Her Story
About Leslie
Leslie Hackenberg is a dedicated career services and workforce development professional who serves as Career Services Manager at Berks Technical Institute in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, a position she has held for approximately two years. She helps students prepare to enter the workforce through resume preparation, portfolio development, mock interviews, professional and soft skills training, workshops, and guest speakers. She also conducts employer outreach, develops partnerships with local businesses, and coordinates career fairs to connect students and graduates with meaningful employment opportunities, particularly in healthcare and the skilled trades. Her work reflects a commitment to strengthening workforce readiness and helping individuals build sustainable careers.
Before joining Berks Technical Institute, Hackenberg served as a Workforce Specialist at Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc., where she worked with low-income families and individuals facing barriers to employment and self-sufficiency. From September 2022 to July 2024, she provided case management, developed action plans, and connected clients with educational programs, vocational training, transportation, housing, and employment resources. Her diverse professional background also includes office administration, office management, manufacturing experience at Conestoga Wood Company, and driving commercial driver's license (CDL) trucks across the country. These experiences have given her a broad understanding of workplace expectations, different industries, and the challenges individuals may encounter when pursuing employment.
Hackenberg holds an associate's degree in Microcomputer Technology from Miller-Motte College. She remains engaged in professional development through participation in the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Central Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, and Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) workshops. She attributes her success to a supportive upbringing that instilled in her a desire to help others overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Guided by honesty, kindness, and perseverance, she is passionate about making career opportunities more accessible to people from diverse backgrounds. Her advice to others is simple but meaningful: never give up, even when faced with obstacles.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Leslie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to growing up in a supportive family environment, much like the Cleaver family, where I learned the importance of kindness, compassion, and helping others. My upbringing taught me to recognize that not everyone has the same opportunities or support system, inspiring me to help people facing difficult circumstances and share what I have with those in need. These values continue to guide me in my career and motivate me to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never give up. Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of any career, but persistence, determination, and a positive attitude can help you overcome obstacles and continue moving forward. I believe it is important to keep learning, remain focused on your goals, and never lose faith in your ability to make a difference.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is students' resistance to resume feedback and understanding the importance of proper formatting, keywords, and avoiding AI-generated content. The rewarding opportunity is seeing students graduate, get promoted, and reach back out to share their successes.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and kindness are most important. Treat others as you would want to be treated, give people chances even when difficult, and always seek the truth rather than lies.
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