Virginia Tech’s Reynolds Homestead hosted its annual regional Women Impact Virginia event on Wednesday, July 10. Nearly three dozen women from across the region attended and participated in networking, open conversation, and a panel discussion around the theme “Rooted in Rural.”
The discussion was facilitated by Olivia Bailey, community liaison officer at the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, and featured three panel speakers: Kiana Dillard, work-based learning coordinator at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research; Santana Lawson, learning and development manager at Primland Resort; and Tamika Tali, full spectrum doula in the Southwest Virginia area. Participants explored a wide range of topics around leading and serving in rural communities. The morning closed with time for networking and tours of the historic home at the Reynolds Homestead.
After the discussion, participants were the first to learn about keynote speakers for October’s annual Women Impact Virginia Summit, hosted this year at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg. The summit will feature a diverse array of speakers sharing their personal stories of triumphs and challenges, offering invaluable advice and resources to foster confidence, and discussing how to build influence both at work and in the community. Kim B Miller, poet, author, speaker and facilitator, will open the summit with actionable advice to find true purpose and turn challenges into opportunities, using her words to connect people to their strengths. Following a full day of breakout sessions and panel discussions, Chef T will close the day with a conversation about her journey to becoming a decorated and respected Chef within the food service industry. Inspired by her deep connection to her roots and her desire to bridge the gap between the family and farm, Chef T has embarked on a mission to create a dining experience that celebrates the African diaspora’s rich flavors while incorporating Appalachian seasonal ingredients and her professional flair.
The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce provided financial support to bring Women Impact Virginia: Rooted in Rural to the community at no cost to participants or employers. Rebecca Adcock, executive director of Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, is a former panelist, and when asked to reflect on the “Rooted in Rural” theme stated, “Rooted in Rural doesn’t imply that we are stagnant, it means that we know where we come from and use the resources that we have available to continue to reach toward the sun.”
More information about the regional event, and details for the summit in October can be found on the Reynolds Homestead website.
