United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley extends our gratitude to Trisha Higgins, CPA and Donald Outing, Ph.D. for their time, service and deep commitment as members of our Board of Directors. Their leadership and dedication have helped guide our mission and strengthen our work across the region.
Trisha Higgins, CPA Trisha Higgins serves as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, where she oversees all financial and operational administration. A Certified Public Accountant and long-time nonprofit finance professional, she previously worked in public accounting with a focus on auditing nonprofit organizations.
Throughout her tenure on the Board, Higgins chaired the Audit Committee and served on the Executive Committee, lending her financial expertise and steady leadership. She has also been deeply involved in her community through prior roles with the Estate Planning Council of the Lehigh Valley, United Way of Carbon County’s Allocation Committee and youth organizations in Lehighton, where she lives.
Donald A. Outing, Ph.D. Dr. Donald Outing is the Vice President for Equity and Community at Lehigh University, where he leads the institution’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. He brings extensive experience in DEI strategy from his previous leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Department of Mathematical Sciences, where he directed national STEM outreach efforts.
As Chair of the Board’s DEI Committee and a member of the Executive Committee, Dr. Outing provided thoughtful, value-driven leadership. A veteran and longtime federal servant, he is widely recognized as a national leader in higher education and equity work.
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we know what’s possible when community partnerships center youth voice and potential. That belief was brought to life on the walls of the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown’s Teen Center, where a new youth-led mural now stretches across the space.
“This mural is more than a piece of art, it’s a reflection of what’s possible when we center youth voice and work together as partners to build strong, connected communities,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
The mural was created through a collaboration between the Club’s teen members and muralist Kyle L. Edwards, a proud Allentown native and former Club kid himself. With support from United Way and other partners, including JOSHWAY, which sponsored one teen’s continued pursuit of the arts, this project helped transform not only the physical space but also how the teens see themselves within it.
“What I love most isn’t just the painting—it’s the fellowship. The way it brings people together,” said Kyle. “Each mural is unique to the students. This space is more important now than ever, because kids today are facing a lot more than I did growing up. It’s so important for them to have a space where they can come and be themselves.”
That sense of ownership and connection was exactly what teen members like Isaiah experienced throughout the project.
“I know when I come here, I’m safe, and I can always have someone to talk to or just have fun,” Isaiah shared. “When we talked about what we wanted on the mural, it brought us all together.”
Kathryn Best, Development Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown, said the mural was born from listening to what young people wanted. “We’ve been asking our members what they’re passionate about, and one answer we kept hearing was the arts,” she said. “This isn’t just about giving them a place to go, it’s about giving them a place that feels like it belongs to them. A space they help shape.”
“This mural reflects their voices and their creativity,” said Katarah Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown. “And we’re only getting started.”
On May 14, about 150 youth leaders, educators, advocates and community partners gathered at Cedar Crest College for this year’s Resilient Lehigh Valley Conference: Lehigh Valley Speak Up! – Empowerment, Voice and Choice in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and sponsored by Lehigh County, Crayola and Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health. Themed “Building Community Resilience Through Community Connections,” the conference highlighted a truth at the heart of Resilient Lehigh Valley’s mission: When we come together, we don’t just survive—we thrive.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in powerful conversations around trauma, resilience and mental health, reminding us that everyone holds the power to foster connection and care in their schools, workplaces and communities.
“This gathering is proof that our strength lies in our ability to connect, to support one another and to heal together,” said Ashi Singh, Director of Community Resilience at United Way and lead staff for the Resilient Lehigh Valley initiative. “Resilience isn’t something we build alone. It’s something we grow, nurture and sustain in community.”
From breakout sessions on restorative practices and digital wellness to interactive workshops on gratitude, youth voice and emotional regulation, the conference created space for both learning and healing. Participants explored tools for reducing toxic stress, practiced mindfulness together and left with a shared understanding that resilience doesn’t mean avoiding hardship. It means having the relationships and resources to rise through it. Everyone has been impacted by trauma in some way—whether experienced firsthand or through the struggles of someone they care about—and this conference made space for those shared realities to be acknowledged, honored and met with support.
Among the many young voices present at the conference, 17-year-old Jean, junior at Louis E. Dieruff High School in the Allentown School District, stood out for his willingness to open up. Speaking during a session on digital wellness, he reflected on how the environment created by Resilient Lehigh Valley helped him feel safe enough to share.
“There are a lot of things I want to say, but I don’t ever get to say them,” Jean shared. “But here, I felt comfortable speaking because I knew everyone in the room had a shared understanding of mental health.”
