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Allentown, PA, September 17, 2019 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Women United will honor Ashley Russo with the 2019 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the group’s highest honor.
Members will present Russo’s award at the Women United Annual Meeting 2019 on Thursday, October 10. Sponsored by Lafayette Ambassador Bank, Capital BlueCross and St. Luke’s University Health Network, the event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Saucon Valley Country Club and features a keynote address from humanitarian, activist and entrepreneur Khine Zaw. The Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented to a Women United member who demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to philanthropic causes in the Lehigh Valley.
“I deeply admire the work of Women United and United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the impact they have in our community,” says Russo. “It is humbling and a great honor to be a small part of that story across our region.”
Regarding this year’s recognition, Laurie Siebert, President of Women United, noted, “Maya Angelou wrote, ‘Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.’ Every day, more women are standing up and being recognized. Collectively, we nurture positive outcomes for ourselves, our children, families and community.”
Russo, a twenty-year media veteran, graduated from New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute and currently holds the titles of president of ASR Media Productions and executive producer and host of The PEAK TV and St. Luke’s Health Now. Additionally, she is the creator and host of Unscripted with Russo, a weekly podcast during which she interviews successful leaders about the often-winding path of success. Russo is a lifetime horse enthusiast and multi-time American Saddlebred world- and national-titled equestrian.
Currently, Russo serves on the boards of UWGLV, Wildlands Conservancy and Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors. She is also an active committee member supporting Women United, NCC Foundation, Equili-brium, Lehigh
Valley Food and Wine Festival and American Heart Association. Additionally, she donates her time and talent regularly as an emcee and auctioneer for numerous events across the region.
UWGLV’s Women United is part of a global network of more than 70,000 women in 165 communities across six countries – all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities. The organization supports signature community projects including:
- Early Childhood and After School programs at Central Elementary School
- Targeted Intervention and Enrichment programs offered at Lincoln Elementary School
- English Language Learning programs for women through the Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley
- Family Literacy programs served through ProJeCt of Easton
“Women United brings together many of our area’s most passionate philanthropic business and community leaders with a common interest in inspiring change,” says Marci Lesko, Executive Vice President, UWGLV and Women United member. “Through their signature projects, the group has invested their time, talents and more than $1.4 million in educational programs for women and children. The opportunities they’ve created through their support are truly helping to change lives.”
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org
About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United makes a difference in the lives of women and children in the Lehigh Valley with philanthropy, advocacy and volunteer efforts. Women United is part of a global network of more than 70,000 women in 165 communities across six countries, all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities. Click here for more information.
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Director, Communications and Media Relations
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Celebrating 100 years of service to the Lehigh Valley.
1110 American Parkway NE Suite F-120 Allentown, PA 18109
www.unitedwayglv.org
