Events Calendar

The Greater Scranton MLK Commission will host their Annual Community Awards and Celebration program as an interactive Zoom webinar with audience Q&A, Sunday, January 16, 2022 beginning promptly at 2:30p.m. This program is being sponsored by Geisinger, with hosting support from The University of Scranton Office of Community and Government Relations, Office of Equity and Diversity, and Information Technology. The program is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

The theme for 2022 is Covid 19: Recognizing the trauma. Healing the soul.

 The Commission is focusing on the effects of the pandemic on the BIPOC community with respect to mental health. They are stemming off of this quote by MLK : Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

The webinar will include a keynote from author/teacher/social worker Dr Laura Quiros Ph.D LMSW, Associate Professor, School of Social Work and Director of Adelphi’s external Diversity Certificate Program. Her works include Incorporating Diversity and Inclusion into Trauma - Informed Social Work, and co-author of Latinx in Social Work. She is the recipient of the  SJDEI Excellence in Teaching Award (2021).

Dr. Quiros is an Affiliate Partner of Coston Consulting, a certified Black-owned business advisory firm devoted to helping clients expand their business, raise their profile, and advance their DEI efforts. The firm represents clients across industries and specializes in advising professional services firms, with an expertise in the legal industry. Focus areas include strategy, business development, marketing, and DEI consulting.

This 2022 webinar will also include a panel discussion featuring:

Dr. Lia Richards-Palmiter, Director Office of Diversity Efforts, Assistant Professor, Department: School of Social Work. She is a practicing Pennsylvania-licensed clinical social worker who earned her Ph.D. in Human Development with a social work specialization from Marywood.

Dr. David Palmiter, Counseling and Psychotherapy in Clarkes Summit and Scranton, PA regions. Serving kids, teens, couples, families and adults. Also serving attorneys, athletes and companies on legal and wellness issues.

Dr. Lauren Hazzouri is a licensed psychologist and the founder of Hazzouri Psychology, a full-service psychology practice in Scranton. She brings a diverse range of experience to The Wright Center for Community Health's Board of Directors such as well-being and mental health concerns for young women and individuals.

Dr. Lauri Andress Ph.D., MPH, J.D., Associate Dean Equity, Inclusion, & Community Engagement, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. As associate dean for equity, inclusion and community engagement, Dr. Andress will lead the school's efforts to promote health equity and inclusion and maintain an optimal learning environment suitable for students, faculty and staff.

The Greater Scranton MLK Commission is pleased to announce Ida L. Castro, JD, MA, as the recipient of the ‘Distinguished Honor’ award for her significant contributions and many years of diversity work in the Scranton community. Ms. Castro is the former vice president for community engagement, associate dean for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

The Commission is also pleased to announce the ‘Agent of Change’ award will be given to the Wallenpaupackk Area School District for their efforts and continuing work to educate faculty, staff and students on diversity, inclusion and positive race relations.

Registration is required. To register, visit https://safdn.org/mlk-event/  Questions? Email gsmlkcommission@gmail.com.