Jean described how public speaking usually triggers intense anxiety, but the sense of safety and understanding in this space gave him the courage to speak up. He also shared that attending the conference gave him something even more lasting: a glimpse of the person he hopes to become.
“One thing I’m taking away is the opportunity to be someone I’ve always imagined myself being in five, ten, maybe 25 years,” he said. “It’s hard to be your authentic self, especially with anxiety and trauma. But I think just being here gave me hope that I’ll find a way.”
That sense of possibility was woven throughout the day. Even in the face of challenges, we have the power to come together and create something stronger.
The day also spotlighted emerging strategies for strengthening community wellness. In one session, participants experienced Integrated Community Therapy (ICT), an evidence-based method of group dialogue designed to foster peer connection and community problem-solving. As one participant shared, “Sometimes it’s just nice to know you’re not the only one going through something.”
In a world that often moves too fast and connects too little, the 2025 Resilient Lehigh Valley Conference offered more than just a moment to pause. It created a meaningful space where community members of all ages could learn, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible when we prioritize mental health and collective care.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley had the honor of welcoming Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide, for a powerful day of connection, conversation and inspiration.
During her visit, Angela—named a 2025 USA Today Woman of the Year—met with local donors, volunteers, business leaders and staff to share a clear message: United Way is built for this moment. Throughout her visit, Angela outlined the strategic direction guiding United Way’s work around the world—scaling impact, building sustainable revenue and investing in future leadership.
“It’s what happens in local communities that brings United Way to life,” she shared. “Every time we show up, it’s for such a time as this.”
The morning began with a Visionary Breakfast, hosted by board member, Laurie Hackett and Air Products Community Relations, where she joined board members, nonprofit partners and community leaders for a conversation on the future of philanthropy. At our United Way office, staff shared highlights—including a presentation on our United Way Community Schools—and engaged in a Q&A. Angela’s visit concluded with a Leadership Lunch, hosted by Lehigh Valley Partnership and United Way Worldwide board member David Shaffer at Saucon Valley Country Club, where business leaders in attendance heard her perspective on collaboration and community impact.
She recognized United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley as one of the highest-performing United Ways in the network, highlighting its $26 million in recent investments, support of more than 150 partners and service to over 200,000 people.
“You are showing what’s possible,” she said.
Angela’s visit was a powerful reminder that the future of United Way is already being built—right here in the Lehigh Valley—through strong leadership, deep partnerships and a shared commitment to community.
At United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, our mission is to strengthen the bonds between schools, families and communities, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Recognizing a growing call from educators and community partners, United Way and the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE) launched a three-part Family Engagement Series to equip schools with proven strategies for building lasting family-school partnerships.
Family engagement is a core pillar of United Way Community Schools, where schools serve as neighborhood hubs offering wraparound support to students and families. Throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley, United Way supports 34 Community Schools, each fostering meaningful relationships with parents and caregivers to ensure students have what they need to thrive. The Family Engagement Series reinforced these efforts by equipping educators and partners with tools to deepen their impact and remove barriers that may prevent families from being involved in their child’s education.
The series began by exploring how equitable family engagement drives student success. Participants learned that authentic relationships are essential for improving academic outcomes, boosting graduation rates and supporting students’ social-emotional growth. Introducing the Dual Capacity-Building Framework, the first session challenged participants to recognize and remove systemic barriers that often prevent families from engaging fully.
The second session, held in-person at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, focused on how to integrate family engagement strategies into the Community School work. In partnership with Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium (MAEC), this training’s goal was to educate participants on how to increase family engagement with the schools through the Pennsylvania’s Department of Education Family Engagement Framework. The framework session covered six key standards, including how to connect families to resources to connect goals, interests and needs. Additionally, it emphasized how to build partnerships with families that are strength-based, authentic, reciprocal and respectful.
“Engagement is not just events,” shared Jessica Webster, MAEC’s Senior Family Engagement Specialist, “it is a series of events. We want to focus on high impact family engagement.”
The final, virtual session helped participants develop action plans to sustain their efforts. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, attendees reflected on how to measure the effectiveness of family engagement strategies, adapt to changing needs and celebrate success. Critical reflection questions challenged schools to ensure their efforts are culturally responsive, relationship-driven and linked to measurable student outcomes.
Across all three sessions, the message was clear: authentic family engagement isn’t extra—it’s essential to student success. Families, educators, community partners, and donors each play a vital role in building inclusive, supportive school communities where every child can thrive.
