At May 8th’s Pathways to Progress Conference, hosted by Generation West Virginia, one message rang loud and clear: building a strong, future-ready workforce in West Virginia is about more than filling jobs—it requires bold ideas, intentional collaboration, and meaningful support at every level.
Held in Charleston, the statewide conference brought together employers, educators, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and young professionals for a day of insight-driven conversations about the future of work in West Virginia.
“When you have policy, higher education, and nonprofits working together to shape the moment, you really do have a competitive advantage,” said Jared Brown of Microsoft. “West Virginia is primed to become a national leader.”
Throughout the day, sessions highlighted actionable strategies, systemic challenges, and innovative ideas to move West Virginia forward:
- Workforce Funding: Leaders discussed how state-backed incentives, training programs, and educational investments can help businesses grow talent from within.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Speakers shared bold solutions for attracting, training, and retaining workers by aligning innovation, entrepreneurship, and community support.
- Emerging Leaders: Young professionals were celebrated for driving change and redefining success across West Virginia’s communities.
- Future Technologies: Experts explored how artificial intelligence is already transforming industries—and the urgent need to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow’s jobs.
- Support Structures: Real-world conversations tackled the essential role of housing, child care, internships, and wraparound services in helping workers thrive.
Generation WV extends its sincere gratitude to all of the sponsors who helped make the inaugural Pathways to Progress conference a success. A special note of thanks goes to our Premier Sponsor, Wing 2 Wing Foundation, for their generous support and shared commitment to building a future-ready workforce in West Virginia. Their leadership and investment in this event helped bring together changemakers from across the state to engage in meaningful conversations and inspire forward momentum.
“Supporting the Generation WV Pathways to Progress Conference was an easy decision for Wing 2 Wing. We believe in investing in the future of West Virginia by empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators. This conference brought together bright minds, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient workforce. It was an inspiring day, and we were proud to play a role in helping move the state forward.” — Max Knapp, Managing Director, Wing 2 Wing Foundation
The conference, which marked Generation WV’s first workforce summit of its kind, was designed to spark dialogue and drive results. As one attendee shared, “You could feel the energy in the room. So many people from different backgrounds came together with one goal—to move West Virginia forward. It gave me a lot of hope.”
Another participant added, “This conference tackled the real challenges we face as a state. It was refreshing to be part of a space where collaboration was prioritized over competition, and where innovation was more than just a buzzword—it was the focus.”
Generation WV Executive Director Alex Weld expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors, speakers, and attendees.
“This conference was just the beginning,” Weld said. “The work ahead is big, but West Virginians are ready. We’ve started the conversation. Now it’s time to take action.”
Photos, video recaps, and post-event updates are available at:
https://generationwv.org/pathways-to-progress
A date for the 2026 conference will be announced soon.
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.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Jen Iskow
Marketing & Communications Manager
Generation West Virginia
[email protected]