We are so excited to introduce our newest team member, Michaela Benczkowski?! As our Program and Membership Coordinator, Michaela will be helping to organize nearly 50 events for our members and the community this year, and will meet and help onboard our new and existing members. Michaela is an experienced event planner, and has worked in the digital and social media marketing fields. She has a passion for photography and attended both the Luzerne County Community College and King's College, which she graduated from as a marketing major with a business degree. 

Michaela sat down with our communications team to answer a few questions and give you all an opportunity to get to know her - check them out below!

Q: Why Greater Wilkes-Barre?
A: The Greater Wilkes-Barre area is such an amazing area, and I think it has so much potential to be even better. I just want to be a part of the process of making the Greater Wilkes-Barre area the best place to live, and work, and hopefully working with the Chamber will help me do that.

Q: What’s your favorite local activity/hidden gem?
A: My favorite local activity would have to be hiking on all the amazing trails we have in the area. 

Q: What are some of your favorite local stops? 
A: Any Valley pizza place, and KB's Coffee House. I love shopping small businesses in the Valley to promote this awesome area! 

Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: Painting, Photography, Hiking, Kayaking   

Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself?
A: I drove across the county within 2 weeks! 

Q: What is your go-to movie? Your go-to artist?
A: Hocus Pocus, and oh no there's so many - if I have to pick, some of my favorites artists are Andy Denzler, Helen Frakenthaler, obviously Frida Kahlo, and many, many more. 

Q: What is the last thing you watched on Netflix?
A: Lost in Space

Q: What are 3 words you would use to describe yourself?
A: Creative,  Positive,  Passionate

Q: What inspires you?
A: Art inspires me but mostly other people being passionate about something really inspires me the most.