We thank our Community Schools for attending and our sponsors Crayola and Capital Blue Cross for helping make these trainings happen.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Women United recently gathered for an engaging afternoon of fun, networking and learning at the Allentown Municipal Golf Course in partnership with She Said Golf and the City of Allentown and sponsored by Capital Blue Cross.
Women United is a dynamic group of more than 160 women philanthropists who are passionate about creating meaningful change in our community. Through leadership, giving and service, they support programs that strengthen families and build brighter futures for women and children across the Lehigh Valley.
During the event, members and guests learned more about Women United’s 10 signature projects, including impactful initiatives like The Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley, which helps adults improve reading and workforce readiness skills, and Community Bike Works, which mentors local youth through hands-on bicycle mechanics and also practice life skills including communication, teamwork and perseverance.
Capital Blue Cross, a long-time supporter of United Way and sponsor of the event, emphasized its shared mission to improve community health and well-being through strategic partnerships like Women United and the United Way Community Schools network.
The event was hosted in partnership with She Said Golf—an organization dedicated to empowering women to step onto the golf course with confidence. Founded in 2023 by sisters Julie and Jamie, She Said Golf creates inclusive, approachable spaces for women to learn, connect and grow through the game of golf. From range meetups and clinics to charity events and scrambles, their mission is rooted in community and fun.
Julie shared helpful etiquette tips and course prep advice before attendees headed out to enjoy the course, connect with one another and take advantage of hands-on instruction, if needed. The gathering also included an opportunity to give back. Attendees donated thousands of feminine hygiene products from pads and tampons to sanitary wipes and soap in support of the Allentown Menstrual Equity Program, helping to increase access to essential supplies for local residents. The City of Allentown will be distributing the products at 8 sites in Allentown.
Last month, Ana Rodriguez, a production line worker at Just Born Quality Confections, was named the Grand Prize winner in United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s 2024 Campaign incentive drawing. As the Grand Prize winner, Ana had the choice between a leased 2025 Hyundai Elantra or a $10,000 cash prize, courtesy of Brown-Daub Dealerships—and she chose the cash prize.
Ana Rodriguez of Just Born Confections
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Ana is the 11th of 16 children. As a single mother raising two sons, she relied on her local Boys & Girls Club for after-school care and homework support. Thanks to her perseverance and the support she received, both of her sons went on to graduate from Kutztown University in 2011 and 2016. Today, Ana is passionate about education and empowering mothers and families. Through Just Born’s workplace campaign, she proudly supports United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley to help organizations like the Boys & Girls Club continue to offer critical support to families in need. Ana plans to save her prize for something special and is considering a family trip back to the Dominican Republic to share her roots with her children and grandchildren.
As a long-time member of United Way’s Cornerstone Society—25 generous and deeply committed partners contributing $100,000 or more annually—Brown-Daub Dealerships remains one of United Way’s most dedicated supporters, helping to strengthen the community year-round. For nearly 15 years, Brown-Daub has provided a significant incentive prize of $10,000 cash or a new vehicle for donors who contributed to the campaign at a certain level, which encouraged individuals to give more.
“Partners like Brown-Daub are essential to our community’s success, and we’re grateful for their ongoing commitment to philanthropy,” said Paul Hurd, Chief Philanthropy Officer at United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “For nearly two decades, Brown-Daub and their employees have helped fuel meaningful change across our region, and we deeply appreciate their continued generosity.”
“Brown-Daub and my family have been partnered with United Way forever,” shared Tom Daub, President, Brown-Daub Dealerships. “We’re deeply committed to education and healthy aging, two of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s key initiatives, making our partnership a perfect fit.”
Individuals who contributed at least $365 to United Way’s 2024 Campaign were entered to win one of four incentive prizes:
Grand Prize: $10,000 or a leased 2025 Hyundai Elantra provided by Brown-Daub Dealerships, presented to Ana Rodriguez
First Prize: $2,500 in Wegmans gift cards, presented to Saramma Hoffman of PPL Corp.
Second Prize: Lehigh Valley IronPigs Dugout Suite courtesy of BSI Corporate Benefits, presented to Walter (Wally) Nelson of Air Products
Third Prize: Martin Guitar valued at $1,799, presented to Kelly Blanar of Air Products
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley extends its heartfelt thanks to Brown-Daub Dealerships, Wegmans Food Markets, BSI Corporate Benefits and Martin Guitar for supporting the spirit of giving and driving lasting impact in our community.
$2,500 in Wegmans gift cards, presented to Saramma Hoffman of PPL Corp.
Martin Guitar valued at $1,799, presented to Kelly Blanar of Air Products
Our nonprofit partners are UNITED in creating lasting solutions to our community’s greatest challenges. New United Way partner, JOSHWAY, empowers youth in the Lehigh Valley to thrive in today’s digital world.
