Laurie Gostley Hackett didn’t always know that she was destined for a career in philanthropy and community relations, but says she loves every single second of it and feels incredibly lucky to have found a career with Air Products that is a perfect fit with her personality, work style, competencies and interests. “The opportunity to represent the company and be fully engaged in the community is unique and rewarding,” she says. “There are so many creative and strategic partnerships and programs that connect the higher purpose of Air Products with the needs of our community. And what an honor it is to work with so many dedicated business, community and nonprofit leaders to solve the problems that face the Lehigh Valley.”
A recent initiative for the company is the Air Products Fresh Food Promise in partnership with United Way. “Our goal is to expand access to healthy food for thousands of local kids, families and older adults,” she says. “One out of 10 families do not have reliable access to affordable, healthy food and may not know when or where they’ll get their next meal. We all believe that no one should wonder where their next meal is coming from and families should not have to worry about food insecurity.”
Gostley Hackett says this community is very special and she believes people feel a deep responsibility to roll up their sleeves and serve.
“The call to action and sincere engagement by volunteers throughout the Lehigh Valley is truly inspiring,” she says. Still, there’s more to be done. “Our community needs you and there are so many ways to serve. The key is to find an agency with a mission and purpose that matches your own.”
Gostley Hackett serves on many boards and dedicates her time to Miller-Keystone Blood Center, Greater Easton Development Partnership, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Collaborative, IronPigs Charities and Phantoms Charities. She also works to support nonprofits through committee work and fundraising, including Valley Youth House, Girl Scouts and YWCA Bethlehem.
