Laurie Grove, Director of Career Services at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, has been recognized as one of 50 influential women in Pennsylvania to receive the prestigious “Above & Beyond” award from City & State Pennsylvania. The honor celebrates women who demonstrate exemplary leadership in their respective fields while making significant contributions to society. 

Over her 20-year tenure at the College, Grove has built a career services program that stands as a testament to the College’s commitment to real-world results and student success. Under her leadership, 98 percent of Thaddeus Stevens College graduates are employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduation, with 91 percent working directly in their field of study. 

“I realized those career services departments that made an impact ran their operations like a well-run sales force,” says Grove, who brought years of experience as a national sales trainer for Marriott to her role at the College. “That was language I knew.” 

Grove’s approach integrates career preparation directly into the educational experience. From initial outreach to incoming students to regular check-ins each semester, she encourages students to consider, “How do I take what I’m learning and relate it to my job when I leave?” 

This practical, outcomes-focused approach aligns perfectly with the College’s mission of serving as an architect of opportunity while delivering hands-on technical education that leads to family-sustaining wages. 

In a touching testament to the College’s impact, both of Grove’s daughters graduated from Thaddeus Stevens College, entering male-dominated technical fields. Her message to them, and to all young women pursuing technical careers, emphasizes the distinct strengths women bring to the workplace: “Be strong, stay kind – and know you’re going to raise a team of future leaders.” 

Grove’s recognition comes as part of a cohort of honorees who, according to City & State Pennsylvania, “exemplify ambition, creativity and impact across sectors – and who take their own roles as mentors and models just as seriously.” Many of this year’s honorees, including Grove, cited strong female role models – particularly mothers – who demonstrated hard work, resilience, and leadership.