Alumna Champions Redevelopment and Environmental Change in Rural Warren County

June 24, 2025

Christina Bingman (Class of 2011) is dedicated to building a brighter future for her family of five and her entire rural community. As a volunteer with Warren Worx, she strives to prevent population decline and support redevelopment throughout Warren County in northwestern Pennsylvania. She advocates for improved transportation and for more accessible cellular and internet services. She collaborates with local businesses and organizations because “bringing people together is the first step to getting things done.”

Living “in one of the super rural areas,” Christina has witnessed firsthand the challenges of population decline and school closures. Motivated by these issues, she is determined to help her community not just survive, but thrive.

Earlier this year, after the Warren County School District voted to close two of its high schools, Christina wrote a heartfelt letter to the local newspaper. She encouraged parents to consider all education options for their children. Because of the school district's decision, “there is a lot of despair and fear in the hearts of children,” she said. “I was once a child like that.”

Growing up, Christina changed schools often and experienced social anxiety. Her life took a positive turn when she enrolled at PA Cyber, which she credits with “completely changing” her. “The support they gave me really made a difference,” she said. She was relieved to graduate on time.

“PA Cyber set me up with a good foundation of believing in myself,” she said.

Christina already holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice and is on track to complete her bachelor’s in environmental science this fall, thanks to scholarships from the Warren County Conservation District, the Zonta Club of Warren, and the Community Foundation of Warren County. She currently works as a substitute teacher at a private school. Looking ahead, Christina hopes to become an environmental technician in the oil and gas industry so she can protect the health and safety of folks in her county.

Through her advocacy, education, and community involvement, Christina Bingman exemplifies the power of one person to inspire positive change in rural Pennsylvania. She has a message for PA Cyber students who see similar struggles in their rural communities: “Helping hands are often few and far between, but positive change begins with consistent involvement. We have the opportunity to shift the trajectory of our rural communities. Utilize your ambition, adaptability, and independence. Never underestimate the power of your presence.”