Workforce Board Lehigh Valley Executive Director Nancy Dischinat was honored with the Donley Award at The Donley Awards and Gala hosted by the Community Service Center. 

She took the opportunity to reflect on her childhood experiences with her grandmother, whose influence shaped her life in profound ways. She shared a vivid memory from her youth—the day she had saved enough money from working in the blueberry fields to buy herself a new bike. Her small, frail grandmother joined her for the ride to the store. As they pedaled along, Nancy found herself growing tired. Suddenly, she realized that her grandmother had slipped off the bike, tumbling down the hill. Nancy admitted she was terrified. However, when her grandmother picked herself up, brushed off the dirt, and smiled, Nancy was surprised. Rather than expressing anger or disappointment, her grandmother encouraged her, saying, “You’re doing great, Nancy. Let’s keep going.”

This experience taught Nancy a powerful lesson about resilience and perseverance. As leaders in the workforce and in education, we must create environments that empower individuals to keep moving forward, supporting one another in the pursuit of success. Nancy’s story is a reminder that, like her grandmother, we can uplift others through our compassion and encouragement, fostering a community where everyone thrives.