Brandywine Valley Young Women Leaders

This March, the theme for Women’s History Month of “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” encompasses sustainability beyond environmental concerns. It also includes issues such as financial sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession and intergenerational equity.

As part of that focus, County Lines shines a spotlight on seven dynamic young women shaping the future here in the Brandywine Valley — each leading the change with vision, grit and a deep commitment to community. From kitchens and stages to borough halls and boardrooms, these changemakers are redefining what a new generation of leaders looks like.

Meet food entrepreneur Madi Coble, performing arts center director Heather Grayberg, chamber president Laura Manion, civic engagement advocate Jahnavi Rao, LGBTQ+ leader Carrie Stare, local mayor Joi Washington and nonprofit president Javonna Wylie. Their paths are distinct, but their impact is shared: building stronger communities, expanding opportunity and inspiring their generation and the next. In businesses, nonprofits and public service, they’re proving that leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about action.

We thank them for sharing their inspiring stories.

Madeline Coble

Founder & Owner, Madi’s on a Roll

Madeline Coble is on a roll — though you may know her as Madi’s on a Roll, the 31-year-old entrepreneur with brick-and-mortar stores in Exton and Phoenixville selling gourmet eggrolls, bite-size apps and dips.

Citing inspiration from her mother’s Allentown bakery, Madeline’s on Liberty, Madi helped out since age 8 and indulged in specialty treats — “Cheesesteak eggrolls were my favorites,” she said. Later she built her business from a folding table and fryer (with hot oil!) at events, then regular gigs at farmers markets, to her dream of a storefront or two.

This dream career was a leap of faith from the corporate marketing job her degree from West Chester University prepared her for. “After helping at my mom’s bakery over Christmas, I knew I needed a new challenge. Something more high energy where I’d talk to 200 people a day,” Madi said. “And at 23, the risk was low. Plus I felt better working 16-hour days.” She decided to start her business in Chester County.

Stuffed specialty eggrolls always sold out at her mother’s bakery, so that was a strong, tested concept. “You can put so many different things into eggrolls, with new flavors all the time. Like Italian roast pork, or my current favorite, spinach-artichoke. They can be made gluten-free, too, a big new market for us.” And so the business grows.

How did she make the jump to a storefront after working from a kitchen in the back of Café Baladi in Malvern? “I drove by the Exton location over and over. My dream spot, a place where we could expand our frozen eggrolls, which are more sustainable and less labor intensive.” Covid prompted a lucky pivot to frozen eggrolls that continued to be popular.

After a profitable holiday season, she and her husband (who became her business partner) visited the store. “It was ten times bigger than we needed, but I knew we could grow into it. Luckily we did, because I discovered I was pregnant the day we signed the lease!” Expanding to Phoenixville followed a question posted on Instagram about where fans would like to see another shop. “It was overwhelmingly Phoenixville, where I’d first wanted to open.” A smaller storefront opened there in 2024.

But it’s not all dreams and lucky pivots. “I don’t think everyone understands the pressure on business owners. We have over 15 employees, and I’m responsible for their livelihoods! On slow days, the weight is intense,” she said. What about being a woman owner? “My favorite part of being a woman business owner is modeling independence, ambition and creativity in real time and knowing my daughter gets to grow up watching it.”

With role models ranging from her mother to Sara Blakely (Spanx founder and youngest self-made female billionaire), Madi had this advice for her 25-year-old self: “I feel like I did it right. At least for me. I started my business at 23 and have grown it and a family. I’d say, keep going. And one day your pipe dream can come true.”

Where Does This Foodie Like to Eat?

“I love to eat at mom-and-pop places. Local spots where you can meet the owners and talk with them. Of course, Café Baladi Restaurant is a special favorite, given their generosity and key role in my startup business. It’s also where I met my husband, and they have great Lebanese food.”

Heather Grayberg

Executive Director, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center

When you hear that Heather Grayberg, Executive Director of Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, has over 25 years of experience as a producer, director, choreographer and artistic leader with credits ranging from “The Wedding Singer” to “The SpongeBob Musical” to Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” you might wonder if she fits the young leaders category. After a web search that failed to confirm her age, we asked.

