Live. Work. Play. Organize.

Emaleigh Doley brings over 15 years of experience creating transformative community initiatives in Philadelphia. Growing up in historic Germantown—with its legacy of activism, rich cultural heritage, and diverse community—profoundly shaped her approach to organizing and community development. As an organizer with expertise in economic development and social impact, she connects people, preserves heritage, and drives equitable change through innovative programs and strategic partnerships.

She has a vested interest in improving cities from the ground up, connecting government with citizens, and providing people working for socially progressive and fundamental change with the vital information they need to fuel their work.

A native Philadelphian, Emaleigh grew up in Germantown, where the streets are still lined with cobblestones. She attended high school in Havertown, a suburb just outside Philadelphia’s city limits. She spent five years in Washington, D.C., where she earned her BA in English from The George Washington University, studying film theory and African American history and culture alongside her major.

In 2005, she returned to Germantown, where she now lives with her wife Alison Crouse and their cat Millie.

PS: Yes, Emaleigh is pronounced just like Emily.

For fun, Emaleigh likes…

exploring cities, sitting by fountains, site-specific art and performances, outdoor sculpture and other public art, riding trains, clever tv, experimenting in the kitchen, live music (from the gospel blues of Sister Rosetta Tharpe to party man Prince, poet/rocker Patti Smith and the improvisational PHISH), the Jersey Shore, The X-Files, and great quotes: “I keep inside myself, in my private museum, everything I have seen and loved in my life.” – Andre Malraux

Germantown, Philadelphia

One of America’s oldest neighborhoods dating back to 1683, Germantown stands as a living testament to American history. This distinctive community is renowned for its pivotal role in the anti-slavery movement, its historic Revolutionary War battle, and its remarkable legacy as home to notable figures from the nation’s founding through to today’s vibrant creative scene. With its architectural treasures and rich cultural tapestry, it offers a rare blend of historical significance and contemporary vitality found nowhere else in Philadelphia. Check out Germantown United CDC and Historic Germantown to explore the neighborhood today.