Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania is excited to announce its 2023 Take the Lead Lehigh Valley honorees, who will be recognized at a girl-led event April 25.

According to a Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania press release, Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls are prepared for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure in a safe, no-limits place designed for and by girls.

Take the Lead recognizes women leaders from the Lehigh Valley whose achievements epitomize Girl Scouts’ values, while also serving as a leadership development opportunity for girls.

As part of the program, high school-aged Girl Scouts are each paired with an honoree to shadow them for a day, gain valuable career and leadership insights, and receive guidance on building their professional network.

The girls, who are selected through a competitive application and interview process, then creatively reflect on the experience and deliver presentations at the event.

Girl Scouts are the stars of the show, serving as presenters, emcees, event hosts, social media influencers and chorus.

2023 Take the Lead Lehigh Valley Honorees are:

• Vicki Doulé, senior vice president, BSI Corporate Benefits: As senior vice president at BSI Corporate Benefits since 2018, Vicki models drive and determination within her career and showcases exemplary philanthropic community support. She is a role model for her younger female co-workers and leads by example through hands-on mentorship that makes a positive impact on her team every day.

• Michelle Kott, chief of police, City of Bethlehem Police Department: As the chief of police for the City of Bethlehem Police Department, Michelle is truly engaged in making her community a better and safer place. While working as a police officer in the City of Bethlehem, she earned her doctorate, raised a family and rose through the ranks to become the city’s first female police chief in October 2020. Michelle is committed to helping young women believe in their goals and understand that they are within reach. In addition to leading the Bethlehem Police Department, she is an adjunct instructor at Northampton Community College and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

• Lisa Liddington, vice president of operations, Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street Campus, Lehigh Valley Health Network: As vice president of Operations at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street Campus, Lisa has dedicated her career to being a role model for girls and women everywhere.

Darlene Pors, project sales associate manager, H.T. Lyons: Darlene has had a 20 plus year tenure at H.T. Lyons, spending most of her time as a Senior HVAC/Plumbing Designer before assuming her current role. As one of the few people in her department with experience in HVAC, plumbing and process piping systems, she is a trailblazer for women looking to excel in a predominantly male field. Darlene has a passion for mentoring young women in business, especially STEM, and consistently empowers young women in her industry to succeed in their careers.

Take the Lead is chaired in Lehigh Valley by Marlene Beers, vice president and controller, PPL Corporation. Marlene serves as finance chair and member of the GSEP Board of Directors.

Take the Lead Lehigh Valley honorees will be celebrated?at a special girl-led, camp-themed ceremony April 25, at ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks.

For more information about Take the Lead sponsorships, advertising, and tickets, visit www.gsep.org/takethelead or call 267-332-6788.