Following our successful fellowships in the Lehigh Valley and Lancaster, Transit For All PA continues its base-building of transit riders and transit workers. We’re deepening our statewide relationships through three regional organizing fellows in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. Read below to learn a bit about the people surveying transit riders and workers, and building the movement for transit in Northeast PA (NEPA).
Corey O’Brien (he/him)
Jefferson Township, Lackawanna County
Why I love Scranton: I love where I live, Scranton has a tight knit Community of friendly good hearted folks. Also, I’m an avid hiker, there are trails all throughout the community that are well kept and safe for everyone.
Bio: I currently work as a community health worker for a local non-profit called Valley In Motion. Before choosing my career in service work I lived in Harlem NYC for 10 years. I enjoyed the fast-paced big city life & worked at various record stores plus had a weekly DJing gig.
But now that I’m back home in Scranton, I’ve learned to appreciate the small things in life again. I love spending time with my family and friends and working with my community daily. For fun, I listen to records, trade records and DJ every chance I get. I also enjoy watching movies and playing various instruments with friends.
Sarah Cruz (she/her)
Scranton, Lackawanna County
Why I love Scranton: The city provides the perfect combination of both urban and rural life from the First Friday art and music events, to the cultural festivals year round to the numerous parks and walking trails surrounding the downtown. Scranton is also in close proximity to other great cities as well such as Philadelphia and New York.
Bio: Sarah Cruz is the chairwoman of the Scranton Housing Authority and a former director on the Scranton School Board. Sarah also serves on the board of the NEPA Youth Shelter, the County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Lackawanna County Women’s Commission. She is also a member of the Junior League of Scranton. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English from Marywood University, Sarah currently works at Boscov’s Department Store as a sales associate.
Immanuel Castellano (he/him)
Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County
Why I love Wilkes-Barre: This city is so cool because of all the pop-up events we have for the community. Whether that be the weekly Farmers’ market, the concerts, and events to showcase our artists, there is always something planned downtown to get the whole valley together and enjoy the night whilst supporting our local businesses.
Bio: I am a recent high school graduate. I currently work in healthcare, and when I’m not in that field, I also work in the fast food industry. I am one of the most outgoing people you will meet. I love being with the community. When I’m not working, you’ll find me making quirky content for social media. A quite unique hobby that I’ve acquired has been planespotting. You might find me at our local airport, not to check in with TSA, but rather to simply watch the incoming and outgoing planes. Cycling on the many trails we have in the valley is another pastime for me.
