About

Luann Dagostino is a small business owner, community advocate, and longtime Newark-area resident running for State Representative to fight for safer communities, strong public schools, and an economy that works for working families.

For more than 30 years, Luann has built her life in Delaware—building a family , running a business, and giving back to the community she calls home.

Rooted in Delaware

Originally from Philadelphia, Luann came to Delaware as a student at Archmere Academy and quickly fell in love with the First State. She made Delaware her permanent home in 1990 and has lived in the Newark area for over three decades. Today, she resides in Cotswold Hills with her husband, Doug Manley, and their three rescued golden retrievers, Bella, Margarita, and Indiana.

From Engineer to Entrepreneur

Luann’s career began in engineering, earning an associate degree in Electrical Engineering and later a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management. She was recruited directly to Hewlett-Packard, where she broke barriers as one of the few women engineers in her field. There, she managed major accounts, negotiated multi-million-dollar agreements, and earned recognition for her leadership and innovation.

After 15 successful years, Luann made the bold decision to start a new chapter—one that would allow her to build something of her own.

Small Business Owner & Community Builder

In 2006, Luann opened Take The Lead Dance Studio, transforming her lifelong passion for dance into a thriving small business. What began as a modest studio grew into a vibrant community hub, welcoming dancers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds—including beginners, competitive dancers, and wheelchair dancers.

Luann built more than a business—she built a space where people could connect, grow, and belong. Under her leadership, the studio became a regional destination and a training home for the University of Delaware Ballroom Team.

Her experience navigating economic challenges, including rebuilding after the pandemic, gives her firsthand understanding of what small businesses need to survive and thrive.

Overcoming Adversity

In 2011, Luann was diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease. Forced to step away in 2015 from the business she loved, she focused on her health and recovery.

Through years of determination, she fought her way back—and in 2023, returned to reclaim ownership of her studio and rebuild it after the pandemic. Today, the business is thriving once again.

That experience shaped Luann’s belief that healthcare must be accessible, affordable, and centered on people—not profit—and strengthened her resilience, perspective, and commitment to serving others.

Community Leadership & Service

Luann has dedicated her life to service and civic engagement. She has held leadership roles within the local Democratic Party, including serving as Vice Chair of Representative District 22 and as a committee member in District 23.

She has volunteered with organizations such as Read Aloud Delaware, Big Sisters, ChristianaCare, and Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, and has been an active advocate for public education as a board member of Friends of Christina School District.

Luann was also deeply involved with PAWS for People for over 17 years, working as part of a therapy dog team supporting children, hospital patients, inmates, and community members in need. She became a trainer and evaluator, helping others form therapy teams and expand the program’s impact while also driving the organization's growth as a Board member.

In recognition of her service, Luann received the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award and the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center Community Service Excellence Award.

A Leader on Gun Safety

Motivated by rising gun violence, Luann became a leader with Moms Demand Action, where she worked to elect candidates who support common-sense gun safety laws and helped advance meaningful legislation in Delaware.

She has testified in support of gun safety measures, bringing a unique and credible voice as both an advocate and a responsible gun owner. Her leadership helped elect an unprecedented number of Gun Sense candidates across the state.

Why She’s Running

Luann is running for State Representative because she believes Delaware families deserve leadership that is present, accountable, and unafraid to take on tough challenges.

From strengthening public education and supporting small businesses to reducing gun violence and protecting fundamental rights, Luann is committed to delivering real results for her community.

She’s spent her life building community, advocating for others, and getting things done—and she’s ready to bring that same leadership to Dover.