Women United Celebrates Community Impact at Annual Fall Meeting
Nearly 100 guests gathered at Llantrisant Event Venue in Tatamy for Women United 2026 sponsored by HNL Lab Medicine and RKL, an evening celebrating the power of collective generosity and the difference women are making across the Lehigh Valley. Attendees connected over fall bites from United Way partner Kellyn and heard how their support is helping local families thrive.
With more than 160 active members, Women United brings together women who invest their time, talent and resources to strengthen opportunities for women, children and families in our community. Women United members are already helping make that possible. This year, 14 pre-K students at Central Elementary STREAM Academy in the Allentown School District began school prepared to succeed after spending the summer building routines, social skills and friendships. At The Literacy Center, 35 women participated in Women Rising, a program that builds career readiness skills and supports pathways to reliable, long-term employment. These are examples of how investing in education can strengthen futures for children and families across the region.
Amy Bucher, chair of United Way’s 2026 Campaign with her husband, Rick, shared how her experience as a former English teacher shaped her commitment to education. She emphasized the importance of early literacy and the role that support beyond the classroom plays in helping children succeed. Through the Shine Bright for Education Challenge, Amy and Rick, are encouraging the community to invest in students and help more children build a strong foundation for the future.
“Every time you renew your membership, invite a friend or roll up your sleeves, you’re helping a child walk into school ready to learn,” Amy said.
Sarah McArthur, editor-in-chief of Leader to Leader Journal, announced the Frances Hesselbein-Alan Mulally United Way Leader of the Future Scholarship Fund. Planned to launch in 2027, the scholarship will support students pursuing higher education as well as professionals continuing their education and learning. Thanks to the generosity of the Leader2Leader Institute and Laurie Siebert, previous Women United president and recipient of the 2024 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the scholarship will support four recipients annually. Additional contributions will help grow an endowment and expand educational opportunities for future leaders. Click here to donate to the Frances Hesselbein-Alan Mulally Leader of the Future Scholarship Fund and select Leader of the Future Scholarship Fund from the drop down.
The evening also celebrated the impact of a community member whose work inspires others to turn kindness into action. Hannah Votta Coleman, an active volunteer and member of United Way’s Women United and Tocqueville Society, received the 2026 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award for her leadership and service.
Hannah serves as Founder and Executive Director of Joyful Giving, a nonprofit that assembles care packages filled with essential items and small comforts to help people feel seen and cared for.
“Everyone deserves a gift. Not just a cute little package with essential items in it, but the gift of being loved and seen,” Hannah shared.
Since its founding in 2022, Joyful Giving has distributed 62,500 Joymaker Bags to children and adults around the world, including in 15 countries outside the United States. The bags are made by community volunteers, and the organization has engaged 4,500 volunteers and built partnerships with 90 nonprofits. Hannah also highlighted how the experience creates opportunities for volunteers to connect and give back, including a group of neurodivergent adults from The Arc who assemble bags each week.
Congratulations to Hannah on this well-deserved recognition, and thank you to all Women United members for helping create brighter futures for women and children throughout the Lehigh Valley.
As guests mingled, Emmaus School District educator and artisan behind Katie Did Crafts, Katie Phenniger built custom stars commissioned for Women United members. Custom stars are available for purchase for $40 and support Women United. To purchase contact Madeline Falcone.