Scranton Stories is an oral history video series featuring 33 individuals who have lived or worked in the city of Scranton. These videos are part of the larger project, Scranton’s Story, Our Nation’s Story, which is a community-wide exploration of themes such as history, belonging, and identity. DiscoverNEPA will share these unique, personal “Scranton Stories” in the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026.
Planting Seeds of Peace and Equity
In her youth, Sister Donna Marie Korba, IHM, loved visiting the halls of the Everhart Museum, remembering fondly the natural history and art exhibits, as well as Nay Aug Park. A “Diamond City Gal,” she moved to Marywood University in Scranton to join the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Then, after 12 years of living and working in Guatemala, she moved back to become the head of the IHM Sisters’ Office of Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation where she continues her life’s work of service, engaging with marginalized communities and with the natural world.
She brings up difficult questions about whether vital social services and safety nets are missing the deeper justice questions about what each individual needs to achieve greater stability and independence. Additionally, she hopes for the reintegration of green spaces throughout the city, imploring people with the means to plant native species, even if only on their windowsill. She and the IHM Sisters model this work through their land restoration project and “Welcoming Space.”
