News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Strengthens Board of Directors with Three New Members

July 24, 2026

United Way welcomes Laudy Allan, Harrison Bailey III, Ed.D., and Angela Connell to its Board of Directors, bringing leadership experience from business, education and health care to help advance the organization's mission.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley today welcomed Laudy Allan of Crayola, Harrison Bailey III, Ed.D., of Wilson Area School District and Angela Connell of HNL Lab Medicine to its Board of Directors. Together, they bring years of leadership experience from business, education and health care that will help guide the organization’s work to improve lives across the Greater Lehigh Valley.

“As our community continues to grow and change, it’s important that our Board reflects the breadth of experience needed to help shape what’s next,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Laudy, Harrison and Angela bring thoughtful leadership and new perspectives that will help us strengthen partnerships, respond to emerging needs and create opportunities for more people to thrive.”

Laudy Allan serves as Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Crayola, where she oversees U.S. manufacturing, global logistics, transportation, customer service, engineering and facilities. She also serves as the business sponsor for the company’s global SAP ERP implementation. During her 19 years at Crayola, Allan has held a variety of leadership roles across Global Operations and Information Technology, leading complex business transformation initiatives, including enterprise-wide SAP ERP implementations. Prior to joining Crayola, she held leadership positions in information technology and project management at Nabisco/Kraft Foods and Sony. Allan earned a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Penn State University and is pursuing an MBA at Lehigh University. She holds Project Management Professional (PMP) and Agile Project Management certifications and is a Six Sigma Green Belt. She currently serves on the boards of the Thomas Makhoul Scholarship Fund and the Hanover Elementary School PTA and previously served on the boards of the Allentown School District Foundation and YWCA.

Harrison Bailey III, Ed.D. serves as Superintendent of Schools for Wilson Area School District. A lifelong educator with more than 30 years of experience, Bailey honorably served as a special education teacher and administrator in the Parkland and Bethlehem Area communities. He also served as principal of Liberty High School, where he led the school’s transformation into a trauma-informed campus and helped establish one of Pennsylvania’s few school-based wellness centers. In 2021, he was named Principal of the Year for Pennsylvania. He is also co-founder of the Multicultural Student Leadership Conference, founder of HopeDealersGlobal LLC and a frequent speaker on education, student wellness and leadership. In addition to his work in education, Bailey is a decorated two-sport professional athlete and an advocate for public education at the state and national levels. Bailey earned degrees from Lafayette College and Lehigh University before completing his doctorate in educational leadership at East Stroudsburg University.

Angela Connell serves as Chief Administrative Officer at HNL Lab Medicine, where she oversees the Human Resources, Organizational Development and Compliance departments. She partners with the executive leadership team to strengthen organizational culture, elevate leadership capability and support the organization’s continued growth. Before joining HNL Lab Medicine, Connell was the Founder and Principal Consultant of Advantage HR Solutions, where she spent more than a decade advising organizations across healthcare and manufacturing helping executives navigate change, optimize costs and strengthen their talent ecosystems. Earlier in her career, she held human resources leadership roles at The Express-Times and led strategic projects for organizations including Adept Group and Celestica. Connell holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Human Resource Management from Moravian University. She also serves on the boards of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley.

With total revenue exceeding $34 million, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley raises funds and invests in lasting solutions in the areas of education, healthy aging and community stability.

Allan, Bailey and Connell will serve three-year terms through June 2029.

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PPL Recognized as United Way Leading Corporate Partner for Long-Standing Commitment and Positive Impact Through Giving

July 23, 2026

In recognition of decades of partnership, PPL Corporation has been named a President’s Circle member in United Way Worldwide’s Leading Corporate Partner (LCP) program. President’s Circle members raise more than $5 million annually, recognizing the network’s most generous corporate partners. PPL earned the distinction following its record-breaking annual campaign, in which PPL employees and retirees, together with the PPL Foundation, pledged $10 million to United Ways and their partners serving communities across PPL’s service areas in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley, the local United Way serving PPL’s headquarters community, nominated PPL for the LCP program.

“Welcoming PPL into United Way Worldwide’s Leading Corporate Partner program is a milestone and a reflection of the extraordinary partnership we have built,” said Caitlin Wagner, Senior Director, Global Corporate Partnership and Development, United Way Worldwide. “The recognition reflects decades of collaboration, shared purpose, and meaningful investment in creating stronger, more resilient communities—both in Greater Lehigh Valley where PPL is based—and across the country.”

