Lizette Epps: Up Close and Personal 

Emmae Davis McGaw

October 17, 2024 - On October 9th, as a part of the Hispanic Month celebrations at RACC, Lizette Epps, the executive director of financial services & internal operations at Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, spoke to students during a lunch held at the Zogas Student Union Building. Epps, who moved to the greater Reading area in 2010, is a social justice advocate and community leader.  She is also the author of Our Voices: Little Stories Through a Latina Lens. Giving a voice to the diverse Latino community that call America home, the book comprises excerpts from the personal voyage of 28 Latinos of all ages living in various parts of the USA.  Each of the five chapters begins with a poem written by Epps.  

Our Voices won 1st place at The BookFest Awards in the Non-fiction Category in Society & Social Sciences on Race, Class, Culture, & Religion. She will also be honored at the upcoming 2024 International Latino Book Awards ceremony on October 19 for the Best Young Adult Nonfiction Book. 

Epps highlighted the challenges of negotiating the barriers experienced by those families raised in a country whose language and culture is different from their own. Unspoken expectations and criticisms from both Americans and within her own Latin culture presented even more roadblocks.   

Despite these challenges though, Epps had a determination to follow her dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Being an avid reader from a very early age helped to stoke these dreams. As a Vo-Tech student, which was the only outlet her family would allow her to pursue in high school, she worked in a law office from the young age of 15 until she graduated at 18. Epps credits this experience as the place where she learned patience, and confidence, two traits that have aided her throughout her life.  

“No, but I can learn.”  This statement Epps made during her talk seemed to personify her ‘can, and will, do’ attitude that has guided her career journey. By the time she was 25 Lizette was already a buyer for a $10 million dollar company. Marriage, babies and attending community college were also part of her journey. Realizing that job advancement required at least an associate’s degree, she pursued this as well. Fast forward to 2024 and Lizette is now at Alvernia University’s O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.  

There were many takeaways from the dialogue of her journey: ‘A career path is not a linear one.’  ‘Learn resilience.’ ‘Evaluate where you are constantly throughout your career.’  

Epps emphasized how crucial it is to seek out and utilize professional development as much as possible. “Take advantage of the opportunities available to you,” she said. “Stepping up propels one forward... Education matters! Engage in volunteering, advocacy, or social justice work. These add value to both your resume and career.” 

Lastly, Epps highlighted these 4 measurements for a successful life: 

1. Learn Resilience  

1. Let your passion be your guide.  

1. Network! Network! Network!  

1. Pursue your Dreams always 

Epps added one last bit of wisdom: “Laughter fosters an environment where understanding can flourish.’ 

Behind the Scenes: The Faces of RACC Scholarships

Latisha Kelly

October 2, 2024 - When you sit down to apply for a scholarship, have you ever wondered what happens after you hit "submit"? Who ensures that your 200-word essay translates into funds for your educational journey? I’ve recently had the privilege of learning exactly how this process works, thanks to my role as a student representative on the Reading Area Community College (RACC) Foundation Board. This board is made up of a dedicated group of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure students like us have the financial support we need to succeed.

What many don’t realize is that a group of passionate and hardworking people is responsible for making all of this possible. This board includes RACC staff, alumni, community leaders, and even student representatives like me. I had the honor of attending my first board meeting on September 10, 2024, and I was amazed by the dedication of these individuals. They are truly the driving force behind every dollar that goes toward scholarships for students. Their efforts are a testament to their belief in the students of RACC and the impact we can have on the community and beyond.

The board is comprised of influential figures such as Gary M. Moyer (Chair), Mary M. Palmer (Vice Chair), Rebecca A. Iannelli (Treasurer), Dr. Susan D. Looney (RACC President), and many more, all of whom are committed to supporting students. They don’t just meet to distribute funds; they brainstorm creative ways to raise money through events like the annual golf tournament. This year, I had the honor of serving as the student speaker at the event, highlighting the real impact these scholarships have on students' lives.

When you apply for a scholarship, it’s not just about writing an essay and waiting for an outcome. There is an entire team of people working to ensure that funds are available, and they believe in your potential. They are making an investment in your future, even if they’ve never met you. In return, we can honor their belief by putting in the hard work to complete our degrees or certifications.

The next time you fill out a scholarship application, remember the efforts of this dedicated board. They are working to provide the financial support you need to succeed because they believe in the students of RACC. And one day, perhaps you will have the chance to pay it forward and help future students achieve their dreams, just as these board members are helping you achieve yours.

Let’s strive to make them proud and prove that their investment in us was worth every penny.