Dr. Melissa Sgroi has been recognized by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce for Diversity Month.

A professor in the Mass Communication and Design Department of Misericordia University, Dr. Sgroi also served as department chair.

She was highlighted producing documentaries that shed light on voting accessibility in certain Pennsylvania counties. The documentaries show how voters do not always have access to polling places and helped change those policies.

The highlight came as a complete surprise to Dr. Sgroi.

“It is extremely rewarding, and I’m grateful to the Chamber for including me in its diversity honors,” she said.

Although happy with the success the documentaries have had, Dr. Sgroi to do more.

“I hope I have a chance to do more in the future,” she said. “There are needs in so many areas of our community, and so many people are working to meet them, but there’s always need.”

Dr. Sgroi worked with Dan Kimbrough, owner of Park Multimedia and a professor at Misericordia University.

“He’s a fantastic teacher who has guided our students to professional success and numerous awards,” Dr. Sgroi said of Kimbrough. “He is continuing that work, and I expect more student success.”

Kimbrough recently taught a class where students highlighted a recent graduate who owns/founded NEPArogi and Grassroots collective. He was the videographer and partner in Dr. Sgroi’s documentaries about voting access for people with disabilities.

“Our work led to both a Department of Justice investigation into access for disabilities in Luzerne County, and important changes were made to ensure people with disabilities had an equal chance to cast their ballots,” Dr. Sgroi said.

The Chamber of Commerce also highlighted Dr. Sgroi’s career, as well as her education as part of the Chamber celebrating Diversity Month and recognizing individuals who aid in spreading inclusion in the community.

“I’m happy to know that all people have full access to the polls, but much more can always be done in the area of rights for people with disabilities,” Dr. Sgroi said.