Women United Honors Darlene Pors and the Next Generation of Innovators
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Women United celebrated leadership, learning and legacy during its 2025 Annual Celebration, held October 16 at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. The event brought together about 125 members and guests to honor this year’s Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year, recognize community impact and experience firsthand how local students are thriving through science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math.
The evening began with hands-on demonstrations from students in the Central Elementary STREAM Academy, a United Way Community School. Young scientists eagerly shared their projects, which included car-shaped robots that promote problem solving through computational thinking, experiments exploring how traits are passed through DNA, sight and sound tests, animal food chain explanations, dioramas of different terrains and more.
Their excitement filled every room. When asked what they loved most about learning at Da Vinci, students struggled to choose just one thing. Many responded with wide smiles and the same heartfelt answer: they love everything about being there.
Following the demonstrations, attendees gathered to honor this year’s Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year, Darlene R. Pors, Project Sales Account Manager at H.T. Lyons, Inc. A longtime member and former president of Women United, Pors has spent more than a decade advancing opportunities for women, children and families throughout the Lehigh Valley.
“There is nothing more meaningful than to know that your time and financial contributions can truly change the lives of others for the better,” said Pors. “It’s about writing a story where every woman and every child in our community has the opportunity to thrive.”
Current Women United President Karla Trumbauer presented the award, recognizing Pors for her leadership during the pandemic and her deep commitment to community partnerships.
“Darlene truly embodies what it means to lead with purpose and compassion,” said Trumbauer. “Her unwavering dedication has created lasting impact across business, education and healthcare throughout our region.”
Together, Women United members continue to drive meaningful change through philanthropy, advocacy and volunteerism. Over the past four years, members have collectively raised over $1,000,000 to support programs that strengthen families and empower women across the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Bronze Sponsors: HNL Lab Medicine and H. T. Lyons; Pearl Sponsors: Fulton Bank, Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health and PSECU.
