By Brett R. Crossley
COAL TOWNSHIP — The second nominee for the Athena Award learned of the honor when she was ambushed at work Wednesday.
Gale Zalar, community action director at Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc., was taken by surprise when co-workers ran into her office to tell her about the nomination.
Angela Hummel, director of organizational development and training for non-medical staff members at Evangelical Community Hospital, Lewisburg, was named the first nominee on Tuesday. There will be two other nominees for the award, which is given by the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce to honor outstanding members of the community and people who go an extra step in mentoring women.
“I was totally surprised,” she said. “It means a great deal to me. I appreciate getting nominated by my CEO, Barry McLaughlin. I wasn’t aware of the award until last year when I had to give a quote for someone receiving it. I think it is a great award.”
As community action director, Zalar has helped countless women and their families in ensuring they have the resources and training to meet their educational, personal and professional goals.
“The clientele that we work with are the underemployed or the unemployed,” she said. “Our goal is to show people how to become leaders in the community. I want to help everyone with achieving their goals and becoming leaders in their community.”
Zalar started with the agency 26 years ago and worked her way up from being a career counselor to her present position. She works in Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties. She previously was the regional youth program director, which gave her the opportunity to work with area youths and help them prepare for college and the workforce.
Zalar is a member of the Greater Anthracite United Way board and serves on the advisory board of the Keystone Energy Technology Enterprise Center. The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania has recognized her for developing the CSO AmeriCorps Vista and the CSO Community Action programs.
She is married and has a daughter.
