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