Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania announce its 2026 Take the Lead Lehigh Valley honorees — four female leaders who exemplify the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

This year’s honorees are leaders in both their professional industries and communities, serving as positive role models for Girl Scouts in Lehigh Valley through their careers and dedication to local causes they support. The honorees will be recognized at a special Girl Scout-led event at Delta Hotels by Marriott Allentown Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, April 23, 2026.

Honorees are:

• Jennifer Alpha, board president, Lehigh Valley Girls Rock: Jennifer serves as board president and program director of Lehigh Valley Girls Rock, an organization that offers empowerment opportunities for cisgender girls and women + transgender and nonbinary individuals through music and art.

Outside of LVGR, Alpha is a community development and affordable housing consultant. Her work in communities across the country and locally is based on finding compassionate strategies that promote inclusivity.

• Kelly A. Chando, CFRE, director of Development, St. Luke’s University Health Network: In her job, Chando leads philanthropic strategy and major gift fundraising by partnering with community leaders to advance innovation, expand access, and elevate care throughout Lehigh Valley.

A passionate advocate for women’s heart health, Chando serves on the Board of the American Heart Association and is a member of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Tocqueville Society, reflecting her long-standing commitment to investment in community-wide solutions.

A survivor of postpartum preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, Chando raises awareness through her personal journey to empower women through advocacy and education in healthcare.

• Elizabeth M. Meade, Ph.D., president of Cedar Crest College: Serving as the 14 president of Cedar Crest College, Meade has led the institution’s transformation into a comprehensive college that offers 15 graduate programs.

In her role, Meade has championed strategic initiatives that expand access and strengthen opportunities for women to excel in academics and beyond, encouraging women to lead with confidence.

• Tanya Tyler, executive assistant to the chief Human Resources officer, Air Products, and executive director, Lehigh Valley Inspirational Arts Foundation: As the executive assistant to the chief Human Resources officer at Air Products and cochair of the company’s Black Employee Resource Group, Tyler advances Air Products’ diversity and inclusion objectives to develop programming, messaging, and resources that support employees.

Additionally, Tyler serves as the executive director of the Lehigh Valley Inspirational Arts Foundation, extending her leadership by advancing local art as a medium to educate and inspire the community.

“Through their vision, resilience, and commitment to excellence and lifting others in the community, our 2026 Take the Lead Lehigh Valley honorees truly exemplify Girl Scout values,” said Kim E. Fraites-Dow, chief executive officer of GSEP. “We are thrilled to honor these women and celebrate both their individual accomplishments and the impact they have in strengthening our community. We look forward to Girl Scouts from Lehigh Valley learning firsthand from these women what it takes to lead a life of purpose.”

Take the Lead Lehigh Valley is cochaired by Krista Ortwein, director of corporate social responsibility at Olympus Corp. of the Americas, and Katie Santana, president at ASR Media.

“Each year, our Take the Lead Lehigh Valley event raises critical funds for Girl Scouting in Eastern Pennsylvania. We are grateful to our co-chairs and committee members whose tireless efforts help continue the success of this program and ensures that every girl has access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” said Fraites-Dow.

This year, guests are welcome to enjoy a cocktail reception including Girl Scout-led activities followed by an inspiring program celebrating outstanding leaders and girls who are making a difference in our community.

For more information about Take the Lead sponsorships and tickets, visit www.gsep.org/takethelead or call 267-332-5483.