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
Economic Development Manager
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 Economic Development Manager 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.
Ana Perez
Program Coordinator & Student Action Committee Advisor
Ana Perez serves as Program Coordinator and Student Action Committee Advisor at CAN DO, where she oversees program operations and manages a year-long calendar of community events, industry tours, and resource-based learning experiences for students. In this role, she guides young leaders in strengthening their leadership, communication, and professional skills while coordinating complex initiatives from concept to execution—bringing strong project management experience to every phase of her work.
Ana also manages CAN DO’s marketing efforts in collaboration with its affiliates and works closely with entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them connect with local resources and support systems to move their ideas forward.
In addition to her work at CAN DO, Ana is an Adjunct Professor at Wilkes University, where she teaches Integrative Media Foundations, giving her the opportunity to inspire and equip the next generation of creative thinkers and media professionals.
She holds certifications in Entrepreneurship Center Management and Advanced Mentor Development, and her work consistently bridges entrepreneurship, workforce development, education, and community engagement. As a business owner herself, Ana deeply believes in the power of connections and in making resources visible, accessible, and inclusive—because she believes everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed and bring their ideas to life.
In 2013, Ana immigrated to the United States—an experience that reshaped both her path and her purpose. She pursued her education with determination, earning associate degrees in Computer Graphics & New Media and Graphic Design & Advertising, a bachelor’s degree in Digital Design and Media Arts, and a master’s degree in Leadership for Sustainable Communities.
Ana brings over a decade of experience in design, marketing, and project management, grounded in culturally fluent communication. Her early work in radio sparked a passion for storytelling and community engagement, shaping a people-centered approach to creative work. She applies this background to deliver strategic, thoughtful solutions across branding, design, marketing, and program development.
Ana lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, Jatniel, their two daughters, Ana Alya and Aryana, and their two beloved cats, Coco and Juan Carlos. An adventurer at heart, she loves exploring new places and embracing new experiences—curiosity that fuels both her personal life and creative work. Her family is her greatest inspiration and the foundation of her purpose-driven work: building a community where her daughters, and all future leaders, can dream boldly and succeed.
Tina Huang
Economic Development Assistant
Tina serves as the Economic Development Assistant for CAN DO, where she provides administrative support to the economic development and marketing department, managing and supporting social media across multiple organizational, sub-organizational, and affiliate brand, and maintaining the day-to-day operations of CAN BE alongside facilitating activities.
As the first member of her family to pursue higher education, Tina brings determination, resilience, and a strong commitment to learning to both her academic and professional life. In 2024, she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Business and Project & Supply Chain Management from Penn State University’s Hazleton Campus, graduating with academic honors and awards. With a background influenced by growing up around a family business, she developed a strong appreciation for entrepreneurs and local businesses and a desire to help and support others.
Outside of work, Tina enjoys spending time with her family, creating art, writing, and pursuing her passion for collecting.