In this episode of the RACC Podcast, we kick off Medical Laboratory Professionals Week! Sonia sits down with Donna Chuddley, the Education Coordinator and instructor for the Histotechnology Program at RACC. Donna is the former Supervisor of Histopathology with St. Luke’s University Health Network in the Anatomic Pathology Department. Donna explains the fast-growing field of histology and the demand for Histotechnicians in Medical and Clinical Laboratories.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

On the latest RACC Podcast, Sonia speaks with RACC business student and Founder/Executive Director of Now All Must Evolve (N.A.M.E.), Jermell Mitchell. The N.A.M.E. mission is based on changing the lives of historically underserved youth through transformative arts, athletics, and life skills training. He mentors, educates, and inspires young people to create a culture of positive change empowering them to become community leaders and advocates.
A MUST listen to broadcast!

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

To the Reading community, Goldy Ghuman is a familiar face around the city. A tireless advocate for its residents, Goldy started at RACC with ESL classes, graduated with a degree in criminal justice, then transferred to Kutztown University to graduate with a degree in political science. She did not stop there. Goldy is currently enrolled at Seton Hall University, majoring in diplomacy and international affairs. Do not miss Sonia’s fascinating interview with one of Reading’s hometown success stories in the making.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sarah Guevara graduated from Conrad Weiser High School this year and had been dual enrolled at RACC since 10th grade through the Technical Academy at BCTC for business. A focused, determined and diligent student, she is also a RACC Presidential Scholarship winner. She currently works at Olivet Boys & Girls Club as their community relations coordinator, and plans to obtain an associate degree at RACC this fall; then continue toward a bachelor’s degree. Do not miss this exciting, inspiring episode!

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Today, Sonia welcomes Melissa Hassler, a recent RACC graduate and current membership specialist at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. Listen to Melissa’s incredible story about overcoming extreme childhood obstacles, and her journey through early career and life changes; to making the right connections and ultimately finding solid ground in both her personal and professional life. She credits a great deal of her success to the faculty and staff at RACC for believing in, and supporting her potential, and providing the support and guidance necessary to give her the direction and confidence to pursue her dreams.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Today on the racc podcast, Sonia welcomes Executive Director at Family Promise of Berks County, and long-time RACC adjunct social work instructor, Bethany Bower. Bethany holds bachelors and masters degrees in social work from Kutztown University, and talks to Sonia about the high level of support, encouragement and direction the RACC faculty and staff provide to their students.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Anyone who has been on the RACC campus recently is familiar with Sonia’s latest guest. Armando Velazquez Santiago. Featured as a student speaker at the RACC 50th Gala celebration, Armando’s family immigrated to America, to make sure their children had a chance to succeed beyond anything they had done themselves. Soon to graduate from RACC (with several job offers already in hand), then transfer to Kutztown University, and finally on to Drexel University to complete his masters in computer science. Listen to Armando’s inspiring and motivating story.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

A naturally passionate person, Rachael Romig plans and oversees over 100 events annually for the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) as their senior director of events & special programs. She also directs the initiatives of the Women2Women program, with the mission to develop women leaders by connecting women from diverse backgrounds to learn and share ideas. 

After a full day at the GRCA, she refocuses her efforts to her wedding planning business, Just Breathe, which serves a growing local and national clientele. All this, while balancing a husband and two small children under five years old at home. 

A RACC graduate, who transferred to, and graduated from Kutztown University, Rachel shares the personal side of her educational journey, which also includes attending Albright College directly from high school.

