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Women United Honors Renae Yeager of PPL Corporation as the 2021 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year

Allentown, PA, September 23, 2021 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Women United will honor Renae Yeager with the 2021 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the group’s highest honor.

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.

“It is an extremely high honor to receive a nomination for the Philanthropist of the Year award, let alone to receive it,” said Darlene Pors, President of Women United. “Renae Yeager lives and breathes all that Women United’s mission stands for. Her leadership, passion and selfless service to our community have helped so many of our neighbors endure challenging and critical issues; none more apparent than in the last year and a half. Women United is so lucky to have Renae as part of our organization, and we are so proud to recognize her with this award.”

Members will present Yeager’s award at Women United 2021, sponsored by Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank and First Commonwealth Credit Union. This annual event will be held at virtually on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at noon. Registration is available HERE.

Renae Yeager, 2021 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award

“I am deeply humbled,” said Renae Yeager. “A wise friend said to me that every time you are honored by an organization, it’s a chance to share the organization’s story with a wider audience. This recognition isn’t about me doing my part, it’s about all the women, who on a daily basis, give back to the community in which we all live.”

Yeager currently chairs Women United’s Impact Investments Committee (formerly known as the Signature Projects Committee) and has been a member of the group’s advisory cabinet since 2017.  She has served on various other nonprofit boards in the Lehigh Valley during her professional career, such as The Literacy Center, one of Women United’s Signature Projects.

“The Literacy Center congratulates Renae Yeager for winning Women United’s 2021 Philanthropist of the Year award,” said Jennifer Doyle, Executive Director of The Literacy Center. “As a volunteer board member, Renae has been a passionate champion for The Literacy Center.  Her invaluable guidance and support helped to make 2021 the organization’s best year in its 44-year history.  It is an honor to work with Renae to bring vital programs and services to Lehigh Valley women who are experiencing language, education, and employment barriers.  We at The Literacy Center commend Renae for this award for which she so richly deserves.”

Yeager has been a board member of The Literacy Center since 2016 and currently serves on the finance committee. She also participated in The Literacy Center’s mentoring program for immigrant professional women.

In her professional career, Yeager has held the position of vice president corporate audit at PPL Corporation since 2015.  During her 38 years with the company, she has also held management positions in information technology, ethics, and PPL Electric Utilities regulatory operations. She is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, a Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a Certified Fraud Examiner. 

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. For more information, visit www.unitedwayglv.org/wu.

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