Click here to subscribe today or Login.
KINGSTON — “Stand up for yourselves, your beliefs and your convictions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
That was the heartfelt advice offered by Power Engineering Corp.’s Tara Mugford Wilson on Tuesday as she accepted the prestigious ATHENA Award at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce’s annual EPIC Awards.
The honors go to individuals who have made an impact in their communities. EPIC stands for Extraordinary People Inspiring Community.
The ATHENA is presented to someone who serves as a mentor to women and helps them achieve their full potential.
Wilson, president of Power Engineering Corp., certainly fits the description. In addition to her presidential role, she serves or served as a board member for various groups.
“Hard work is important, but you need a bit of luck, too,” Wilson encouraged the crowd. “Seek out strong mentors in your lives and remember where you come from.”
The event was held at Wyoming Seminary’s Kirby Center for Creative Arts.
Before each award recipient came to the podium, a video was played featuring friends and family congratulating the recipient on their award and accomplishments.
“We honor individuals that make our community great and inspire us to do the same,” said Chamber Vice President and COO Lindsay Griffin.
Among some of the vital community pillars present was Dr. Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, who received the 2019 Innovator of the Year award.
“I’m really honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Vijayaraman, who serves as the director of cardiac electrophysiology for Geisinger Northeast. “I’m so fortunate to be teamed with a wonderful team of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, cardiac technicians and countless others. They are tremendous professionals.”
Vijayaraman’s work has contributed to Geisinger Wyoming Valley’s success at becoming a premier destination in heart-rhythm care as he is a very sought after teacher in his field.
“It’s very gratifying to me that I’m able to be creative with my work and that Geisinger provides the technology to give care to this community and this valley,” said the program director of Geisinger Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program.
The Luzerne Foundation, North Branch Land Trust and the Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Wilkes University received awards commemorating their 25th anniversary.
Mayor Tony George accepted the chamber’s Wilkes-Barre City 250-year celebration award on behalf of the workers and residents of the Diamond City.
“A place is only as good as we choose to make it,” said Cathy Fields McHugh, vice president of Fields Enterprises Inc. “We need to commit ourselves to our community. We can’t expect it to grow and prosper.”
McHugh, who credited her mother as a critical factor for receiving the Volunteer of the Year award said that focusing on the needs of others shines a light.
Chamber president and CEO Wico van Genderen awarded the Presidential Award to outgoing Wilkes University President Dr. Patrick Leahy, citing his contributions to the community.
“All of our employees buy into what our founding president said. Wilkes is a private institution with a public purpose” Leahy mentioned. “I’m proud that our university founded in 1933 has evolved over the years.”
The Times Leader Media Group was the platinum media sponsor of the event.
