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 twelve 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.
Paige Rivera-Fansler
Treasurer
Paige is a dedicated stay-at-home mom and caregiver, born and raised in Lebanon County. With a background in Psychology from Shippensburg University and a deep passion for giving back, she remains actively involved in community initiatives like MAD. Her commitment to service and connection makes her a proud and engaged board member.
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
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
Gregory Fry
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PR Secretary
Grew up in Southern York County, served in the United States Navy for 7 ½ years, traveling to various locations such as Sicily, Florida, California, and Washington DC. He earned his Associates Degree in Business Administration in 2007. In 2021, he moved to Lebanon after accepting a role with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, where he helps Disabled Veterans obtain property tax relief. Greg first volunteered with our organization before joining as a board member.
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.
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.