On Thursday, April 23, President Elizabeth Meade was recognized as one of four 2026 Take the Lead Lehigh Valley honorees during the Girl Scouts’ annual Take the Lead ceremony.
Take the Lead Lehigh Valley is an annual program that acknowledges exceptional women leaders in the region, provides a unique leadership opportunity for Girl Scouts, and raises critical funds for Girl Scouting in Eastern Pennsylvania. Honorees were leaders in their professional industries who lift others in the community, exemplifying the Girl Scouts’ mission of providing girls with the courage, confidence, and character necessary to make the world a better place.
As part of the Take the Lead program, President Meade was paired as a mentor with a high school-aged Girl Scout who spent a day shadowing her, gaining guidance and valuable insights into leadership and career development. In a meaningful full-circle moment, that same Girl Scout had the honor of presenting President Meade with her award during the ceremony. Each Girl Scout chosen to shadow this year’s honorees then reflected on their meaningful experiences.
Being recognized as a Take the Lead Lehigh Valley honoree holds special meaning for President Meade, as her leadership journey and lifelong commitment to championing women extend far beyond her years at Cedar Crest College to her formative years with the Girl Scouts.
“All of my experience with Girl Scouts, from my own to my daughters’, gave me a keen awareness of what happens when you empower women and girls to lead. It does not take much to spark ambition and determination—just a little bit of confidence instilled by an organization and group of people believing in you,” said President Meade.