Women United Honors Darlene Pors of H.T. Lyons, Inc. as the 2025 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United will honor Darlene R. Pors, Project Sales Account Manager at H.T. Lyons, Inc., as the 2025 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year, the group’s highest accolade.
Women United recognizes the Philanthropist of the Year as a member who is active in the community, is a philanthropic leader in the Lehigh Valley and demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to the best of her ability. The group’s founding president Betsy Torrence is recognized as the model of the Philanthropist of the Year awardee.
“I’m honored and deeply grateful for this recognition. There is nothing more meaningful than to know that your time and financial contributions can truly change the lives of others for the better,” shared Pors.
Members will present the award to Pors at Women United 2025, sponsored by Bronze Sponsors HNL Lab Medicine, H. T. Lyons and Pearl Sponsors Fulton Bank, Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health and PSECU. This annual event will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Registration is available HERE.
“Darlene Pors truly embodies what it means to lead with purpose and compassion,” shared Karla Trumbauer, President of Women United. “Over the years, her unwavering commitment to uplifting and advocating for women and children in the Lehigh Valley has created lasting impact in business, education and healthcare throughout our communities. We are incredibly honored to recognize Darlene as our Philanthropist of the Year and celebrate the powerful legacy she continues to build.”
Pors serves as a Project Sales Account Manager at H.T. Lyons, Inc. in Allentown where she has worked for almost 24 years. A Women United member since 2013 and Cabinet member since 2016, including a two-year term as president, Pors has helped raise more than $100,000 through Good Shepherd’s Women’s Giving Circle for equipment supporting pediatric patients and adaptive fitness. Through Women United, she has supported early childhood education at Central Elementary STREAM Academy, Lincoln Elementary School and the Da Vinci Science Center, and programs at organizations including KidsPeace, ProJeCt of Easton and VAST.
“Darlene has a long history of advocating for women, children and families in our region,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Her commitment shows in both her philanthropy and hands-on service, and she brings people together to move ideas into action. During her term as Women United president, the network grew in engagement and impact, and we’re proud to honor her leadership and the measurable difference she makes across the Lehigh Valley.”
Pors began her career in H.T. Lyons’ Engineering Department doing CAD and designing HVAC and plumbing systems for commercial buildings and process piping systems for industrial projects, then gained experience in the Estimating Department before joining the Special Projects group. She studied Environmental Design at Goddard College and 18th Century American Architecture and Textiles at the College of William & Mary. She has held leadership and committee roles with the PPL Women’s Network, CREW, American Heart Association Go Red, Girl Scouts Take the Lead and the Chamber’s Women’s Business Council, where she served as Chair. She presently serves on the Executive Committee of Good Shepherd Rehabilitation’s Women’s Giving Circle. Her recognitions include Lehigh Valley Business Women of Influence (2015), YWCA Bethlehem Woman of the Year (2017), Lehigh Valley Style Women of Style (2017), the Chamber’s ATHENA Award (2019) and Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Take the Lead Honoree (2023).
Women United members leverage their strengths to improve the lives of women, children and families in the Greater Lehigh Valley through philanthropy, advocacy and volunteer efforts. Women United is part of a global network of 55,000+ women in 165 communities across six countries, all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities.