Left to Right (top row): Krista Ortwein (TTL Co-Chair), Jennifer Alpha, Girl Scout Gillian S., Kelly A. Chando, Girl Scout Jade L., Tanya Tyler, Girl Scout Kaelin C., Dr. Elizabeth Meade, Kim E. Fraites-Dow (GSEP CEO), Girl Scout Hannah D., Katie Santana (TTL Co-Chair)
Last week, GSEP highlighted its mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character by honoring four women leaders on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley at the organization’s fundraising event, Take the Lead Lehigh Valley, presented by Air Products. The ceremony honored four inspiring women leaders that embody the Girl Scouts’ mission, and served as GSEP’s signature fundraising event, providing hundreds of Lehigh Valley girls with financial support to continue their scouting journey.
The four women leaders that were honored with the 2026 Take the Lead Award are:
-
Jennifer Alpha, Board President, Lehigh Valley Girls Rock
-
Kelly A. Chando, CFRE, Director of Development, St. Luke’s University Health Network
-
Dr. Elizabeth Meade, President, Cedar Crest College
-
Tanya Tyler, Executive Assistant, Air Products & Executive Director, Lehigh Valley Inspirational Arts Foundation
Guests enjoyed a seated awards program and the Campership Paddle Raise to help provide hundreds of Girl Scouts throughout the Lehigh Valley region with financial support so they can experience all Girl Scout camp has to offer. Four Girl Scouts who were paired with each honoree for a “shadow day” shared what they learned about careers, networking, and leadership.
Information provided to TVL by:
Kyra Berry
Kyra Berry
