BOARD AND COMMITTEES
We Oversee Five Committees
Making a Difference of Lebanon, PA is managed by a Board of Directors consisting of no more than eleven directors. We are all volunteers dedicated to our mission and giving back to our community. The Officers of the Board are the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Public Relations Secretary. We oversee five committees: Education, Fundraising, Special Events, Community Service/Special Projects, and Scholarship.
Cornell Wilson
President
Cornell was one of the Co-Founders of Making a Difference, and he is the current President of the Board. Cornell was born and raised in Lebanon, PA. He was a graduate of Lebanon Senior High School and went on to obtain a BA in Sociology at Lebanon Valley College. Cornell has dedicated his life to helping youth and being an active member of his community. In the past, Cornell was a soccer and basketball coach, a foster parent, a Rotary member, a member of St. John A.M.E Church, a Latino Health Fair Committee member, a SARCC board member, and a house parent for Lebanon County Children and Youth. In his profession, he has always worked in social services. Additionally, he is an Advertising Executive for Your Advertiser. He is a former elected member of the Lebanon School Board and Lebanon City Council.
Sommer VanBrunt
Vice-President and Special Events Comm. Chair
Sommer was born and raised in Lebanon and currently resides in North Cornwall. She is a Community Banking Manager with Ephrata National Bank. Additionally, she serves on the council for Leadership Lebanon Valley and volunteers for various other outreach programs in the Lebanon community. Sommer looks forward to continuing to make a difference in a community that has so much to offer.
Cindy Schlegel
Cindy has lived in the City of Lebanon most of her life, along with her husband, two children, and grandchildren. She has been involved in many volunteer opportunities, including the Northside Neighborhood Elm Street Program to coordinate community activities for the holidays, picnics, back to school events, and a community garden.
Alisher Aminov
Secretary
Alisher has lived in Lebanon city for the majority of his life, working within the community in any way he can. Alisher is an Associate at Edward Jones. To Alisher, the well-being of Lebanon is personal. In his free time he is an activist, volunteer, neighbor, friend, etc... and he wants to make a difference.
Rafael Arvelo Castillo
Policy Chair
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, he earned a degree in Marketing plus an MBA. He worked at Verizon Dominicana for 15 years as a product development executive. He was the founder, first president and active member of the Dominican Association of Nature Photographers (adfona.org.do), a pro-environmental non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of that island to raise awareness about the fragile situation of endemic birds. He came to Pennsylvania 5 years ago with his wife, Amanda, in search of the American dream. Actually he works at RANDSTAD as an HR site manager.
Lydia Renninger
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Education Chair
Elijah Dechert
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Board Member
Having been born in Lebanon city, Elijah has been helping to better the community since he was in middle school, being involved with community cleanups, fundraising, and special events like back to school or Trunk or Treat. Professionally, he works as a government contractor providing IT services. At home, Elijah can be found volunteering, traveling, reading, and more. He believes that by contributing time and a little bit of effort, we can make the city feel more like home.
Lydya was born and raised in Mechanicsburg, but relocated to Lebanon county after traveling the country with her husband, Adam Hummel. They chose Lebanon county to raise both their daughter, and their business, Grade A Haul-away. The company created a connection to Making A Difference first through sponsorship, but that later grew into partnerships. Now, fast forward and Lydya has been on the Education and Events committee for over a year, and looks forward to strengthening the tie by joining the board. She is an active reader and gardener, and hopes to create long-term literacy programs with the schools of Lebanon and provide support for all of Lebanon's diverse community members.
Allegra Waltman
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Incoming Treasurer
Allegra was born and raised in Williamsport, PA, but her ties to Lebanon go back to the 1800's as her great-grandmother was born and raised in Lebanon as well as her grandfather. Allegra has lived in Lebanon since 2023 with her husband and two kids and works as a branch manager for NCFCU ( New Cumberland Federal Credit Union). Her passion for volunteering and helping her community can be seen through the various events and drives she participates in both through her job and in her free time.
Angie Batista
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Fundraising Chair
Angie is a banking professional and community leader with more than 15 years of experience in the financial services industry. She currently serves as a Branch Manager with First National Bank, where she focuses on leadership, relationship building, business development, and helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals.
Angie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and is passionate about leadership, professional development, and giving back to the community she serves.
As a Board Member of Making a Difference of Lebanon, Angie looks forward to using her professional experience, community connections, and heart for service to support the organization’s mission and help create meaningful opportunities for individuals and families throughout the Lebanon community.
Our Committees
1
Special Events
Our Special Events committee organizes some of Making A Difference of Lebanon, PA's most significant gatherings. This team oversees the Health and Safety Festival, the planning and execution of our Annual Awards and Appreciation Reception, Snack and Field day, Back to School, Trunk or Treat, Fall Block Party, and our Holiday Mixer.
3
Education
The Education Committee provides enriching learning opportunities for students and families throughout Lebanon. Our efforts include STEM camps, classroom visits, hands-on workshops, creative writing contests, and other meaningful educational experiences. We aim to spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and support lifelong learning in our community.
2
Fundraising
As the heart of our organization's fundraising efforts, our committee organizes diverse events like the Annual Appeal, 5k race, Bingo, and Raffles. Lacking federal or state funding, the responsibility to support our cause lies with us. Each event is tailored to engage our community and secure the resources necessary for our mission. From social gatherings to competitive races, we offer something for everyone.
4
Community Service and Special Projects
The Community Service Committee organizes meaningful volunteer projects that uplift and support our community. From neighborhood cleanups and meal serving to beautification efforts and collaborations with local nonprofits, we work year-round to identify needs and create opportunities for people to give back. Our goal is to inspire community involvement, encourage teamwork, and make a positive, lasting impact.
5
Scholarship
Our committee is looking for students who are actively serving their community and school, whose values align with our mission, and who exemplify positive community service and involvement. Lebanon County seniors are encouraged to apply for this scholarship opportunity.