Pulling from her background in sales, marketing and interpersonal communication, hear how her work has shifted to educating others on the benefits and necessity of cultivating your network, building your personal brand, and creating true joy for herself and others around you.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

If you have ever watched Channel 69 News, you have no doubt seen our RACC Podcast guest, reporter, Caitlin Rearden. A Berks County native, Caitlin graduated from RACC, and then transferred to California State University of Los Angeles. After graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism, her career took her and her family all over the United States, from Mississippi to Washington, and back to Berks County. Learn more about Caitlin’s amazing career path and how she juggles a challenging, demanding schedule, while also being a great mom to her four children.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Halema Bobby received her Associate in Health Science in May 2021 and is currently completing her Associate in Social Work. “I plan on completing my Bachelor in Social work through the Kutztown and RACC Cohort program offered here on RACC's campus. I am also a recipient of the PTK PASSHE Scholarship, which is a two-year full-ride. I was able to achieve all this while being a full-time student, working two jobs, and having to take care of my fibromyalgia,” says Halema. Listen to her amazing story, including her family’s journey from Afghanistan, to New York to Reading!

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

If you are a tech entrepreneur looking for local inspiration, do not miss the new episode of the RACC podcast with Joe Sinclair. With two undergraduate engineering degrees, multiple 3D-printing startups, a master’s in 3D printing from Penn State, and a full-time director position for a high-tech advanced manufacturing company’s metal additive manufacturing division, Joe has invested thousands of hours studying, using, and investigating ways to improve 3D printers.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

RACC graduate and current case manager at Family Promise of Berks, assisting homeless youth, Shae-Lynn is also currently enrolled at Edinboro University for her master’s degree in advanced standing program. Her ultimate goal is to become a social worker for the Reading High School. After graduating from RACC in 2018 with her associate degree in social work. At RACC, she was a work study in the advising center, a member of the leadership program, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa.

 Shae-Lynn graduated with the All-Academic PA scholarship. After RACC I enrolled in the bachelor’s program where I was in the first group of a cohort agreements that RACC and Kutztown have for social work majors. Through that program, she was able to stay on RACC’s campus while working and attending courses for her bachelor’s degree taught by KU’s professors. She graduated in 2015 and received the Reading High Scholarship which allowed her to attend RACC debt free. Now she finds herself attaining a here I a graduate degree and interning at the place that paved the way for her success.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Elise Chesson currently serves as the Chief Advancement Officer for YWCA Tri-County Area. She oversees the growing non-profit’s government, foundation, and corporate grant-making, fund development, communications, events and helps facilitate its practices and policies for equity, inclusion, and justice.
Ms. Chesson most recently served as executive director at a local chapter of a leading national non-profit that addresses family and youth homelessness. She holds degrees in cultural anthropology, international relations, and peace and conflict studies, as well as a certificate in non-profit management.
“Championing for social and racial justice is not always popular but always needed. For those who take on the challenge it is rewarding,” Chesson says. The YWCA mission “is something I have been passionate about my whole life. I finally feel like I am in the right place at the right time, where the quest for equity is celebrated. I am truly excited to see all we can do and look forward to working with the community to create meaningful change.”

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Today, Sonia sits down with one of the true champions of the healthcare industry. Learn how Dr. Debra Hermany progressed from receiving a nursing degree at RACC, to becoming an emergency room physician in a Veteran’s Administration Hospital. Dr. Hermany discusses the challenges of a (very) front line worker during the height of the pandemic to discussing the many future opportunities and careers in healthcare. A do not miss episode for anyone pursuing a career in the health professions.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Kristen Taylor was the Student Nurses' Association president and graduated from RACC’s Associate Degree Nursing Program in May of 2020. She is now with Tower Health in the Cardiac Intermediate Care Unit. Prior to nursing school, she obtained her associate degree in health information management, and worked at St. Joseph in medical records. Who better to discuss what it takes to achieve a great career in the health professions, than Kristen? Download and listen to her amazing story.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sonia welcomes RACC President Dr. Susan Looney to the RACC Podcast studio! Sonia and Dr. Looney discuss exciting new changes coming to RACC, what is in store for the fall 2021 semester, the RACC 50th Anniversary celebrations, and much more. A must listen!

