Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce - Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

Greater Hazleton Chamber Women's Networking Committee Celebrates 20 Years of Empowering Women Through Education

The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women's Networking Committee is proud to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Women's Empowerment Grant, marking the 20th year of this impactful program that has helped women throughout the Greater Hazleton area pursue education, training, and career advancement.

Since the grant's inception 19 years ago, the Women's Networking Committee has distributed nearly $50,000 in educational assistance to 48 women across the Greater Hazleton area. Over the past two decades, the grant has helped women complete certificate programs, pay for coursework leading to new careers, and gain the skills needed to advance in their current professions. Recipients have pursued diverse educational and career paths including nursing assistant certification, real estate licensing, geology studies, leadership development, and many other professional training opportunities.

Chamber and Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton, part of Jefferson Health, announce the 2026 Athena Recipient

Athena Winner 2026 Ms. Danielle Matarella, Greater Hazleton Director Catholic Social Services, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Athena Award, sponsored by Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton, part of Jefferson Health Network–Jefferson.

Danielle has dedicated over 21 years to Catholic Social Services, starting with a position at the front desk while remaining deeply involved in her family and community. As her availability grew, she advanced to Office Manager for nine years and now serves as Director of the Greater Hazleton office.

In her current role, she oversees a multi-building campus supporting shelter, housing, food assistance, family services, and administrative operations, leading a team of 16 staff and approximately 50 volunteers. She manages daily operations, staffing, grants, fundraising, and program development.

Under her leadership, key initiatives have expanded significantly, including serving over 600 children through the annual Christmas Toy Distribution, launching clothing programs, offering educational classes, and creating a successful city-wide collaborative initiative that has gained strong community engagement.

Greater Hazleton Chamber Hosts “Red Carpet Featuring State Senator David Argall

The Greater Hazleton Chamber will host its monthly red carpet program, featuring State Senator David Argall on Thursday, April 23^rd from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Top of the Eighties Restaurant . The event includes a buffet breakfast and offers business professionals and community members an opportunity to learn about issue sin the Senator’s district as well as happenings in Harrisburg.

"ATHENA" Award Nomination Forms Available From Chamber

2026 Athena nominations sponsor The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the annual, nationally-recognized “Athena Award,” celebrating the extraordinary impact of women in business across the Greater Hazleton area. Nomination forms and notices have been distributed to over 1,000 Chamber member contacts and are also available at the Chamber office and online at www.hazletonchamber.org.

Presented each year to the “Businesswoman of the Year,” the Athena Award honors a woman whose leadership, vision, and professional excellence have made a lasting impact on her organization and the regional business community. As part of a prestigious international program, the Athena Award highlights the vital role women play in driving innovation, strengthening workplaces, and shaping the economic future of their communities.

The award, featuring a distinguished bronze and crystal sculpture, will be presented at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and is proudly sponsored by Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hazleton.