Jocelyn Sterenchock
Director of Economic Development

Jocelyn Sterenchock is a social change advocate and marketing professional who resides in the Greater Hazleton area. Originally raised in the north-metro Atlanta area, she moved here in 2004, graduating from Hazleton Area High School in 2007. Jocelyn earned an associate degree in business from the McCann School of Business & Technology in 2011 as well as a bachelor's degree in marketing from Central Penn College in 2019. During her professional career, she has held positions within numerous sectors, including working as a marketing assistant for an international infrastructure operations and maintenance company, overseeing marketing and promotion for a regional optometry practice, and consulting on strategic marketing initiatives for the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress.

Currently, Jocelyn holds the position of Director of Economic Development for CAN DO and is responsible for forwarding entrepreneurship in Greater Hazleton through the CAN BE Innovation Center, a small business incubator in Valmont Industrial Park. Jocelyn guides clients through a program that is designed to help nurture new businesses through the start-up phase. She oversees the development and management of CAN BE’s support programs for entrepreneurs, which include offering resident consultation and management assistance, access to financing opportunities and technical support services, and networking with other start-up companies. Additionally, she provides leadership in the procurement and management of programmatic funding for CAN BE and handles the overall promotion of entrepreneurship in Greater Hazleton.

Jocelyn also served as the Executive Director of Hazleton POWER!, a nonprofit organization that was formed as a support network to enhance the ability to attract and retain the knowledge and talent necessary to build a better economic future in the area. During her time with POWER!, she has successfully spearheaded several community events, including the annual “Art at the Markle,” which attracts hundreds of people to view the artwork of more than 40 local artists. She has also managed fundraising initiatives for local nonprofit organizations and coordinated many community activities, including live music events, free outdoor movie series, and a widely attended vigil to celebrate the LGBT lives lost in the Orlando nightclub shooting in 2016. As a result of the vigil, Jocelyn was asked to sit on the board of the NEPA Rainbow Alliance and continues to advocate for LGBTQ members of her community. Outside of her numerous personal and professional responsibilities related to the downtown and entrepreneurship, Jocelyn continues advocating for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Having raised over $12,000 in funds, she participates in their endurance training division, Team Challenge.

Jocelyn enjoys spending down time with her wife, Megan, and their 2 dogs, Dee and Mac. They spend weekends hiking or working on their home in Drums.

 

Nico Makuta
Business Finance Specialist

Nico Makuta is an economic development professional passionate about making a difference within his community. Born and raised in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, Nico graduated from Hazleton Area High School in 2015 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from East Stroudsburg University in 2019. During his time at East Stroudsburg, Nico served as an orientation leader and resident advisor, which he says helped to develop leadership skills needed to advance within his professional career. Upon completion of his education, Nico worked as a Staff Assistant for a United States Congressman followed by several years within the manufacturing industry as a Quality Assurance Supervisor for an aluminum pigment facility.

Currently, Nico serves as CAN DO’s Business Financing Specialist and plays an integral role in the organizations continued efforts to assist local business and industry in obtaining financing. As a Business Financing Specialist, Nico manages the planning, procurement, and administration of project-driven funding for CAN DO, assists local businesses in procuring financing opportunities, and coordinates with CAN BE to assist small businesses and start-ups with financing options and growth opportunities.

A lifelong Hazleton area resident, Nico has always been interested in history, his community, and politics. In 2022, he ran in the primary election for State Representative of Pennsylvania’s 116th District. Outside of work, Nico is a local historian and genealogist who can be found hunting, enjoying the great outdoors, and spending quality time with his Beagle, Andy.