Meaningful Connections – Presented by Pottstown CARES

Nationally recognized speaker Erika Rothenberger will present her energetic “Audacious” success skills program at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 in The Hill School Center for the Arts (CFTA). This free event is hosted by Pottstown CARES, a collaborative community-building organization comprised of Pottstown High School and Hill students. CARES will welcome guests of all ages from the Pottstown School District as well as Hill’s campus. Attendees are welcome to park in the CFTA lot at 760 Beech Street, and doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

As noted on her website, Rothenberger’s leadership experience stems in part from her role as a female executive in the male-dominated construction industry. She also draws from a violent 2022 attack that motivated her to become stronger and more intentional about how she could use her skills to build a life rooted in purpose and help others achieve their own growth and success. Rothenberger has been a presenter at TEDx, Princeton University, MEA Energy Association, Merck, and the National Association of Women in Construction.

During the presentation, attendees, whether students, teachers, or aspiring leaders in all fields, will hear about how to make clearer decisions; implement stronger, beneficial interpersonal boundaries; and demonstrate greater confidence in work and life, according to Rothenberger.

Rothenberger’s book, Audacious Expansion: Breaking Free From Limitations to Create Your Ultimate Life, will be available for purchase at the event, followed by a post-presentation book signing.

Pottstown CARES students invited Rothenberger as the capstone in a series of professional development experiences they have been enjoying this winter, including a LinkedIn-style headshot photo shoot; an “establishing professional presence” workshop with Pottstown entrepreneur Audra Hammer-Ross; and various interview preparation programs.

CARES was founded in 2013 and supports efforts in Pottstown that align with its core pillars: Community, Awareness, Responsibility, Education, and Sustainability. Katie Scanlan, CARES Community Organizer and adviser to the students, works closely with Justin Baker, Director of Cocurricular Activities for Pottstown High School, to guide the students as they identify and execute focused activities each year. “Our CARES students had the pleasure of meeting Erika at one of our roundtable dinner meetings,” Scanlan says. “They were inspired by her story and excited about the prospect of sharing her skills as a speaker with our local community as part of their professional development program.”