Mary Beth Jenkins, Zeta Phi, Slippery Rock University
Executive Vice President, UMPC Insurance Services Division
Chief Operating Officer, UMPC Health Plan
Ms. Jenkins is executive vice president of UPMC Insurance Services Division and the chief operating officer of UPMC Health Plan, which is the largest medical insurer in western Pennsylvania with over 4.1 million members.
In this role, Ms. Jenkins oversees service operations, claims administration, configuration, ancillary products, third-party administration, consumer innovation and the Organizational Performance and Project Management Office. Her responsibilities include coordinating fiscal management, administration and operations for multiple departments; managing budget and resource allocation with senior leadership, finance and human resources; and providing matrix reporting oversight across the organization in support of multiple lines of business.
For more than 20 years, Ms. Jenkins has driven operational efficiencies at UPMC Health Plan to help the company maintain low administrative costs and high customer satisfaction. She is a strong supporter of UPMC Health Plan’s process improvement efforts and, in addition, translates strategic initiatives into business objectives to support the organization’s continued growth.
Ms. Jenkins serves on the board of directors for several nonprofit organizations and privately held companies, and she is recognized nationally as an expert on service excellence and claims optimization.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Slippery Rock University and her Master of Business Administration from Duquesne University. Ms. Jenkins has also earned a Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
Kristen Kilgore Nan, Zeta Phi, Slippery Rock University
Teacher-Speaker-Author-Blogger
An educator for the last 27 years, Kristen Nan’s passion for building relationships with her students, colleagues and community continues to ignite change for the better! Kristen has served as an emotional support teacher, learning support teacher, and classroom teacher from Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to her current role as a Special Education and K-6 Cyber Teacher, Kristen is an author and national speaker. With keeping a future-ready mindset at the forefront for every child, she has been recognized as an award-winning educator for innovative practices. Kristen’s book, “ALL IN, Taking a Gamble in Education” is co-authored by Jacie Maslyk and focuses on the importance of risk-taking, chances and building relationships between teachers and administrators.
Gina DeBacco Rajchel, Epsilon Theta, Clarion University
Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor
Hi! I am Gina Rajchel, your Yoga and Mindfulness instructor. I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a Master of Science Degree in Early Childhood Studies, Administration, Management, and Leadership. I am a 200-hour Yoga Alliance® registered yoga teacher and a Breathe for Change® Social Emotional Learning Facilitator.
I found yoga about ten years ago and began practicing regularly to calm my mind and strengthen my body. It was a life-changing experience, and I soon noticed that I was becoming a responder to life instead of a reactor to my circumstances. Since I found so much benefit from these practices, I knew others could too, so I began designing and leading yoga classes and mindfulness workshops for adults and children.
My sessions incorporate movement, breath awareness and meditation to promote strength in the body and consciousness of the mind. These important self-care practices will empower you to live to your fullest potential on and off the mat.
Elizabeth Harness Richardson, Iota, University of Iowa
Principal and Founder, Mog & Springer Communications
Elizabeth is founder and principal of Mog & Springer Communications, an independently owned, strategic communications consultancy for early-stage pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies across multiple therapeutic areas. The practice works with clients to make their often complex and cutting-edge science accessible to broader audiences and key stakeholders.
Elizabeth’s work in journalism, global corporate communications and media relations spans more than 20 years. She specializes in strategy development, crisis communications and management, executive coaching and preparation, problem-solving, risk and corporate brand reputation management.
Elizabeth has worked in the pharmaceutical and medical device industry as a global communications executive for Alcon, a Novartis Company and the eye health company, Bausch + Lomb. Prior to working in strategic communications, she was a medical journalist for Nexstar Broadcasting (CBS) and member of the American Association for Health Care Journalists, specializing in evidence-based reporting. Early in her career, she held roles in broadcast journalism and health care public relations.
Elizabeth’s work in journalism and strategic communications has been recognized by the Associated Press, NYS Broadcaster’s Association, Emmy Awards and Telly Awards.
Elizabeth is a stroke survivor and an advocate for stroke awareness, understanding the stigmas surrounding stroke recovery and improving stroke aftercare for better outcomes. She resides in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her husband and their beloved dog and cat.
Ashley W. Sciulli, Iota Delta, Edinboro University
Real Estate Broker
Ashley (Weinman) Sciulli is a Pennsylvania licensed real estate broker, property and casualty agent and a money guide. During the first decade of her career in commercial real estate development, she learned and leveraged her skills in market analysis, strategic site selection, project underwriting and financial analysis to play an integral role in the expansion plan for a national Fortune 500 retailer. She’s steered the full project life cycle of over $300 million worth of single-tenant retail properties and has managed leases for over one million square feet of commercial properties. As a money guide, she works directly with individuals, couples and families to reach their personal and financial goals. It was here that she discovered her passion for empowering people, especially women, with the financial knowledge needed to make informed decisions and build confidence for their futures.
When she’s not closing a transaction or empowering individuals through financial literacy, she can be found in her forever home in Pittsburgh, PA with her forever love, Anthony, and their two cats, Binx and Emily.
Taylor Ridenour Sminchak, Gamma Kappa, Kent State University
Owner and Financial Coach, Blossom Financial Coaching
As an Accredited Financial Counselor, Taylor has the tools and understanding to help you create the financial life you dream about. Most importantly, she's learned from her own financial mistakes as she paid off $45,000 in debt.
Her education and counseling background lends itself to a more holistic approach, taking into account mental health and the “whys” behind our money-driven stress. Her work in financial wellness education has been recognized on both a state and federal level including being selected as CashCourse's Financial Educator of the Year in 2019. She even attended a private White House Briefing for her work in financial literacy education (while 30 weeks pregnant!). She was recognized as one of Delta Zeta's 35 Under 35 in 2020.
She's a mom of two toddlers, an entrepreneur, Disney World Annual Passholder and lifelong Ohio resident. She calls the Gamma Kappa Chapter at Kent State University her home. She currently serves as the Financial Advisor for the chapter. Her biggest spending weakness? Coffee!
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The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is an organization created by parents, for parents of Deaf Children. ASDC is committed to empowering diverse families with deaf children and youth by embracing full access to language-rich environments through mentoring, advocacy, resources and collaborative networks. ASDC will be providing us with basic ASL training and cultural sensitivity trainings in regard to the Deaf community and culture.