Jocelyn Sterenchock was born on Long Island, New York, and moved with her family to Georgia at the age of four. She spent most of her childhood in Metro Atlanta before relocating to the Greater Hazleton Area at 15, as family from New York, Florida, and Georgia gradually made their way to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

After enrolling at Hazleton Area High School, Jocelyn completed her studies a year early and took college classes at Luzerne County Community College. Following a gap year in Florida after graduating, she returned to NEPA to continue her education. She earned an associate degree in business with a concentration in hospitality from McCann School of Business and Technology, followed by a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing from Central Penn College.

Originally envisioning a career in event planning and major gifts, Jocelyn found herself drawn to nonprofit work. She started her career at McCann before moving into a marketing assistant role with a Hazleton-based infrastructure operations and maintenance organization. When downsizing led to her job loss, she channeled her energy into volunteering with the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress—a decision that ultimately reshaped her career.

Passionate about community and economic development, Jocelyn became increasingly involved in local initiatives, leading to leadership opportunities in economic growth. Today, as the Director of Economic Development at CAN DO, she plays a vital role in helping businesses launch, grow and thrive in the region.

Married to her wife, Megan, since 2015, they live in Drums with their two dogs, Mac and Dee, and small colony of cats. We caught up with Jocelyn in her downtown Hazleton office, where her passion for nonprofit work and community development was evident. She shared her love for exploring NEPA’s restaurant scene, always on the lookout for her next great meal. And, of course, we had to ask—why NEPA?

How long have you lived in NEPA?

I moved to Northeast Pennsylvania in 2004 while I was in high school – so 21 years or so. Like a lot of college kids, I left for a while, but something about the area called me back in 2009 – and I’m so glad it did. I met my wife here, in 2010, she’s a NEPA native, and from that point on, Hazleton became home.

What do you love about your town?

I love who we are. I appreciate the strong sense of community the Hazleton area has. There is a deep passion, dedication, and resilience here, which I believe is rooted in its history. As someone who wasn’t born here, I’ve noticed a distinct Northeastern Pennsylvania character—it really leads to pride and support for the people, places, and initiatives that shape the area.

What’s your favorite NEPA restaurant?

It’s impossible to pick just one favorite restaurant in NEPA because the food scene here is so diverse and unique – it’s honestly one of my favorite things about the region! It really depends on what I’m craving. I have a certain place for every type of food!

If I want a true Hazleton classic, I’ll grab a Jimmy Dog from Jimmy’s Quick Lunch or a Deluxe hoagie from Third Base Luncheonette. If I’m in the mood for a meatball and scamutz (a Hazleton classic – like mozzarella), it’s got to be Rostas Café. Let’s see, I recently tried Zacozaya Tacos on Wyoming Street and told everyone I saw for the next two days about how amazing their birria tacos are. They’re SO good. Martha’s Restaurant is right next door and is a staple for me when I need a quick lunch – their arroz con gandules is one of my favorites!

When it comes to pizza, forget it – there’s no way to choose! As a matter of fact, when we have the opportunity to bring real estate prospects to the area for the first time, we almost always make sure they try some “pitza.” Whether it’s cold deli-style pizza from longtime staple Carmen’s Bakery and Deli or the reimagined hot honey pepperoni from Baranko’s Pizza, a tavern pizza from Senape’s Tavern, or a good ol’ cheese pie from any one of the amazing pizzerias in town – every place has its own charm.

So there, I’ve set you up to eat your way through southern Luzerne County! I can’t help it, I just love the way food brings people together. If there is one thing we do well in NEPA – it’s food.

What’s your favorite thing to do in NEPA?

In my downtime, I love being outdoors, and NEPA is absolutely beautiful for hiking and exploring. My wife and I often take our dogs to Nescopeck State Park, which is just five miles from our house, or if I need to stretch my legs after a long day of meetings, the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails is right at the edge of the city, and it’s perfect for a quick lunch break! We’re so fortunate to have so many beautiful parks across the region. There’s nothing better than discovering a new trail and capping the day off by trying a new restaurant or brewery in one of our small towns. NEPA is perfect for those kinds of spontaneous adventures.

What’s next for you?

Professionally, I’m excited to support downtown Hazleton through our new management agreement with the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress. We have exciting plans to foster small business growth, entrepreneurial support, and community engagement, and I’m proud to be part of a team committed to moving Hazleton forward.

Personally, I love the life I have built here. I love what I do, and I have no intention of going anywhere or doing anything other than what I’m doing at CAN DO and in Northeastern Pennsylvania. I just hope my role continues to grow so I can keep giving back to the community that supports me.

I tell people all the time – this is the career I never knew I always wanted – I’m exactly where I want to be.

Where do you see NEPA heading in the future?

This region has so much potential, and I’m inspired by the incredible people who work tirelessly to make it better. In Hazleton especially, I see a community full of people who are passionate, driven, and ready to create meaningful change. With initiatives happening downtown, I believe we’re on the cusp of something great – there’s a lot of momentum, and I’m proud to be part of it. This is a place where big ideas can grow, and I’m excited to see what’s next for all of us!

Why NEPA?

I didn’t appreciate Northeastern Pennsylvania as a young person at all. My biggest concern was that we didn’t have a Starbucks—which we now have! But as I grew older and started building a life here, I realized how special this region is. NEPA isn’t just a location—it’s a community. I know that’s cheesy, but it’s the truth. The people here are tough, resilient, and fiercely loyal, but they’re also incredibly passionate about making a difference. It’s a place where you can hike a gorgeous mountain in the morning, grab a fantastic meal in the afternoon, and still make it home to your cozy sanctuary at night.

And to me, that’s everything. I love my home—a beautiful two-acre sanctuary with the Nescopeck Creek running through it—and I have a great deck that allows me to enjoy it. I want to be home at night with my dogs and just relax. I really feel like you can have it all here—you can go anywhere and still make it back to your sanctuary.