The 2025 Gateway to Equity Award: Susan Wild
This year’s award was presented to Susan Wild, no stranger to anyone. Susan was a former United States congresswoman from 2018-2025. She built a reputation as a pragmatic and results driven leader who listened and heeded the concerns of her constituents. She successfully passed bi-partisan legislation aimed at improving access to healthcare and educational opportunities. An advocate for working families, she fought for policies that prioritized economic fairness, workplace development, and infrastructure improvement that benefited her district. She was a member of the House Education and Labor Committee. Susan helped shape U.S. foreign policy as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was a Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Global Health, Human Rights and International Organizations. Susan is a supporter of abortion and reproductive rights,
an advocate for LGBT rights, and a believer in affordable healthcare for all. Prior to her term in Congress, she had a distinguished legal career and served on the Boards of Second Harvest Food Bank, Program for Women and Families and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
The 2024 Gateway to Equity Award: Dr. Rita M. Jones
The 2023 Gateway to Equity Award: Chief Michelle Kott
The 2022 Gateway to Equity Award: Lisa Ramos
Lisa Ramos, Director of Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club
The Bethlehem branch has chosen to honor Lisa Ramos, Unit Director of the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club with the “Gateway to Equity Award” of 2022. Lisa has dedicated herself for over thirty-two years to working with disadvantaged children and to improving their lives. She was the first women hired in the Program Department and the first woman to be a Building Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Bethlehem management team. She was also the first female Assistant Director of Operations for the organization In her role of Unit Director, she works with boys and girls and she mentors young ladies. She teaches children to develop healthy habits and she leads the “Smart Girls Program” which focuses on making positive choices to create a positive self-image. Her obvious passion for and love of the children in her care is felt and appreciated by them and by their families. Lisa has made a huge difference in the lives of several generations of Bethlehem’s children, helping them realize their full potential as productive, responsible, caring citizens.