“PPL exemplifies community leadership in every way. When our communities are in crisis or our residents need support, we know that we can count on the team at PPL. We are so grateful for their years of partnership and trust, and we will continue to create real impact in the communities we serve together,” added Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Commitment to Giving
For decades, United Way has been PPL’s only annual solicitation for funds from its employees and retirees, and in 2025 alone, engaged more than 2,300 donors. The PPL Foundation matches PPL employees and retirees’ donations dollar for dollar. Since 2009, PPL has raised more than $66 million to support the United Way’s mission to improve lives and strengthen communities.

“At the PPL Foundation, we believe strong communities are built through collaboration and shared investment,” said Lissette Santana, President of the PPL Foundation. “Our partnership with United Way helps connect our employees’ generosity with trusted local organizations that are working every day to address critical needs and improve quality of life across the regions we serve.”

Exceptional Partnership

PPL’s exceptional partnership extends beyond financial contributions. Each year, more than 1,000 employees volunteer during United Way’s Day of Caring. In its headquarters community in Pennsylvania, PPL serves as the leading United Way Community Schools partner at Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School in the Allentown School District, helping bring together educators, community organizations and volunteers to connect students and families with resources that support learning and well-being. Through their ongoing involvement, PPL employees participate in activities such as mentoring, classroom support and other efforts that strengthen the school community. Additionally, PPL’s Housing Hero and Powered by PPL initiatives with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley provide ongoing funding and support that connected approximately 180,000 local residents with shelter, food and crisis support services in 2025.

News

Celebrating Service: AmeriCorps Members Honored for Their Impact

July 22, 2026

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley hosted an AmeriCorps Summer/End of Year Celebration to honor their immense impact on our community. The AmeriCorps members prepared and presented videos showcasing their work over the past year. In their videos, they shared why they became an AmeriCorps member, their commitment to giving back to their community, their dedication to furthering the missions of nonprofits they’re passionate about, building relationships, having authentic experiences and providing real and lasting solutions that make a difference.

view their video showcase

Your United Way is proud to have 24 AmeriCorps members serve at 15 sites working closely with staff in the United Way office, school districts and nonprofits throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.

News

Community Raises Over $50,000 to Support Allentown Fire Recovery Efforts

July 09, 2026

In just three weeks, the Greater Lehigh Valley came together to raise more than $50,000 to date for the 14 families displaced by the June 24 fire in Allentown. One hundred percent of funds raised through the Allentown Fire Fund have gone directly to impacted families, providing financial assistance and temporary housing support as they work toward recovery. Led by United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the City of Allentown, in coordination with American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter, the fund has provided immediate assistance and continues to help families rebuild.

“This response showed the very best of our community,” said Erin Connelly, Vice President, Community Solutions of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Families facing unimaginable loss were met with compassion, generosity and a network of partners ready to help. Because so many people chose to act, these families received support when they needed it most and will continue to have resources available as they move forward and rebuild.”

Since the fund was established, United Way and partners have remained in close contact with every affected family, providing support for immediate needs including temporary hotel stays, food and other essential resources. Additional assistance has been distributed to help families secure stability as they continue rebuilding their lives.

This community response was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of many partners, including American Bank, Jaindl Enterprises, Capital Blue Cross, The Waterfront, Catholic Charities, Casa Guadalupe Center, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, Fine Feather Foundation Inc., Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, West End Pub Bar & Grill, Champion Center, Resurrected Community Development Corporation, Guber Labs, Kellyn Foundation, Cay Galgon Life House and the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, along with many individual donors who stepped forward to help.

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Partner Spotlight: Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts

July 08, 2026

United Way’s nonprofit partners stand UNITED, working to address our community’s greatest challenges and improve opportunities for community youth. Together, we are helping young people build confidence, strengthen social-emotional wellness and develop healthy outlets that support long-term mental health and well-being.

That’s why partnerships with organizations like Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts (Charter Arts) are so important. By creating spaces where young people can pursue their passions, these programs help students build confidence, discover their voice and develop the discipline and creativity that prepare them for success in school and beyond.

Charter Arts’ mission is to provide students with a distinctive academic environment that blends rigorous learning with artistic development, cultivating a foundation of passion, discipline and excellence that empowers every student to believe in what they can achieve.

Founded in 2003 and now located in the heart of South Bethlehem’s arts district, Charter Arts serves students across a twelve-county region who study Dance, Instrumental Music, Literary Arts, Production Arts, Theatre, Visual Arts and Vocal Music — offering young people from across the Lehigh Valley a place where being an artist is celebrated.

You can learn more about Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts by visiting https://www.charterarts.org/.

News

IronPigs, B.Braun, United Way Announce Donation Drive for Victims of Venezuela Earthquake

July 06, 2026

In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, B.Braun and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley are teaming up for a Donation Drive on July 8^th through the 12^th at Coca-Cola Park to send supplies to those affected.

