She’s already doing it.

She hasn’t waited for permission. She hasn’t waited until she’s older, more established, or more ready. She’s already leading, building, and blooming — right now, in your community — in places she was never supposed to grow.

She’s under 24. And she is a Young Woman of Influence. Just like Nava Khojasteh, pictured above, Main Line Parent’s first Young Woman of Influence in 2025.

This year, Main Line Parent will recognize one extraordinary young woman from our community as part of our 2026 Daring to Bloom Women of Influence Awards. She will be honored alongside our Women of Influence Award Winners at our Luncheon at Terrain Devon this fall — and she and a close family member or mentor will be invited to attend as our guests. (Save the date: Thursday, September 24, 2026.)

Why This Award Matters

The Daring to Bloom theme was made for her.

The dandelion doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It blooms in hard ground, in cracked pavement, in places no one expected it to take root. That’s the young woman we’re looking for — the one who is already changing her community before the world has fully caught up to who she is.

When we recognize her now, we send a message to every young girl watching: you don’t have to wait. You are already influential.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal nominee is a young woman who:

• Is under age 24 — middle school, high school, college student, young entrepreneur, or nonprofit leader
• Lives or has significant impact in: Main Line, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Chester County
• Has created or holds a leadership role in a local business, nonprofit, or community initiative
• Demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit and measurable community impact
• Embodies the same qualities we celebrate in our Women of Influence Award Winners: drive, determination, resilience, and the ability to inspire others

What Makes a Great Nominee?

We’re seeking young women who are:

🌱 The Brave Starter — She launched something. A business, a nonprofit, a movement, an idea. Before anyone told her she could.

🌱 The Community Builder — She identified a need in her community and did something about it. She didn’t wait for someone else to fix it.

🌱 The Resilient Leader — She has faced setbacks, navigated hard ground, and kept going. She blooms anyway.

🌱 The Next Generation — She is living proof that influence has no age requirement.

A Note on How This Works

One Young Woman of Influence will be selected per publication — one for Main Line Parent, one for Philadelphia Family, one for Bucks County Parent. Our team reads every nomination carefully. We’re not counting votes. We’re looking for a brave story.

Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. If you are a young woman who is Daring to Bloom — tell us your story.

The women-led local businesses and nonprofit organizations in our tribe as Main Line Parent Members inspired this “Women of Influence” initiative. Photo by AMC Photography.

Goals: Main Line Parent Women of Influence Awards 

Unite Positive Culture Influencers – Brave Women Who Are Changing Their Communities

The Main Line Parent Women of Influence Awards are designed to acknowledge and amplify the influence exceptional local women have in our Community, showcasing their accomplishments and encouraging others to follow their example. 

These influencers have the power to shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors on a large scale. By coming together, we will amplify their impact and create a collective force for positive change. Together, we can challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and inspire meaningful dialogue that leads to transformative action. We believe the unity of these positive culture influencers will provide a beacon of hope, reminding us that change is possible when we work together.

2. Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion

The Main Line Parent team wants to encourage nominations of women from all walks of life, representing a wide range of professions, ages, ethnicities, and communities. By honoring women from diverse backgrounds, we will highlight the strength and resilience of the entire community.

This woman-focused initiative intends an inclusive definition of women. We are welcoming and respectful of women, including trans women and those who are nonbinary, gender non-conforming, and anyone who identifies as a woman in a way that is significant to them. We also welcome allies who are committed to creating environments that are supportive of people who are typically underrepresented in the workplace and beyond.

3. Empower Women and Future Generations

When we recognize and celebrate women’s accomplishments, we send a powerful message to future generations. By shining a spotlight on Women of Influence, we will inspire young girls and women to dream bigger, work harder, and strive for excellence in their chosen fields. We

Eligibility Criteria: Main Line Parent Young Woman of Influence Awards

1. She has demonstrated a strong drive and determination to achieve her goals and succeed in her endeavors.

2. She is inspiring and motivating to those around her. She is willing to make tough decisions and drive her mission towards success while uplifting others and giving back to the community.

3. She has been resilient in the face of setbacks and obstacles. We want to feature women who have bounced back from failures, learned from their experiences, and leveraged them as stepping stones toward success.

4. The Women of Influence events are open to women+ as attendees only. (Women+ welcomes all gender identities that align with our women-focused mission).