Happy Women’s History Month! In honor of March being Women’s History Month, we had the amazing opportunity to interview an inspiring woman in leadership, Barbara Manning. As the VP of Marketing & Communications for The Junior League of Philadelphia and the Marketing & Communications Manager at BLBB Advisors, Manning is an empowering and inspiring leader among women. Read below to learn more about Manning’s motivations, volunteerism, and passion for empowering women.
PPRG: Can you tell us a bit about your career background and what motivated you to pursue the Marketing & Communications field?
Barbara: During my time at the University of Maryland, I discovered a passion for marketing through several transformative classes that opened my eyes to the power of brand storytelling and strategic communication. This initial spark led me on an exciting professional journey through public relations and advertising, ultimately bringing me to a dynamic career in marketing. After graduating, I began my career in public relations, then transitioned to advertising in New York City. Returning to the Philadelphia area, I focused on marketing outdoor products like beach and camping chairs, which allowed me to develop a versatile marketing skill set. Today, I’ve evolved my expertise into the financial industry, continuing to leverage my strategic communication skills in a new and challenging environment.
PPRG: As VP of Marketing & Communications for The Junior League of Philadelphia and the Marketing & Communications Manager at BLBB Advisors, how do you balance and align your responsibilities to drive success for both organizations?
Barbara: My involvement with The Junior League of Philadelphia, Inc. (JLP) since 2019 has been more than just a volunteer opportunity—it’s a passionate commitment. The supportive environment of the organization has been instrumental in helping me maintain a healthy work-life balance. I strategically allocate my time and energy, concentrating on my BLBB Advisors responsibilities during work hours and dedicating evenings and weekends to the JLP initiatives. What makes this dual commitment truly enriching is the synergy between my professional and volunteer roles. Many marketing principles are transferable, allowing me to cross-pollinate strategies and insights between the two organizations. This approach not only enhances my effectiveness but also provides unique perspectives that drive success in both arenas.
PPRG: Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the achievements and resilience among women. How does The Junior League of Philadelphia empower women, encouraging the advancement of leadership among women?
Barbara: Philadelphia is a transformative platform for women’s leadership development. By providing comprehensive training, robust networking opportunities, and meaningful volunteer experiences, the JLP actively advances women’s leadership potential. Our mission is clear: to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training.
PPRG: The Junior League’s initiatives make a great community impact in Philadelphia. How does your volunteerism with The Junior League of Philadelphia impact you personally?
Barbara: My journey with the JLP began with a simple desire to become more involved in community service—an aspect of my life that felt incomplete. Over time, the experience has been profoundly transformative. By embracing leadership development opportunities and engaging in community volunteering, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of personal fulfillment. Each volunteer experience reinforces my belief in the power of collective action. The ability to make a tangible, positive difference in the world is incredibly rewarding, providing not just professional growth but also a profound sense of personal satisfaction and purpose.
PPRG: Marketing is often a blend of tradition and innovation. How do you embrace new trends while remaining true to a company’s core identity and mission, ensuring innovation doesn’t compromise the values and principles that define the organization?
Barbara: In the dynamic world of marketing, innovation is constant. However, successful marketing isn’t about chasing every trend, but strategically integrating new approaches while maintaining the core essence of a brand. The key is to always keep the marketing objective in sharp focus and maintain a crystal-clear understanding of the target audience. This approach ensures that while we embrace innovation, we never lose sight of the fundamental values and principles that define an organization. It’s a delicate balance of being current and authentic.
PPRG: How do you empower other women within The Junior League of Philadelphia or the wider professional community? Are there any initiatives or practices that really help create an inclusive environment for women?
Barbara: The Junior League of Philadelphia is deeply committed to creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity. We provide our members with comprehensive leadership and development opportunities, empowering them to become leaders not just within the League, but in broader community contexts. By investing in women’s professional growth and providing platforms for skill development, we’re actively breaking down barriers and creating pathways for women to excel in leadership roles.
PPRG: What women leaders have you admired in your career? How have you felt that their trailblazing has paved the way for you and others?
Barbara: I deeply admire leaders like Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO, who has been a trailblazer in advocating for work-life balance and addressing gender disparities in the tech industry. Similarly, Reese Witherspoon has been instrumental in using her platform to amplify marginalized voices and drive positive change for women. These women exemplify how leadership can be a powerful tool for systemic transformation, inspiring future generations to break barriers and create meaningful impact.
PPRG: As a female leader in the Marketing and Communications field, What advice would you give to those aspiring to work in leadership roles?
Barbara: To excel in leadership, dedication is paramount. Focus on developing exceptional communication skills, practice active listening, and remain open to constructive feedback. Leading by example means embracing challenges, managing conflicts productively, and maintaining a commitment to continuous learning. Create collaborative environments where every team member feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Leadership is not about personal glory, but about lifting others and collectively achieving extraordinary results.
PPRG: What do you hope to see among the next generation of female leaders?
Barbara: I envision a future led by strong, compassionate women who are unafraid to speak up, challenge existing norms, and drive meaningful change. The next generation of female leaders should be characterized by their courage, empathy, and unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
PPRG: What’s a campaign or project you’re particularly fond of and why?
Barbara: One of our most cherished initiatives at the JLP is our social media leadership spotlights. By highlighting and celebrating our leaders, we accomplish two crucial objectives: we make our current leaders feel recognized and appreciated, while simultaneously introducing our vibrant community to the remarkable individuals driving our mission forward. These spotlights are more than just posts—they’re a celebration of women’s leadership, achievements, and potential.
Its truly amazing to hear about how Manning has been able to influence and empower women both through The Junior League of Philadelphia and throughout her career. The impact that she has been able to make through the JLP, encouraging women leadership is truly inspiring. Learn more about how The Junior League of Philadelphia is making an impact by working to advance women’s leadership in the Philadelphia community through training, volunteerism, and action by visiting, JLPhiladelphia.org.