“Our hearts are with the families and communities in Venezuela facing unimaginable loss,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “United Way’s strength has always been bringing people together when needs arise. Through this partnership with the IronPigs and B. Braun, we can connect local generosity with global relief efforts and give our community a meaningful way to support those affected.”

“We extend our whole hearts to everyone affected by the Venezuela Earthquakes,” said IronPigs President & General Manager. “Our greatest thanks to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and B. Braun for jumping into action alongside us so we may be able to provide crucial supplies in a dire moment. The generosity of the Lehigh Valley knows no bounds and we have our great partners and community to thank for that.”

The IronPigs will be hosting the donation drive at Coca-Cola Park and the following items will be accepted:

Canned goods
Diapers
First Aid Kids
Peronsonal Hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant)

Initial estimates indicate over 1,400 lives have been lost, and more than 300,000 people have been impacted by these deadly earthquakes including tens of thousands of individuals that are still missing.

Donations can be dropped off at the IronPigs Clubhouse Store, presented by Guber, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8^th. Donations will be collected during normal store hours in addition to at all entrances at each home game from July 8^th thru the 12^th. Collected donations will then be sent to those affected in Venezuela in collaboration with United Way Worldwide.

News

United Way and Community Partners Launch Relief Fund to Support Victims of the Six-Alarm Fire in Allentown

June 25, 2026

Following the six-alarm fire at the former American Atelier furniture factory on N. Front St. in Allentown on June 24, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and local partners have launched an emergency relief fund to support households impacted by the fire and help address immediate recovery needs.

The fire began around 8:40 p.m. and was brought under control the following morning at approximately 7:30 a.m. Seven households were affected. One firefighter was injured and there were no reported fatalities.

The American Red Cross Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter provided relief to the impacted residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire, including shelter, food, and emergency supplies. Now, United Way will work with the City of Allentown and Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown to provide long-term assistance, with 100% of funds going to aid those affected by this disaster.

“In moments like this, families can lose stability and certainty in an instant,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “We come together at the speed of need when neighbors face unexpected hardship, and our community has shown that time and again. This fund will provide immediate support to affected households and help ensure people have access to the resources they need as they begin to recover.”

Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate (select “Fire Fund”) or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Allentown Fire Fund”). Gift card donations are also encouraged.

Donate NOW

For additional information or questions on the fund, contact Erin Connelly at 610-807- 5723.

News

A Record-Breaking Day of Connection, Growth and Community at the 2026 Lehigh Valley Women’s Summit

June 22, 2026

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The 2026 Lehigh Valley Women’s Summit welcomed 850 attendees at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, making it the largest Summit in the event’s history and creating a day filled with connection, inspiration and shared purpose. Attendees gathered to exchange ideas, reconnect with colleagues, expand their networks and create space to focus on their career advancement, personal growth and leadership development.

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley co-hosted the Summit alongside the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and Cedar Crest College, bringing together women from across the region for a full day of inspiration, connection, and community.

Helping set the tone for the day was emcee Hannah Votta Coleman, Founder and Executive Director of Joyful Giving, an active United Way volunteer and current member of United Way’s Tocqueville Cabinet and Women United. Through her warmth, energy and joyful spirit, Hannah created an atmosphere that encouraged attendees to connect, engage and fully embrace the experience.

The morning keynote was delivered by Stef Ziev, an executive career coach, life coach and Easton, PA native, whose message encouraged attendees to embrace change, move through challenges with intention and create more joy and purpose in both life and leadership.

In the afternoon, journalist, entrepreneur and bestselling author Mariana Atencio closed the Summit with a message centered on authenticity and the power of embracing what makes each person unique. Her reflections on navigating change and showing up fully resonated with attendees throughout the room.

Women United, United Way’s giving society for women passionate about creating positive change for women and children in our community, sponsored the event and hosted a table in the Summit Marketplace, which was a great opportunity to connect with attendees, share what Women United is all about and engage with community members who share a commitment to making the Lehigh Valley stronger.

Women United also held a raffle featuring a truly one-of-a-kind prize: a copy of PURSEonality: How I Created The Largest Handbag Collection in the World and Why along with a unique purse from the author’s personal collection. Both were generously donated by Women United member Ilene Hochberg Wood.

Many attendees shared that the conversations and messages throughout the day felt timely and meaningful, offering encouragement, perspective and renewed energy to carry forward.