“I started performing at 5 and got my first paid job as a choreographer at 14,” said 34-year-old Grayberg. So, the math does work. “And I don’t highlight my age. In addition to being a woman, I’m also very small, at 5’1″. I’ve had my share of people telling me to ‘smile and make the world a better place’ or asking to speak with my husband.”

Grayberg grew up around the arts. “My mother worked as a scenic designer, with help from my father, whose other role was as a pastor and a community leader,” said Grayberg. That might partially explain the artsplus- admin role Grayberg enjoys now, as well as her choice to work with her husband founding Revival Productions, a community arts organization started in Coatesville.

Running Revival Productions was both a high and low point in Grayberg’s career. Inspired by her love of performing arts and connecting with the community, she moved into a space in Coatesville while still working out the brand and mission, just before the pandemic hit. She realized she’d hit rock bottom in 2022 when she had to leave the arts space and hold dance classes in the stairwell of the local YMCA and voice classes in the daycare room. But through force of will, she moved the organization to Parkesburg, grew it to perform on the main stage at Uptown, and later reopened in Coatesville.

Along the way Grayberg realized that it takes more than artistic talent to run a successful arts organization, spurring her to earn a master’s in arts management. Armed with new credentials, hard lessons learned and a successful 2023 run of “Nunsense,” Grayberg reached out to the Uptown board about a position there. About a month later she became Director of Programming and in 2024 was named Executive Director.

With a leadership style mixing tough love to preserve limited arts resources with a desire to say yes to help others try things, even if they fail yet learn through the failure, Grayberg now focuses on arts advocacy to broaden access and enhance the beneficial impact on the community. “The arts are a key financial driver in the community, bringing over $30 back in meals, parking and other services for every $1 invested,” shared Grayberg. Plus there’s the intangible pleasure of engagement with the arts.

What advice would she give her 25-year-old self? “At 25 I had two kids and was breastfeeding and performing full time. Somehow, the word ‘revival’ came to me and inspired me to start an arts group. I needed to find a way to enjoy my life more and believe that things would resolve themselves.” It looks like they did.

What Inspires You Now?

“During a recent trip to New York City, I bought a bag at the Museum of Modern Art with a quote by Faith Ringgold, an artist, activist and creator of narrative story quilts. It says ‘I just decided when someone says you can’t do something, do more of it.’ Ringgold used rejection as motivation and creative solutions, also saying ‘I’ll come in another door’ when met with barriers.” Words to live by for leaders of all kinds of organizations.

Laura Manion

President & CEO, Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry

“I became an accidental child care advocate,” said Laura Manion, about one of her signature accomplishments as the very young head of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. The county’s largest chamber, it represents 550 businesses, has a budget of $800,000+ and sponsors 50+ high-profile events annually with a staff of just six.

Being only 32 and six months pregnant with her first child when appointed head of the Chamber in 2022 prompted Manion’s advocacy. “I wrote an op-ed in the Daily Local about child care that went viral, then got involved with a statewide coalition of 55 chambers focused on the issue. And I worked on getting legislation passed expanding child care tax credits in Pennsylvania.”

Child care, which can run about $27,000 a year for a two-child household in Pennsylvania, is a vital business issue, key to recruitment and retention, even more so post-pandemic, Manion added. Now pregnant with child number three, Manion and her chamber coalition colleagues got another win with a 2025 state budget line item of $25 million for child care teacher recruitment and retention.

Her deep roots in Chester County — where Manion was born, raised, educated (West Chester University for her master’s) and built her career — made her a natural fit for the chamber job. “I spent my life in Chester County, even while manager in the Great Lakes Regional Office for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, when I flew back and forth to the six states I oversaw.” At the urging of longtimr mentor Caitlin Ganley, Manion decided to apply for the chamber job, believing it was the right next step given her background and passions.

Mentors have helped shape Manion’s career — from her mother to the prior Chamber Board Chair Caitlin Ganley to the circle of peers she meets with regularly. “Millennial women seek out mentors, and I’ve been lucky to have many,” said Manion, noting the importance of getting support from above, sharing support with peers and providing support to rising younger leaders. “When I speak to younger women I tell them to lean in. Don’t be afraid to go for the job. Remember that you’re qualified and embrace that uncertainty. It’s a sign this will help you grow.”