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

After graduating from Lancaster Mennonite High School, Twila Fisher moved to Mexico City and then to Miami before moving back to Pennsylvania and settling in Berks County. At that time, Twila put her education and career on hold to begin a family. When her four daughters were all in school, Twila enrolled in school herself at RACC. “I pursued RACC for myself for the same reason I recommend it to people of all ages: location and affordability.” While enrolled at RACC, Twila received the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholarship, which allowed her to pursue her undergraduate degree at Columbia University. She then finished her graduate courses in eighteen months at the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government.

Twila is currently the director of community and economic development at The Hill School. She serves on six different boards and committees. Listen to her fascinating and inspiring sort on this week’s RACC Podcast.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Want to get ahead of the class and get both high school and college credit? The Dual Enrollment program at RACC works with 17 local schools to provide Berks County high school students the opportunity to earn college credit. Dual enrollment allows academically-ready high school students to enroll in RACC college courses taught right at their high school while also completing their high school requirements. 

Sonia welcomes Jodi Corbett, associate vice president of community and academic partnerships, and Kristen Marcinko, assistant director of community and academic partnerships, to talk about the amazing benefits of this program.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

RACC health professions faculty members Stephanie Herr and Dr. Megan Zerillo are both highly successful young women working in the nursing field. Megan came to RACC from Alabama where she earned her doctorate degree and is now serving as a RACC Student Success Coach. Steph is in her third year of her doctoral program and is an assistant professor in both of our nursing programs. Listen as they discuss the challenges and rewards of a career in the nursing field.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sonia has one of our most inspirational RACC Podcast conversations with Pennsylvania House Representative Manuel Guzman Jr. He is a graduate of Reading High School, Reading Area Community College and Kutztown University. “Manny” comes from a working-class family in Reading, where the family faced struggles with poverty and opportunity. These struggles and lived experiences have stayed with Manny and is the fuel that powers his passion to help working class families in our city. He knew from an early age that his calling in life was service to others and community. He never lost sight of his dream to be a PA State Representative, and he is here to tell his fascinating story.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Do not miss this exciting episode. Sonia follows Amie Croteau’s journey from a stay at home mom in Las Vegas, to RACC, Penn State, and now; an Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Engineer at Lockheed Martin…all in less than four years. Hear what it takes academically and motivationally to make this inspirational story a reality.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode, Sonia talks with Megan Giles a high school counselor at Reading Senior High School. Megan is a Berks County native and completed her bachelors degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from Indiana University of PA and her masters degree in School Counseling from Kutztown University. Megan has worked with Berks County Children and Youth Services as an intake caseworker, MA Department of Corrections as a Recreation Officer, and Service Access and Management, Inc. as a Blended Case Manager.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode, Sonia speaks with Kai Miller, the Chief Creative Officer at Emerald One, an IT consulting company she co-owns. Kai's experience is extensive, including Chief of Staff of the Office of Information and Technology at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and various positions in leadership and outreach at both VA and NASA in addition to founding three strategic communications and executive support organizations. Learn more about how RACC can get you started on a Liberal Arts degree.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

In this episode, Sonia chats with Christopher Moonsammy, an electrical engineer with Trola Industries in York, Pennsylvania. Chris has an associates degree in political science, a bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology, and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Chris talks about his experience as an electrical engineer and discusses the value of a community college education. 

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Josue Matos has spent virtually his whole life in Reading, PA, first in Reading School District and then Albright College School of Professional Studies. As part of the capstone project required for graduation, he and his classmates were tasked with creating a business plan. One colleague mentioned that her son had just come back from California raving about a self-serve beer wall and after research, months of planning, and edits upon edits to the business plan this idea turned into a career. With support from life-long friends and family, Beer Wall on Penn was born in 2019 featuring two self-serve beer walls, a cocktail bar, gastropub menu, and a free retro arcade game room. As a self-proclaimed craft beer lover, Josue may have created the perfect job for himself. Success and expansion continues with the newly opened Beer Wall on Prince in downtown Lancaster, PA.

Thank you for listening! For more information about RACC, visit us online. Stay connected, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.