York native Carrie Stare is the President of the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, where the highlight of her role is making the LGBTQ+ community members feel safe and included in the community.

“This role entails overseeing the board and all of our programming and events,” said Stare. “Since we are an all-volunteer organization, I do a little of everything, but those are my primary roles.”

Stare fondly remembers her first job at the age of 15, stating that she worked at a candy store in the mall.

“My mom’s friend was the owner, and it was such an easy first job to learn customer service,” she said.

Stare graduated in 2007 from Central York High School and got her bachelor’s degree in political science
from Millersville University. After taking some time off from school, she completed her master’s degree in public
administration at West Chester University, graduating in May 2021.

“Since then I have taken the time to complete certifications on Coursera, and I’m currently working on my project management certificate,” said Stare.

Stare credits her partner, Danielle, as being an unwavering pillar of support in her career.

“She pushes me to do my best every day, take chances, and stand up for what I believe in even when it’s not the easiest option,” said Stare.

With the support of her partner behind her and her own determination to support the LBGTQ+ community, Stare states that her proudest professional accomplishment is, by far, the growth that the LGBT Equality Alliance has gone through since she became its President in September 2022.

“I have been on the board since 2018, and we lost much of our momentum during COVID, which was difficult to experience,” she said. “I made a promise to the board and the LGBTQ+ community that we would expand our partnerships, programming, and events; we’ve done exactly that. We went from having only our two support groups to having eight different programs, four major events every year, and we started a scholarship fund again. We have also begun partnering with more organizations across the county, including Chester County Food Bank, Chester County History Center, and Chester County Library to name a few.”

While Stare admits there are plenty of amazing restaurants in Chester County, her favorite tamale and taco spot is Restaurant Y Panderia Phoenix.

Stare and the rest of the 2024 Class of VISTA Millennial Superstars will be honored at the Awards Reception & Celebration on Thursday, May 9 at Penn State Great Valley, Malvern.

Sponsors are still being sought. Click here to learn more about the various opportunities available to partner with VISTA Today as it celebrates Chester County’s next generation of leaders, or contact Steve Knickerbocker at steve.knickerbocker@acj.today or 484-437-2826.