Diane V. Boone Publisher, Melanian News

         Originally from Newark, New Jersey, single mother of five, moved her family to Pennsylvania in 1992. She worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 17 years. 
   
         In 2002, she established the Melanian Newsletter, a bi-monthly publication focusing on the promotion of minority achievement in Northeast Pennsylvania.  Her efforts were to show a more positive image of minorities by highlighting role models who live and work in the community to inspire youth and action.  The Melanian Newsletter addressed for the first time, the main obstacle facing organizations wishing to serve the minority community which was a gap in communication that limited minority participation.
         In 2003, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission recognized the Melanian Newsletter for empowering and educating member’s of Scranton’s African American and Hispanic communities and awarded Diane for her work and efforts to create a bridge to understanding among Scranton’s culturally diverse communities. 
         In 2004, the demand for the positive news publication outgrew the feasibility of the newsletter format and became Melanian News, publishing its first edition as a tabloid sized, newsprint publication with a 5,000 copy circulation now being distributed in over 250 locations throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Monroe Counties.
         In 2005, Melanian News hosted the First Annual Unity Festival bringing businesses, organizations and families together for a music filled day of food, fun and information in honor of the establishment and growth of the publication.
         In 2006, she was chosen as one of Pennsylvania’s 50 Best Women in Business based on her dedication to business growth, professional and personal accomplishments, community involvement, and advocacy for women in business.
         In 2007, The Greater Scranton Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, which she helped form in 2006 and serves as Vice President, celebrated the first community wide three-day event collaborating with traditional programs organized under the commission in cooperation with the Scranton School district.
         In 2008, Melanian News Partnered with Lackawanna College to host the first annual Black History Month Appreciation Dinner honoring The City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, and the Times-Tribune.

         Diane also serves an active role in the community of Scranton and has been involved with organizations such as the Minority Executive Leadership Council, Ujaama Investment Club, and the Black History Literary Contest. 
           She currently serves on the Lackawanna Co. Council of Economic Development; the Lackawanna/Luzerne Transportation Planning Committee;  secretary of the East Scranton Business Assoc.; member of the African American Network, Monroe Co., and Roaring Ramblers Toastmaster International Club; board member of UNC of NEPA and Board of Directors of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. And Most recently accepted in Leadership Lackawanna 2007-2008 Class.

Speaking Engagements

Marywood University, Scranton PA 7/2001

                   Guest speaker for Victoria Jaen’s Summer “Youth-At-Risk” program.  Topic: “Unchallenged Perceptions.”  

University of Scranton, Scranton PA 5/2003

                 Guest co-speaker for Lawrence Pugliese’s English class.
Topic: Open discussion with students on the African American Experience.

9/2004

                  Guest co-speaker for Lawrence Pugliese’s English class. 

Topic: Open discussion with students on race relations.

Small Business Boot Camp, Dunmore PA 6/2005

                  Guest Speaker on a roundtable workshop presentation hosted by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.  Topic:  “When to Hold Your Ground and When to Surrender.” 

Get Published Writer’s Conference 8/2005

                   Guest Speaker for Fountain Penn Publishing Company Writer’s seminar held at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton, PA.    Topic:  “Write Now!”

2006 Schedule

USP Waymart Correctional Institution, So Caanan PA 2/2006

                Guest Speaker for Linda Harris’ Black History Month Program.  

Topic: “A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social, and Civic Institutions”.

African American Network, East Stroudsburg PA 3/2006

                  Keynote Speaker invited by President, Eugenia Craig.      

Topic: Celebration of Women’s History month.

2007 Schedule

Keystone College One College Green, LaPlume PA 18440 1/2007

                Guest Speaker for Sharon Brittingham’s Multicultural Program.  

Topic: Martin Luther King Jr.

Small Business Development Center, Scranton 18510 10/24/2007

                 Guest speaker for Donna Simpson, Women Business Owners.  

Topic: Starting a business. 2008 Schedule

Governor’s Advisory Commission On African American Affairs 3/18/2008

                Guest Speaker for Business Exchange Breakfast at University of Scranton.  Topic:  Melanian News.

Lackawanna College 501 Vine Street, Scranton PA 18509 4/24/2008

                Guest Speaker for Beverly O’Hara’s Business Management class.  Topic:  Women and Management.