Cindy Napier, Class of 2007
Director of Group Sales, The Greenbrier
“When I heard about LWV, I thought it would be a great way to “network” for business. I had heard wonderful things about the program and thought it would help me learn about other businesses and contacts throughout the state. I had grown up in West Virginia and I thought I knew a lot about our state until I went through the program. I received so much more!”
Amelia Courts
PRESIDENT/CEO, THE EDUCATION ALLIANCE
“Without the partnership of Leadership West Virginia, our WV Ready Graduate initiative could not reach as many students as it does across the state. Their collaboration allowed us to support more than 1,800 students last year in preparation for their next steps after high school.”
Jen Susman, Class of 2019
CO-FOUNDER & CO-CREATIVE DIRECTOR, 84 AGENCY
“We may all be working in different sectors and all have diverse backgrounds, but we share the same passion for our state. We all want to lend a hand in tackling some of our state’s most persistent challenges and want to be a generation of leaders who are working to develop opportunities and build a vibrant and exciting future for the place we call home.”
Avon Cobourne, Jr., Class of 2019
ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERSHIP DIRECTOR, YMCA OF KANAWHA VALLEY
“The healthcare session included a segment about the opioid epidemic and it made me realize that drug use is a statewide issue. Substance use disorder affects not only the people using drugs, but also the families. Grandparents, aunts and uncles are raising not only their own families, but other family members’ children as well.”
Rick & Cindy Wiseman, Class of 2017 and 2014
“Rick and I are fortunate to work for a company (AEP) that recognizes the important role that Leadership West Virginia plays in the professional and personal development of its employees. We’ve both had the pleasure of participating in LWV. I went through in 2014 and Rick in 2017, with full employer support. Many of the participants share in this type of employer encouragement and continued corporate assistance is essential to the growth and success of LWV. However, sometimes a person may not have the financial backing of their employer. That’s the beauty of the LWV scholarship program. We will never be able to repay what we gained through this program, but we can give back in a small way by contributing to the scholarship fund. We gave a major gift to support a scholarship so someone can enjoy the program as much as we did. We want to provide the opportunity for someone to make lasting friendships, gain business contacts, and see our beautiful state in ways not seen before by being part of the Leadership West Virginia experience. “
Mary Elisabeth Eckerson, Class of 2005
“I do not know of any other program that achieves such a high level of education and leadership development over an 8 month period like Leadership West Virginia.”
Brad Rowe, Class of 2013
“The networking and friendships I developed across the state continue to yield results. I will continue to encourage my co-workers and colleagues to apply for the program every year.”
Margi Bush, Class of 2011
“My continued involvement in LWV alumni activities ensures I meet another 55 people each year, and helps me stay connected to my classmates too.”
Bill and Pam Harvit, Class of 2015 & 2006
“You may think you know this great state, but until you experience Leadership West Virginia you’ve just scratched the surface!”