How is Manion leaning in? Among her key goals are growing the chamber by increasing membership, rebranding, fundraising and effective legislative advocacy. In addition to child care, she’s focused on issues of housing, infrastructure and public transportation, becoming a trusted voice for the business community. This position led to a spot as a monthly panelist on ABC6’s “Inside Story,” where she speaks on public policy, business and community impact.

It may be surprising that this accomplished young leader admits to occasional flashes of imposter syndrome. “Sometimes when I’m in high profile situations, on a stage or testifying before lawmakers, I’ll look around and question whether I’m qualified to be there,” said Manion. “But then I take a breath and remind myself I’m well-trained, experienced, and I’m there for a reason.”

What’s Influenced You Lately?

“I’ve moved on from my guilty pleasure of reading thrillers to reading about self-improvement and leadership. My current favorite is ‘What Is It Costing You Not to Listen: The Power of Understanding to Connect, Influence, Solve & Sell’ by local author Christine Miles. We’re often taught to be storytellers, but being a listener is far more important to successful leadership.”

Jahnavi Rao

Founder & President, New Voters

How does a Conestoga High School junior go from feeling voiceless after the 2016 elections to founding and running a nationwide Gen-Z-led, nonpartisan nonprofit to mobilize high school students to register to vote? “I was not going to wait. The impact of the elections affected my generation more than any other. We could do this hard thing not despite our age but because of our age,” said Jahnavi Rao about starting a movement at her high school that’s grown to over 500 chapters in 42 states.

“I was a music kid who got my track team and Science Olympiad friends and others to reach out with the message to register to vote — first to 25 kids, then 50, and ultimately registering 85% of the eligible students in three days. We went into homerooms, had sign-up clip boards at homecoming, created spreadsheet, sent texts. I even used the school directory to cold call parents to spread the word,” she continued.

The effort got press coverage and earned a Pennsylvania Governor’s Civic Engagement Award. High schools across the state reached out, wanting advice on replicating the program. “We created a copy-and-paste model of what to do,” Rao said. At 17, she expanded the high school club and founded a 501(c)(3) organization that now provides mentorship, toolkits and support to help students become voters and lifelong civic participants.

Then in 2018 the Parkland high school shooting in Florida left 17 dead and ignited nationwide activism among students. The push for voter registration efforts grew — spawning over 100 new Pennsylvania chapters of New Voters and causing Rao to take a leave from her studies at Harvard University during the pandemic to devote to nurturing the organization.

While most voter registration efforts focus on college students and other groups, Rao could see the possibilities of working with high school students. “High school is the last time when all young people are together for their last shared experiences,” said Rao. “Then 60% go off to college.”

“There are over 27,000 high schools in the country, over 1,200 public and private high schools in Pennsylvania, and over 40 in Chester County,” Rao rattled off the statistics. “That’s around 4 million new high school graduates in 2025 in the U.S. And since this country spends about $50 per student on STEM programs but only about $0.05 on civics education, there’s plenty to do.”

What were the challenges in growing New Voters, one of fewer than five groups focused on registering high school students? “We were lucky to have support from Conestoga High School teachers when we started. And one, Kathleen Walker, is still involved today. But I needed help with things like payroll, business tasks and fundraising,” said Rao. She drew on advisers like Blake Emmanuel at the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, and others from her Forbes “30 Under 30” network.

Rao has come a long way in her 25 years from the little girl who studied music at age 4 and dreamed of a career as a professional singer, then on to a college student with a music minor who studied opera in Italy. Luckily she was well prepared to take on a national stage.

What Advice for Your 18-Year-Old Self?

“‘Just send the email.’ 18-year-old me would take weeks to write an email. I’d send a draft to my dad for rounds of feedback, while the other person would get irritated waiting. The bigger lesson is not letting perfection get in the way of progress. I’m proud that now I send first drafts (after a read-through) and maintain a healthy level of revisions before I present something. I share this with the 18-year-olds at New Voters, urging them to save the anxiety and ‘just send the email’! New-Voters.org

Carrie Stare

President, LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County

“I’ve always been passionate about LGBTQ+ rights,” said 36-year-old Carrie Stare. “It’s a core part of who I am, and I want to make an impact for those in my community who aren’t as privileged as I am.”

