Eight Pennsylvanians Recognized for Workforce Success

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Governor's Achievement Award was presented today to eight Pennsylvanians who have participated in various state workforce development initiatives and excelled in their workplaces. The awards were presented during the 2017 Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Employment, Training & Education Conference at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center through Friday.

The awards are jointly sponsored by state workforce development agencies – the departments of Aging, Labor & Industry and Human Services – and the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association.

Representatives of state workforce development agencies recognized the individuals for their accomplishments.

"I am so impressed with the determination and dedication that the individuals honored today have shown throughout their personal and career development," said Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino. "They did not allow the barriers to employment that they faced to break down their resolve to succeed. Trevor Tobias, Alex Kanafani, and Christopher Garn's achievements are testimony to the value of hard work and perseverance, and the excellence that can be attained through working with the commonwealth's workforce development system."

Manderino was represented at the awards ceremony by Eileen Cipriani, deputy secretary for workforce development.

"Courage and resilience are among the many qualities that each of the today's honorees possess," said Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne.  "We are incredibly proud of the 2017 Outstanding Senior Community Services Employment Program Awardee, Cynthia Steadman, who sought the resources available through the Philadelphia Mayor's Commission on Aging Senior Employment Program in order to build her educational profile and sharpen her skills.  Because of her efforts and participation in the program, today Cynthia is engaged in work that she enjoys and is living and aging well as a valuable member of Pennsylvania's older workforce." 

Osborne was represented at the awards ceremony by Terry Barley, deputy secretary of aging.

"Marcia Blockson, Leah Start, Dina Kolisnyk, and Hope Dunn have realized great financial independence, self-confidence, and performed exceptionally in their careers. The determination that each of these individuals possess to better their careers and their lives for themselves and their families is inspiring," said Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas. "We look forward to each recipient's continued success."

Dallas was represented at the awards by Brendan Harris, executive deputy secretary for the Department of Human Services.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce investment system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide, sponsors this annual conference, which attracts more than 800 private and public job-training experts from across Pennsylvania.

Following is a list of award recipients:

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association
Youth Program Participant

• Christopher Garn, Washington, Nominated by Washington Greene County Job Training Agency

Adult Program Participant

• Aghyad (Alex) Kanafani, Lewisburg, nominated by the Central PA Workforce Development Corporation

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Program Participant

• Trevor Tobias, Harrisburg

Department of Aging
Outstanding Senior Community Service Employment Program Participant

• Cynthia Steadman, Philadelphia

Department of Human Services
Governor's Achievement Awards

• Marcia Blockson, Harrisburg
• Leah Start, Brownsville
• Dina Kolisnyk, Prospect Park
• Hope Dunn, Coatesville

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Lindsay Bracale, L&I; 717-787-7530
Drew Wilburne, Aging; 717-787-1550
Rachel Kostelac, Human Services; 717-425-7606

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry