Generation West Virginia is a statewide network of young talent organizations established to serve as a source of action and a voice for young talent across the Mountain State. The group represents the current and future generation of young leaders who want to contribute to our state’s present and future success with energy, ideas, collaboration, and most importantly action.

We aim to accomplish our mission by:

  • Identifying and advancing the interests of young people, age 21 – 45, in West Virginia
  • Promoting the growth and success of local young talent organizations in West Virginia
  • Helping to make West Virginia a great place to live, work and play
  • Improving West Virginia’s image internally and externally

The statewide organization works to retain, attract, and advance young talent in West Virginia to make the state a destination for young leaders and professionals to live, work, and be actively involved. We are working to combat the state’s historic "brain drain", which refers to young talent leaving the state and region to find employment, career, social and other opportunities. We are cultivating and engaging young talent through five focus areas, coordinated by the following subcommittees:

  • Leadership Development, which plans and implements the annual West Virginia Young Leaders Conference
  • Economic Development, which examines the interests of young talent in order to recruit, retain and advance the group's mission
  • Legislative and Policy, which identifies issues that are top priorities to young talent in West Virginia and presents finding to the state's decision makers
  • Best Practices and Outreach, that provides assistance to existing and forming young talent organizations
  • Statewide Image and Marketing, which promotes Generation West Virginia and its regional talent organizations

Over the past four years, Generation West Virginia has built momentum and gained the support and attention of leaders throughout the state. Some of the recognition and support include:

  • Creation of the Governor's Council of Young Professionals, a group of representatives from each of Generation West Virginia's regional group that meets quarterly with the Governor to provide their perspective on current issues
  • Grant support from Wal-Mart, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and corporate sponsors
  • Hosting of the 2008, 2009 and 2010 West Virginia Young Leaders Conference
  • Successful partnerships with Vision Shared, Inc., the West Virignia Chamber of Commerce, Create WV, The State Journal and others to support our mission

Today, Generation West Virignia works hand-in-hand with 12 regional talent organizations across the state to advance the interests of young people; promote the growth and success of local young talent organizations; retain, attract and advance young talent; help make West Virginia a great place to live, work and play; and improve the Mountain State’s image internally and externally.