CAN DO, Inc., is proud to announce the appointment of Griahnny Santos-Urena as Student Chair of the Student Action Committee (SAC) for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
A rising senior at Marian Catholic High School, Griahnny first joined the committee as a junior to become more involved in her community, make a positive impact, and develop her leadership skills alongside other students with similar goals and passions. During her time in the program, she participated in several Student Action Committee initiatives throughout the Greater Hazleton Area, including serving as a Co-Chair for CAN DO Community Christmas and the CAN DO Community Park Tree Lighting Ceremony. In this leadership role, she helped coordinate event activities and provided Spanish translation to assist with communication and community engagement.
Through these experiences, Griahnny gained valuable insight into the SAC’s impact in the community and inspired her to apply for the Student Chair position.
“I enjoyed working with other student leaders and saw how much of a difference we can make when we work together,” Griahnny said. “I wanted the opportunity to take on a larger leadership role and help guide the committee in continuing its mission.”
Beyond her work with CAN DO, Griahnny serves as Executive Vice President of Student Council, President of Marian Mentors, and a leader on the Evangelization Team. She is also involved in Junior Leadership, cheerleading, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Catholic Relief Services Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Immaculate Heart Society and National Honor Society, and serves as a manager for the swim and softball teams.
The Student Action Committee is comprised of high school juniors and seniors from throughout the Greater Hazleton Area who serve as non-voting members of the CAN DO Board of Directors. The Student Chair position was created in 2023 to strengthen student engagement and amplify the voices of young leaders in economic development efforts within the Greater Hazleton Area.
As she prepares for her year as Student Chair, Griahnny said she is most looking forward to helping younger students develop into confident leaders while encouraging them to become active participants wherever they have the opportunity to lead and serve.
“I hope to serve as a positive example, mentor them through their experiences, and show them the many ways they can become involved in their school and community,” she said. “Making a lasting impact on the next generation of student leaders is something I am very excited about.”
To learn more about CAN DO’s Student Action Committee, contact CAN DO Program Coordinator and Student Advisor Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
About CAN DO
CAN DO, Inc. is Greater Hazleton’s certified economic development organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Hazleton Area through the creation and retention of a full range of employment opportunities. Since 1956, CAN DO has played a leading role in advancing economic growth and investment throughout the region.
Today, CAN DO supports businesses, entrepreneurs, educational institutions, and community partners through real estate development, business financing, entrepreneurial assistance, workforce development initiatives, and strategic community investments.
Through the development and management of four business and industrial parks, CAN DO has helped attract more than 30,000 jobs to the region while continuing to advance projects and programs that strengthen the area’s long-term economic competitiveness.
For more information, visit hazletoncando.com.
