the “Unlocking Donor Perspectives” session at the NEPA Learning Conference.

The conference’s keynote speaker was Ruchika Tulshyan, best-selling author of Inclusion on Purpose: An Intersectional Approach to Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work (MIT Press).

Ruchika is the founder of Candour, an inclusion strategy practice. A former international business journalist, Ruchika is a regular contributor to The New York Times and Harvard Business Review and a recognized media commentator on workplace culture.

Conference attendees received copies of the keynote speakers book as part of their registration.

Ruchika Tulshyan presents the keynote address at the NEPA Learning Conference

Nonprofit Excellence Awards Recipients

The conference featured the inaugural Nonprofit Excellence Awards which honored nonprofit organizations, individuals, and projects that embody the conference’s themes of collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and inclusion.

Meet the 2023 Nonprofit Excellence Awards Recipients!Collaborative Project of the Year Award Recipient:

RISE – Readiness in Skilled Employment
Outreach, United Neighborhood Centers, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, and Johnson College

Laura Ducceschi (left) pictured with members of the organizations involved with RISE – Readiness in Skilled Employment

The Collaborative Project of the Year Award celebrates successes, shares best practices, and acknowledges the collaborative efforts of organizations that achieve extraordinary results due to their partnerships.


Nonprofit of the Year Award Recipient:

United Neighborhood Centers

Laura Ducceschi (left) pictured with United Neighborhood Centers staff

The Nonprofit of the Year Award recognizes a nonprofit organization in Northeast Pennsylvania that promotes and demonstrates excellence in leadership, management, innovation, collaboration, and impact.


Rising Star Award Recipient:

Ryanne Jennings
Executive Director, Wayne County Community Foundation

Ryanne Jennings (left) pictured with Laura Ducceschi (right)

The Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who is an up-and-comer in the NEPA nonprofit sector.


NEPA Gives Superstar

NEPA Youth Shelter

Scranton Area Community Foundation staff pictured with NEPA Youth Shelter personnel

The NEPA Gives Superstar Award recognizes a NEPA Gives participant who went above and beyond for this year’s NEPA Gives event by attending in-person events, holding peer-to-peer fundraisers, and successfully reaching new donors who helped them raise money beyond their goal.Congratulations to all our Nonprofit Excellence Awards Recipients!


The Scranton Area Community Foundation would like to thank all of the sponsors, presenters, vendors, and attendees that made the 4th NEPA Learning Conference a success.