Generation West Virginia (GWV) is proud to announce the graduation of the GWV Fellowship Class of 2023 that took place on December 2 in a ceremony held in Charleston. This leadership development training program for young professionals gave Fellows the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals across West Virginia, from the Northern Panhandle down to the Southern Coalfields.
The GWV Fellowship, known for its commitment to cultivating leadership in young professionals across various industries, has successfully equipped these Fellows with the skills, knowledge, and community support essential for building fulfilling lives and advancing their careers within the state.
One of the program’s participants is Krislyn Holden, a 27-year-old marketing and administrative coordinator for the Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation. Holden was thrilled to be selected for the Class of 2023, seeing it as an opportunity to hone skills she could apply to her current role.
“I am so thankful that I got out of my comfort zone and applied for the GWV Fellowship. It has been a wonderful experience connecting with professionals across the state, enhancing skills used in my career, experiencing West Virginia to the fullest, and best of all, getting to know my fellowship class,”said Holden. “They have become my biggest supporters.”
The GWV Fellowship Class of 2023:
- Alexandria Fansler – NASA IV&V, Program Analyst
- Amna Haque – WV Perinatal Partnership, Project Assistant for Substance Use During Pregnancy
- Baleigh Epperly – Coalfield Development, Associate Director of Creative Reuse
- Bethany Buckner – Prestera Center, Inc., Program Director: WV Regional Partnership Grant
- Brandon Cordle – Core10, Implementation Manager
- Clayton Harkins – Associate, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
- Emily Maguire – WVU Medicine, Reynolds Memorial Hospital, Director of Laboratory Services
- Jamon Schmidt – Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Content Manager
- Jason Delong – The Health Plan of West Virginia, Supervisor, Provider Data Quality
- Jessica Basagic – Pendleton Community Bank, Training and Development Specialist
- Jessica Lilley – WVU Medicine, Wheeling Hospital, Mammographer
- Johnna Bailey – National Young Farmers Coalition, Associate Development Director
- Krislyn Holden – Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation, Marketing and Administrative Coordinator
- Lily Hicks – WV Department of Commerce, Marketing Manager
- Madison Stone – Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley, Executive Assistant to the CEO
- Matthew (Dylan) Bishop – InspectionGo, Software Engineer
- Megan Bishop – Williamson Health and Wellness Center, Assistant Director/Professional Counselor
- Nicole Dias – Coalfield Development, Conservation Coordinator
- Sarah Short – United Way of the River Cities, Resource Development Coordinator
- Sarah-Frances Lyon – Small Business Owner – Edit With SF
- Sean Cottrill – Pickering Associates, Structural Engineer
- Treasure Barberich-Wyckoff – West Virginia University, Administrative Assistant
- Vincent DeGeorge – Stone International, Small Business Owner
- William (Billy) Lacek – West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Charleston Office, Geologist III
Generation West Virginia is proud to have played a role in these graduates’ professional growth and looks forward to seeing the positive impact they will make on the state’s future. Employers are encouraged to consider sponsoring their young professionals for the GWV Fellowship, contributing to their growth and the development of a vibrant workforce in the state.
“As an employer committed to nurturing the potential of our young talent, sponsoring employees for the GWV Fellowship has proven to be a game-changer,” said Jessica Rine, Associate Vice President of Foundation & Community Relations for WVU Medicine. “Our selected Fellows from WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial have not only gained vital skills and knowledge, but have also elevated their confidence, expanded their networks, and instilled a deeper appreciation for the state.”
This program not only creates a network of young leaders but also contributes to the retention of young talent, enriching the state’s workforce and community.
Applications for the Class of 2024 are now open. For more information about the GWV Fellowship, please visit generationwv.org/fellowship.
About Generation West Virginia
Generation West Virginia is the statewide organization dedicated to attracting, retaining, and advancing young people in the Mountain State. The organization accomplishes this by connecting young people to jobs and opportunities in the Mountain State; providing accessible programs and educational tools that empower and inspire young leaders; developing and sustaining an activated, diverse network of young people; and identifying and communicating the priorities, motivations, and needs of the next generation of West Virginians. For more information, visit generationwv.org.