INFLUENTIAL WOMEN

When I knew that I would be interviewing celebrity stylist (and Easton native) Kate Young for this edition, I spent the next few days learning everything I could about her ahead of our conversation. I listened to Kate on podcasts, watched her on YouTube and read every article I could find on the internet, ranging from the tour of her home in Upstate New York in Architectural Digest to her red carpet essentials chronicled by Page Six, and everything in between (oh, and there’s a lot in between). But I did not come across a single piece of content that didn’t emphasize the impact that Kate has had on celebrity style and on the fashion industry as a whole—a fact so undisputed, it has prompted her to be named the most powerful stylist by The Hollywood Reporter not once, not twice, but three times. When we talk about influence in one’s field, Kate Young’s got it. Read how she went from Lehigh Valley to legendary on pg. 46, where she chats with me about her time at Vogue as Anna Wintour’s assistant, what it’s like dressing the most famous players in Hollywood (ahem, Selena

Gomez, Margot Robbie, Sophie Turner, Dakota Johnson) and all of the accolades along the way.

Then, get to know six women who are making an impact on our community each and every day. Nominated by their peers and selected by our team, Josi Garcia, Nani Cuadrado, Chloe Cole, Katarah Jordan, Sarah Barrett and Sheryl Petrillo are Lehigh Valley Style’s Influential Women of the Year. Learn about all of the ways they are moving the Valley forward on pg. 54.

And it would be impossible to talk about Lehigh Valley Style’s Influential Women of the Year without mentioning the influence of the incredible photographer and human behind the photos, Alison Conklin. On October 18, 2022, Alison received a lifesaving heart transplant. As her friend, colleague and fan, I’ve followed along with Alison’s journey in real time and have been endlessly inspired by her strength, her positive outlook and her ability to keep moving forward. I am so honored that Alison has chosen to share her story with our readers on pg. 36.

Warmly,

A Saturday breakfast at Toastique Bethlehem.

I’m a big fan of Melanie Lino and everything she creates at Lit Coffee Roastery and Bakeshop!

I love dropping in at Inner Strength Fitness Studio! They have a huge variety of classes for all levels of experience, ranging from calming and grounding to heart-pounding and energizing. It’s a great place to go with a friend; the classes are all women-led and the environment is so supportive and encouraging!

I love The Backyard Bar Company! They are amazing women doing amazing things.

I enjoyed the welcoming environment, location and products at Toastique Bethlehem, which I photographed for this edition.

President/CEO

Paul Prass

Vice President/COO

Lisa Prass

Publisher

Pamela Deller

Editor-in-Chief

Kristen Wagner

Director of Creative Services

Mike Matuczinski

Graphic Designers

Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Nick Reeder, Elaine Wyborski

Corporate Marketing & Events Manager

Jen Fronheiser

Sales & Marketing Account Managers

Caroline Adams, Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Contributing Writers

Carrie Havranek, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Contributing Photographers

Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin, Andrew Tomasino

Proofreader

Lori McLaughlin

Accounting

Donna Bachman, Sarah Varano

Editorial & Marketing Interns Carly Busfield, Abby Ellis

A local womenowned business that I love is…

One woman-owned business that I love is BoutiqueToGo. Elena Pascal has been in business for more than 15 years and knows how to keep women engaged through her clothing lines, fashion sense, gift items and, most of all, her hospitality, warmth and camaraderie.

I love the business For the Girls in Easton. She came to the Lehigh Valley and filled a much-needed niche for properly fitting undergarments. Sandra has expanded her line with fashionforward designer clothes and handbags.

Kristen Wagner

Editor-in-Chief

For this edition, we drove to New York City for our photoshoot with Kate Young! We loved seeing her studio and chatting about all of her favorite Lehigh Valley spots.

Alison Conklin

Contributing Photographer

I am always so inspired by the women I get to photograph for the Influential Women of the Year feature. Hearing their stories and what they do to make the world a better place leaves me so happy.

Elaine Wyborski

Graphic Designer

It was an honor to design “I Get To” featuring Alison’s journey to receiving a new heart. Alison was with me every step of the way guiding me in my own health journey in 2020 as I prepared for open heart surgery. From what questions to ask the doctors to what to have ready for recovery, she knew it all and she was always just a text away! Seven months after being diagnosed, my atrial myxoma miraculously disappeared and my surgery was canceled. I will never forget her kindness and support during such a dark time. Alison’s creativity in her photography and writing, along with her strength in life, are simply inspirational! I’m so honored and thankful that “I get to” know you, Alison.