Growing up in York, Stare was interested in history and politics from a young age, encouraged by her father. And after coming out at 13, she realized the work that needed to be done for LGBTQ+ equality — and the importance of a supportive community. “Coming out that young was a challenge,” she said. “I lost friends, people looked at me differently, but I had a few friends who stuck by me, and we’ve been inseparable since 6th grade.”

Stare credits her AP U.S. History teacher for guiding her and her classmates “to form our own thoughts, opinions and beliefs about what’s going on in the world.” She went on to study political science at Millersville University, where her leadership journey began as president of the school’s Amnesty International chapter. “That led me on a trajectory to change how my community is seen in the world, in the country and locally,” she said.

In 2014, Stare moved to Chester County. She instantly fell in love with the area — and wanted to get involved in the community. This led her to the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, a local nonprofit fostering inclusivity, wellbeing and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community.

Stare started volunteering and joined the board of directors in 2018. In 2022, she was asked to become president. It was no easy feat — the organization was deeply impacted by the pandemic. Unable to hold flagship events like PrideFest and the annual fundraising gala, the organization was struggling financially, and the board had just five members.

But Stare and her dedicated team orchestrated a comeback, growing the board to 15 members and quadrupling the organization’s income. Last year, the organization received its first-ever state grant for their new Mental Health Shortfall Fund, helping members of the local LGBTQ+ community access mental health care from affirming practitioners.

“President is a loaded title,” Stare said. “When we put out statements, the board helps me craft it, but it’s my name put out there first. It’s a lot of responsibility being out in the public eye.” It’s also a juggling act — keeping tabs on every committee and event, overseeing finances, strategic planning. She credits her board of directors for her success. “I could not do an ounce of what I do without them and their support, hard work and genuine desire to see the LGBTQ+ community in Chester County thrive.”

To young queer women, Stare advised, “If somebody tells you it’s not your time, don’t listen to them. We were making some fantastic strides but have seen some serious challenges to our rights. We need everyone we possibly can to step up. If you are ready, you can get involved.”

What Are You Listening To?

“I love ‘Throughline’ by NPR. It goes back in history to understand what’s going on today. And the ‘Making Gay History’ podcast covers parts of LGBTQ+ history that are being forgotten. We can’t afford to forget where we came from and what we’ve gone through, because without that we wouldn’t be here.”

 

Joi Washington

Mayor, Media Borough

When Media’s Mayor Bob McMahon announced his retirement after 33 years, there was one question on everyone’s mind: what — and who — comes next? Media residents answered that question emphatically last fall, when Joi Washington won 77% of the vote. In January, Washington was sworn in as Media’s first woman mayor and first mayor of color, ushering in a new era for Everybody’s Hometown.

Washington describes her upbringing in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood as very “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” — friends and family stopping by the house, nearby parks and shops, a close-knit community in a historic area. “It really shaped the type of environments that I appreciated growing up and enjoyed when I was living elsewhere,” she said.

It was here that her interest in politics began, too. A Moore College of Art & Design grad and graphic designer by trade, Washington discovered early that art was her favorite subject in school — but social studies came in a close second. Other formative influences include watching “Nick News” with Linda Ellerbee and running for treasurer in elementary school.

A job initially brought Washington to Media. In 2013, tired of the long commute from the city, she decided to move there. She was drawn to Media for many of the same reasons she loved Germantown: a tight-knit community and a walkable main street, for example.

Following the 2016 election, Washington got involved with the local Democratic committee. Her time canvassing inspired her to run for Borough Council in 2022. Pedestrian safety was a key issue in her campaign, and she delivered on that promise with the installation of a traffic circle and other calming measures on Jefferson Street.

