Two Lehigh Valley executives whose leadership has improved their communities and positioned them as role models were among three dozen women across Pennsylvania who were recognized recently for their achievements and service. 
Jaime Whalen, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC), and Lauren Graves, Senior Advisor, Government Relations at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., were named to this year’s City & State Pennsylvania Above & Beyond list.
They were among the recipients honored during a gala at the Cescaphe Ballroom in Philadelphia on March 31, for making significant contributions to society in business, public service, media, nonprofit, and organized labor.
“As they shape Pennsylvania's future across myriad sectors, these women are now mentors themselves, cultivating the next generation of leaders through professional and civic engagement,” wrote City & State Pennsylvania, a monthly print and digital magazine distributed to a statewide audience of decision makers in business, education, and government.
Whalen joined LVEDC in 2013. City & State Pennsylvania recognized her as a key player in driving regional economic growth – Lehigh Valley was named the top mid-sized market in the U.S. for economic development in 2025, and the region is at all-time highs in Gross Domestic Product and employment.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and the people who have supported my growth along the way,” Whalen said. “I’ve learned that advancing women in leadership is a shared responsibility—progress happens when organizations recognize talent, create pathways, and champion strong leadership across the team. I’m proud to contribute to that kind of culture at LVEDC.”
She is responsible for developing LVEDC’s organizational strategy, providing leadership and building relationships to ensure the nonprofit’s operations align with its mission.
Her role includes managing operations which includes human resources, information systems, and financial functions including accounting, auditing, and corporate finance.
She works with the President and CEO in developing and executing LVEDC’s fundraising strategy and managing investor relations, as well as Board of Directors relations and corporate governance. Whalen has helped to boost investment and sponsorship by 35%.
She also oversees LVEDC’s finance group that provides staffing to several economic development organizations, offering access to credit and incentives available through the economic development community.
Whalen previously worked at the Northampton County Department of Community and Economic Development for three years, and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 12 years.
Graves has worked at Air Products, one of LVEDC’s leading private-sector investors, for more than two decades.
She currently leads political and regulatory strategy and steers community and stakeholder partnerships. Her work has included efforts to support major hydrogen, energy, and infrastructure projects critical to regional and statewide economic development.
Graves mentors women entrepreneurs, teaches ballet, and volunteers with Lehigh Valley organizations including the American Heart Association-Eastern Pennsylvania, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, and Habitat for Humanity. She has chaired the Downtown Allentown Business Alliance and was named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year by the Allentown Chamber of Commerce.
“Early in my career, there were few women in senior external‑facing roles, which reinforced my commitment to mentorship and ensuring more women have access to influence and decision‑making spaces,” she told City & State. “Over time, I’ve seen meaningful progress: greater representation, stronger networks, and more recognition of women’s collaborative leadership strengths.”