The record-setting attendance reflects something bigger than a number. It reflects a community of women continuing to show up for themselves, for one another and for the future of the Lehigh Valley.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Recognizes Outgoing Board Members for Their Many Years of Service and Leadership

June 17, 2026

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley extends our gratitude to Veronica Gonzalez, MBA and Peter Ruggiero for their time, service and deep commitment as members of our Board of Directors. Their dedication to building a stronger community has helped advance our mission, deepen our impact and create more opportunities for people to thrive across the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Veronica Gonzalez, MBA, is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Valley Health Partners Community Health Center (VHP). VHP is dedicated to advancing the health and wellness of the Lehigh Valley’s most vulnerable community members. The organization consists of well-established community-based practices and programs that were previously under the umbrella of Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). Gonzalez has over 17 years of healthcare administration experience with expertise in process improvement, leadership, fiscal responsibility and community-based program management.

Gonzalez’s career progression reflects her passion for serving vulnerable patients. She began her career at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) in 2005, working first as a secretary and later as a trained medical interpreter. Always an advocate for the underserved, she advanced through multiple leadership positions overseeing Interpreter Services, the Centro de Salud Latino Health Initiative, Lehigh Neurology, the Center for Women’s Medicine and served as the Administrator of the Community Practices that transitioned to VHP at the LVHN 17th St campus. In her current role as Chief Executive Officer, Veronica collaborates with the Board of Directors to establish long-term strategic goals for delivering high-quality healthcare to underserved populations.

Peter Ruggiero is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Crayola, a Hallmark company based in Easton, Pa. He is responsible for all aspects of Crayola’s global business, providing strategic direction and vision for the company and brand. He is passionate about fulfilling the Crayola brand mission to help parents and educators raise creatively alive children. Crayola LLC is the leading consumer products brand in the children’s creative expression category.

Ruggiero began his career with the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche before transitioning to a key role on the corporate staff of Union Pacific Corporation. In 1997, Ruggiero joined Crayola and evolved through key leadership positions including Director, Corporate Sourcing; Managing Director, Europe; and Vice President, Global Finance; and, most recently, Chief Operating Officer. Under his leadership, Crayola’s global supply chain has been transformed and enables Crayola’s strategy through the addition of critical capabilities, the automation of U.S. manufacturing, the integration of structured problem solving (LEAN and Six Sigma), the development of Crayola’s regional supply and logistics networks, and the execution of numerous sustainability initiatives including a 3.0 megawatt solar farm at Crayola’s corporate headquarters in Easton, Pa.

News

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Helps Bring Northeast Region Together at Historic Conference

June 17, 2026

United Way Northeast Regional Conference

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and United Way Worldwide were proud to host the first 2026 Northeast Regional Conference, which brought together 461 attendees from 88 United Ways across 13 states, stretching from Maine to Ohio, introducing them to everything that Pennsylvania has to offer with the Mummers and the various Lehigh Valley Mascots making morning appearances. It was a powerful reminder that when communities come together sharing ideas, challenges and solutions, the impact is far greater than any one organization could achieve alone.

Collaboration at the Core

A consistent message rang out across sessions: today’s most pressing challenges cannot be solved by any single organization. Lasting change depends on strong partnerships among nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, schools and community members working in concert.

Using Data to Drive Change

Participants explored how tools like 211 and ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) help communities identify emerging needs, understand service gaps and direct resources where they can have the greatest impact. When we listen to both data and community voice, we make smarter, more equitable decisions.

Innovation and Strong Leadership

Attendees also explored fresh approaches to philanthropy, volunteer engagement, workforce development and community investment ensuring United Ways across the region remain responsive as needs evolve. Conference sessions on board governance, organizational culture and crisis response reinforced that strong communities start with strong leadership at every level.

Thank you to our speakers Dr. Anita Chandra, Distinguished Chair in American Social Policy from RAND, Turtle Clan Mother Whatwehni:neh, Frieda Jacques of the Onondaga Nation, Dr. Robert Simmons, the VP of US Social Impact and Community Engagement and National Grid, Rosie Allen-Herring, Interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide and Michael Allison, veteran and CEO/Founder of the Adversity Leadership Institute.

To our co-chairs Marci Lesko, President and CEO of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Peter Gannon, CEO of United Way Greater Capital Region.

And to our sponsors: United Way Worldwide, Sunny, PPL Corp., Beyond The Horizon Technologies, Andar, UPIC Solutions and StratusLIVE, UPIC Solutions, Capital CFO+, Elizabethtown College, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Prezzee, Seabrooks, Staples, The Outreach Program, United Way of Greater New York State, United Way of the Greater Capital Region, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Visionlink, Your Part Time Controller, UniFi, United Way of Pennsylvania, Just Born Quality Confections, United Way of Long Island, GivePulse, Milton Hershey School, HDI Wholesale, Crayola, Tech Lounge, Turnstone Creative, Dan Barnes and the Barnes Family Foundation, and Adversity Academy for helping making this event possible.