As mayor, Washington describes her leadership style as compassionate, yet decisive. She’s committed to keeping the good of the town at the forefront of her decisions, while balancing the needs of both Borough residents and the business district. All in all, it’s a group effort. “People think that as the mayor, I’m the only decision-maker,” she said. “That’s not true, and I’m grateful for that. There’s staff, other council members. It’s a big team you end up working with.”

Of course, being mayor comes with challenges. “Some people would rather go to social media than straight to the source,” Washington said. “I try to remind them that if they do have issues, contact us directly.”

Washington measures her successes by the feedback she receives from constituents and visitors. “I met someone from Toronto a couple years back,” she recalled. “He said to me, ‘This place is amazing — keep it like this!’ Those meetings aren’t long encounters, but I keep them with me,” she said.

As for her vision for the future of Media? “More walkability, maybe with another pedestrian area like Plum Street Mall. Hopefully, the Trader Joe’s will still be here for residents and visitors. I hope we’ll have more frequent mass transit, more trees planted throughout the neighborhood, small businesses thriving and we’ll have affordable housing for seniors and more apartments and starter homes for new residents to still be known as Everybody’s Hometown.”

What Are You Reading Now?

“Former New Orleans mayor Marc Morial recently sent his book, ‘The Gumbo Coalition: 10 Leadership Lessons That Help You Inspire, Unite, and Achieve,’ to my office. I’ve been reading it almost every day. It has great advice for anybody who’s an elected official, business leader or employee. I wish I’d read it earlier!”

Javonna Wylie

President & CEO, Chester County OIC

When Javonna Wylie was a student at Peirce Middle School, a teacher signed up her group of friends to volunteer at a healthy snack convention at the Head Start center in Coatesville. None of Wylie’s friends wanted to go — and neither did she. When her mom got wind of it, she assured the teacher that Wylie would be there.

Reluctantly, Wylie volunteered at the event, the only one of her friends to do so. She made a poster and taught young kids about healthy snacks. “That was a turning point for me,” Wylie recalled. “It made me realize that I had purpose — that I could be a leader.”

And what a leader she became. A graduate of Shippensburg University’s social work program, 32-year-old Wylie is the president of the Chester County OIC, where she leads workforce and adult education initiatives for over 1,000 residents each year. She’s also president of the Chester County Human Resource Association, a member of the Coatesville NAACP, and serves on the Chester County Workforce Development Board and on the boards of the Transport Management Association of Chester County, 2nd Century Alliance and the Coatesville Area Public Library.

Having both wide and deep roots in the community is a key part of Wylie’s leadership style. “I do it because I love it, but it also creates space for me to be a connector, an influencer, a voice for a broader community that might not enter that room — and to bring it back to the OIC,” she explained. “I tell my team, ‘I’m not going to get all the answers by sitting in this building.’”

Sometimes these answers come from places you wouldn’t expect. One of Wylie’s proudest accomplishments is establishing the Work Enclave Program, an intensive five-week professional development program for adults. The initial funding came from a woman whom Wylie initially disagreed with politically, but soon found they shared many of the same values. With her backing, the program became a pipeline to livable-wage jobs for 50 people each year.

Wylie measures her success through her ability to remain innovative. “Even though we have the same mission, every few years we have to change — the job market changes, the economy changes, and the jobs here now might not be here tomorrow,” she explained.

But change doesn’t always come easy. Wylie admits she struggled with imposter syndrome when she first took on the role of president. At just 29, much of the OIC’s workforce was older, and she had to find a way to revitalize the organization while maintaining respect and trust. “We’ve grown so much and attracted new team members,” said Wylie. “A lot of the voices in the organization today reflect what we want to see tomorrow.”

Wylie encourages young women to be curious. “Be great at what you’re good at, but lean into what you don’t like, too,” she said. “Some of my favorite coalitions and boards I’ve been on have been the most uncomfortable — where I was the only woman, Black person or millennial. Lean into that discomfort and try everything.”

What Inspires You Lately?

“Case Kenny, a Chicago-based writer and podcaster, has a podcast called ‘New Mindset, Who Dis?’ It’s only ever 15 minutes long, so I always make time to listen to it. He has a really refreshing way of putting things into perspective in your own life and career. I hope to bring him to Chester County someday!”