Founded in 2023 by David Robertson in memory of his brother Joshua, their innovative programs combine Korn Ferry-inspired leadership development with creative exploration, addressing mental health challenges and social pressures through tools like digital storytelling and financial literacy workshops. Known for dynamic workshops in partnership with Apple that blend liberal arts and technology, JOSHWAY is transforming nonprofit collaboration by connecting youth-focused organizations with leading experts to maximize impact.
JOSHWAY’s mission closely aligns with United Way’s priorities in youth development, mental health and community stability, and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to partner with them as they continue this important work. Learn more at joshway.org
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley supporters raised $26,231,833, marking 15 consecutive years of growth and significant investment in the region’s most pressing needs. Led by Campaign Chair Chris Martin and Martin Guitar, the campaign’s success reflects the unwavering generosity and dedication of local donors, volunteers and corporate partners.
“I’ve been involved in supporting United Way since I was a kid, so serving as this year’s Campaign Chair was a full-circle moment,” shared Chris Martin, Executive Chairman of C. F. Martin & Co. “I am incredibly proud to see how this community rallied together to make real change. It’s been an honor to witness the generosity and compassion that defines the Greater Lehigh Valley.”
United Way announced the results today during Celebration of Caring, presented by Crayola. The event celebrates the collaborative spirit and lasting impact achieved through the dedication of organizations, donors, volunteers and partners who helped improve the lives of more than 200,000 people across the Greater Lehigh Valley this year.
“This year, our network of deeply invested donors and partners connected over 41,000 students and families with the tools to succeed in school and life, supported almost 9,500 older adults and caregivers through programs that promote health and social connection and ensured nearly 110,000 people had access to food, housing, mental health care and emergency services,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “We’re especially grateful to Chris Martin for his inspiring leadership as Campaign Chair and for bringing together the people and partnerships needed to make this year such a success.”
Altogether, a strong network of partners and donors increased their contributions to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2024 to March 2025. PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation contributed more than $7,000,000 this year—a first for our United Way and their third consecutive year raising over $6,000,000. Air Products raised more than $6,000,000, marking their fourth straight year raising more than $5,000,000. CAI, City Center Group and Crayola each raised more than $1,000,000.
“United Way’s mission is only possible because of the dedication of our partners, donors and volunteers who show up year after year to lift up their neighbors and strengthen the community,” stated United Way Board Chair Joe Savage, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at Victaulic. “Together, we are providing hope, stability and opportunity to everyone who calls the Greater Lehigh Valley home.”
During the event, guests were treated to a special musical showcase featuring Martin Guitar artists, adding a unique and memorable touch to the evening filled with gratitude and community. The celebration also included the presentation of five awards recognizing the outstanding commitment of dedicated organizations and community leaders to United Way’s mission:
PPL LIVE UNITED Award – Dual Temp Company Inc. Campaign Chair’s Award – Vince and Michelle Sorgi Community Builder Award– Slate Belt Angels Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award – Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Lifetime Achievement Award – Lee and Dolly Butz
Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include:
Presenting sponsor – Crayola Platinum sponsor – Dual Temp Company Inc. Gold sponsor –PPL Corp. Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross; Just Born Quality Confections Pearl sponsors – Alvin H. Butz, Inc., Fulton Bank; Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health; Quadrant Capital Friends of United Way – Equinox Benefits Consulting; Moravian University In-kind contributors – ArtsQuest Center; ASR Media; Rich Mar Florist; Social T. Marketing & PR; Working Dog Press
For more information about United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its impact in the community, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org.
Our nonprofit partners are UNITED in creating lasting solutions to our community’s greatest challenges. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley congratulatesVictory House of Lehigh Valleyfor its 40th year Anniversary.
Victory House remains at the forefront of offering shelter and assistance to transitional males in the Lehigh Valley. Their comprehensive services encompass emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, healthcare and supportive services, guiding and empowering residents in their journey toward independent living.
Moreover, Victory House serves as an internship site for several esteemed colleges and universities, including Cedar Crest College, Desales University, Penn State University and others. Notably, they are the exclusive Department of Veterans Affairs contracted Service Intensive Transitional Housing program in the Lehigh Valley, underscoring their commitment to supporting those in need.
For over three decades, since 1985, Victory House has been dedicated to helping our homeless neighbors succeed. United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is proud to recognize and thank Victory House for their decades of partnership, compassion and commitment to improving lives in our community. Here’s to continuing this impactful work—together.
