Generation West Virginia (GWV), the statewide organization dedicated to equipping young West Virginians with the key skills and career opportunities they need to thrive in the Mountain State, proudly announces the GWV Fellowship Class of 2026. The GWV Fellowship is a leadership development training program for promising young professionals in West Virginia.
The Class of 2026 features a diverse group of young professionals across the state. Their backgrounds span a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, nonprofit, technology, and law. Selected through a rigorous process, these emerging leaders stand ready to develop their skills, forge meaningful connections, and contribute to the ongoing growth of the workforce in West Virginia.
Over the course of the year, Fellows will attend nine sessions, including five in-person and four virtual, where they will learn from industry leaders while honing a valuable skill set that will accelerate their professional track and empower them to grow within their industries.
“The GWV Fellowship is more than a program — it’s a commitment to the future of West Virginia,” said Tracy Samples, Interim Executive Director of Generation West Virginia. “When we invest in emerging leaders and connect them to meaningful work, strong networks, and a sense of belonging, we’re not just retaining talent — we’re building communities where people can thrive and lead for the long term.”
The GWV Fellowship was created to prioritize retaining and developing young talent in West Virginia. Data shows that most young adults are looking for professional development opportunities. As West Virginia has lost more than 68,000 college graduates within the last decade, Generation West Virginia recognized the need to provide pathways to success for young professionals. By offering a structured leadership development program like the GWV Fellowship, Generation West Virginia aims to address this challenge. The outcomes speak volumes: 100% of participants in the previous Fellowship class reported significant growth in their professional network, relevant skills, and meaningful connections within West Virginia.
“Welcoming the Class of 2026 we are reminded that young West Virginians are not just thinking about their future, they’re actively building it,” said Scotty Stone, Fellowship Program Manager at Generation West Virginia. “This cohort brings together a wide range of experiences, talents, and ambitions, and building on their momentum and capitalizing on that energy is exactly what will continue moving our state forward.”
The GWV Fellowship Class of 2026 includes:
- Carleigh Abbott — Individual Giving Specialist, Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences
- Shahid Ali — IT Systems Integration Specialist, Marshall University
- Oscar Barajas — Senior Operator, Expand Energy
- Sarah Carr — Southern Programs Manager, Goodwill Industries of the Summit
- Kurtis Dennison — Program Coordinator, West Virginia University
- Amanda Dunfee — Director of Nursing, Wheeling Hospital
- Marissa Galloway — Provider Relations Recruitment Specialist, Vandalia Health
- Ashley Martinez — Women’s Health Physical Therapist, WVU Medicine
- Jordan McMinn — Legal Counsel, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
- Armon Milner — Computer Information Specialist, BridgeValley Community and Technical College
- Stefanie Moore — Director of Marketing and Communication, Pierpont Community and Technical College
- Bailey Morgan — Program Director / 211 Community Resource Specialist, United Way Greenbrier Valley
- Ethan Nally — Production Lease Operator, Expand Energy
- Kirstyn Ooten — Program Coordinator, Appalachian Center for Equality
- Kenzie Roland — Planner, City of Huntington
- Andrew Sanders — Teller and Cash Vault Supervisor, C&O Federal Credit Union
- Maddi Seavy — Associate Director, United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley
- Kayla Sleboda — Substance Abuse Disorder Case Manager, Goodwill Industries of the Summit
- Lauren Wheeler-Hollis — Program Manager Analyst, City of Huntington
The success of the GWV Fellowship is made possible through a combination of participant tuition and the generous support of philanthropic partners committed to keeping young talent in West Virginia. Corporate sponsors and individual donors play a critical role in ensuring this leadership development opportunity remains accessible and impactful across the state. To explore sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about the program, visit generationwv.org/fellowship.
About Generation West Virginia:
Generation West Virginia equips young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. By connecting young adults with resources, opportunities, and each other through their workforce development initiatives, GWV is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia for generations to come. To learn more, visit www.generationwv.org.