Erin Lynn Nissley
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION? PLEASE INCLUDE HOW LONG YOU'VE BEEN IN THE POSITION AND AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT DO.
I am currently a Staff Writer in the Marketing & Communications Department at The Wright Center for about two and a half years.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY MOST MOTIVATES YOU TO DO THE WORK YOU DO? WHAT ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I have spent my career telling the stories of the communities where I've lived and worked. I'm passionate about being 'in the know' about my community – from the coolest things to do on the weekend to where to find help when you need it. I'm lucky to have landed at The Wright Center, where I can use my talents to spread the word about all of the resources we provide for our friends and neighbors in Northeast Pennsylvania.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND—WHERE YOU GREW UP, YOUR PATH AFTER HIGH SCHOOL (COLLEGE, TRADE SCHOOL, OR MILITARY), AND WHAT LED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER IN NEPA.
I grew up in Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C. My parents told me not to major in the arts, fearing I'd never be able to support myself, but I found a loophole and decided to hone my writing skills with a bachelor's degree in communications and journalism at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. My career as a journalist eventually led me to Scranton, which I soon realized was the center of the universe! I've been here almost 20 years now, and I can't see myself living anywhere else.
WERE THERE ANY MENTORS OR INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE WHO SHAPED WHO YOU ARE TODAY? IF SO, HOW DID THEY IMPACT YOU?
My first role model was my mother, who showed me how to be a strong, independent woman. To this day, when things get hard, I often think, what would my mom do? Over the years, especially after college, I've had so many mentors. The most recent was my longtime editor at The Times-Tribune, who was one of the best bosses I've had. She believed in me so much and pushed me to grow as a writer and a leader. She even wrote a recommendation for me to participate in Leadership Lackawanna's Core Program! I'm forever grateful for her faith in me.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH LEADERSHIP LACKAWANNA, WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE, AND HOW HAVE YOU STAYED CONNECTED SINCE GRADUATION?
I'd wanted to be a part of Leadership Lackawanna for years, but my work schedule at a former job didn't fit with the program. When I joined The Wright Center, I begged to participate! I learned a lot about myself and how to use my unique talents to strengthen my leadership skills. It was such a great experience, so I was thrilled to be invited to apply for a spot on the Leadership Lackawanna board. I'm looking forward to participating in fundraisers, volunteering for work days, and helping to ensure Leadership Lackawanna is around for generations to come!
LET’S GET PERSONAL:
Hobby(ies): Reading, hiking with my dog, and finding the best local chai latte.
Movie(s):The Breakfast Club,
TV Show(s): Downton Abbey
Book(s): The Anne of Green Gables series
Musician(s)/Band(s): The Decemberists
NEPA Landmark(s): Nay Aug Park
Restaurant(s): Bitto's Tikka
Quote/Motto: “Ask forgiveness, not permission.”