United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United will honor Ashley Russo with the 2019 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the group’s highest honor.

Members presented Russo’s award at the Women United Annual Meeting 2019 on Thursday. Sponsored by Lafayette Ambassador Bank, Capital BlueCross and St. Luke’s University Health Network, the event will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Saucon Valley Country Club and features a keynote address from humanitarian, activist and entrepreneur Khine Zaw. The Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented to a Women United member who demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to philanthropic causes in the Lehigh Valley.

Russo, a 20-year media veteran, graduated from New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute and currently holds the titles of president of ASR Media Productions and executive producer and host of The PEAK TV and St. Luke’s Health Now. Additionally, she is the creator and host of Unscripted with Russo, a weekly podcast during which she interviews successful leaders about the often-winding path of success. Russo is a lifetime horse enthusiast and multi-time American Saddlebred world- and national-titled equestrian.

Russo serves on the boards of UWGLV, Wildlands Conservancy and Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors. She is also an active committee member supporting Women United, NCC Foundation, Equi-librium, Lehigh Valley Food and Wine Festival and American Heart Association. Additionally, she donates her time and talent regularly as an emcee and auctioneer for numerous events across the region.