The Elizabethtown College School of Business welcomed Executive Director at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lancaster and Lebanon Counties Jessica Laspino to campus on Friday, Feb. 17 as the first speaker in the spring 2023 Mars Wrigley Lecture Series.
During her presentation, “Leading a Nonprofit Through it All,” Laspino detailed her career path and offered insight into CASA’s mission to provide a qualified and compassionate court-appointed volunteer advocate to every child who is abused and neglected to ensure the fundamental human right of having a safe, nurturing and permanent home is met.
Laspino provided practical advice to students interested in pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector.
Laspino Speaking with Students During Feb. 17 Mars Wrigley Lecture
“Find the organization whose mission really speaks to you,” Laspino said. “You can’t do this work if you’re not passionate about it.”
She also advises students to build connections with leaders in the field.
“I firmly believe that every success of my work with CASA is based on relationships, you have to get to know people,” Laspino said.
Over several years, CASA of Lancaster grew exponentially, eventually expanding to Lebanon County. To date, the organization has advocated for a total of 1,023 children and helped facilitate a safe, permanent home for 991 children.
Laspino also serves as a board member for the YWCA of Lancaster and the Department of Social Work Advisory Board at Millersville University.
About the Mars Wrigley Lecture Series
The Mars Wrigley Confectionery has partnered with Elizabethtown College to create an Executive Lecture Series, bringing senior executives from a variety of industries to talk about their experience. The next event of the Mars Wrigley Lecture Series will be held on Friday, March 24, and will feature alumna Rachel Wilson ’98 who serves as the CEO of CIC Health.
Learn more about the Mars Lecture Series and check out the full list of spring 2023 speakers.
