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 Celebration 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 Day 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.

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., board member of UNC of Northeast PA and Board of Directors of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. And Most recently accepted in Leadership Lackawanna 2007-2008 Class.