Across West Virginia, a new generation of leaders is rising, rooted in their communities, fueled by purpose, and redefining what it means to build a future in the Mountain State. During the Spotlight on Emerging Leaders panel at GWV’s inaugural Pathways to Progress conference, one message came through loud and clear: West Virginia doesn’t have to be a place you leave to succeed; it can be the place where you lead.
Young people are critical to the future of West Virginia. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Millennials and Gen Z will make up more than 60% of the country’s labor force by 2030.
Staying to Lead, Not Leaving to Succeed
For too long, young West Virginians have been told that opportunity lies elsewhere. But panelists like Megan Bishop, assistant director at Williamson Health and Wellness Center, and Jason Markle, a tech lead at Inspection Go, are proving that’s not the case. Megan shared how she built her career, earning advanced degrees, growing into a leadership role, and planting roots, all within West Virginia. “You don’t have to leave to lead,” she told the crowd. “Sometimes the opportunity is right where you are.”
Jason echoed that sentiment, noting how disjointed professional networks are finally beginning to connect thanks to efforts like Generation West Virginia. “This is the first time I’ve seen real growth like this in my lifetime,” he said. “We finally have the chance to build something sustainable… together.”
Mentorship Is the Secret to Momentum
Each panelist pointed to the power of mentorship as a defining force in their growth. Whether it was a senior software developer helping make sense of imposter syndrome or a seasoned grant writer walking someone through the basics, the message was clear: intentional mentorship creates momentum.
Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal. As Cassidy Riley of Coalfield Development put it: “Find a young person you work with, take them to coffee, ask about their path.” These human connections are where learning, growth, and belonging take root.
Redefining Success and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome was a common thread in the panelists’ stories. Lindsay Clagg, now a lead engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton, described it as “a crisis of faith in oneself,” a feeling too many West Virginians know all too well. Her message? Confidence can be built, and self-limiting beliefs can be unlearned.
“We have an epidemic on our hands,” she said, “and that epidemic is people not believing they’re capable. We need to be the ones to remind them.”
Investing in Local Talent, Building Local Futures
The panelists urged employers and institutions to invest in what’s already here. Fair pay, growth opportunities, leadership roles, and meaningful community all play a role in keeping talent rooted.
Panelists cited the transformative impact of programs like Generation West Virginia’s Fellowship and NewForce, which provide immersive, skills-based training and statewide connections. These programs are designed not only to prepare people for jobs but to help them thrive as leaders in their own right.
For Young People Ready to Lead: Here’s How to Start
Whether you’re early in your career or looking to step into community leadership, here are a few ways young West Virginians can take the next step:
Get Involved in Local Leadership
- Attend city council or school board meetings
- Volunteer for local boards or commissions
- Explore internships with the West Virginia Legislature
- Consider running for local office
Seek Out Mentorship
- Reach out to someone you admire and ask for a coffee conversation
- Seek out Industry-specific mentorship opportunities and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself
- Join regional networks like Up Next Charlie West (Charleston), Why Don’t You Stay A While (Wheeling), or other local networking opportunities
Invest in Your Professional Growth
- Apply to programs like the Generation WV Fellowship or NewForce
- Ask supervisors or peers for feedback and support
- Ask for stretch projects or leadership opportunities at work
Build Community as You Grow
- Start or join a community initiative—real leadership often begins at the grassroots level
- Collaborate across sectors to share ideas and support
- Celebrate others—lifting others up strengthens your own voice
A Hopeful, Rooted Future
The future of West Virginia’s workforce is not just hopeful, it’s here. It’s in the young leaders who are choosing to stay, grow, and give back. It’s in the shared understanding that mentorship is essential, community is powerful, and belief in people is non-negotiable.
As Cassidy put it so simply and powerfully: “The workforce of West Virginia’s future is skilled, rooted, and ready… and I’m proud to be a part of that story.”