“We aspire to affect positive change in our local community, and United Way’s work resonates deeply with our family’s priorities.”
United Way Tocqueville Society recognizes exemplary business and philanthropic leaders, such as Jesse and Vinessa Pearson, whose substantial contributions and strategic leadership enable impactful solutions within the Greater Lehigh Valley. Joining a select group of over 400 dedicated families, the Pearsons demonstrate a profound commitment to philanthropy, grounded in a strong belief in community and confidence in United Way’s effectiveness.
“Our initial engagement with United Way was through corporate giving programs,” stated Vinessa. “Both Jesse and I have confidence in United Way’s management of donations. We aspire to affect positive change in our local community, and United Way’s emphasis on the welfare of women and children, educational advancement and addressing food insecurity resonates deeply with our family’s priorities.”
Vinessa holds the position of Head of Strategy & Operations at Gilead Sciences and is an active member of United Way Women United. Jesse serves as Director of LTS Finance & Administration at Lehigh University. Residing in Easton, they share a blended family comprising five adult children: Jasmine, Jaylen, Michelle, Mia and Michael.
Beyond their support for United Way, both Jesse and Vinessa are actively involved in the nonprofit sector. Vinessa contributes to the Board of Directors for ProJeCt of Easton, Inc., and serves on the Lehigh Valley Board of Governors for Valley Youth House, both of which are United Way-funded partners.
We are privileged to welcome Jesse and Vinessa as members of the Tocqueville Society and express our sincere gratitude for their dedication to fostering significant and enduring positive change within our community.