Eliza Siefert, a 2022 WVU graduate and Parkersburg native, loved West Virginia. However, like many West Virginians, Eliza had every intention of leaving her beloved home state to pursue her career after college; and it wasn’t until she began working on her bachelor’s degree in environmental biology at WVU that she changed her mind.
“Through my courses and work, it became evident to me that I needed to stay in WV,” Eliza explains.
Over the course of her degree program, Eliza’s lens shifted, and she started to consider everything West Virginia had to offer. “There is so much potential for business, outdoor recreation, environmental justice, and community development within this state,” she said.
Eliza also quickly realized that she could offer something to West Virginia in return.
“For any WV college graduate, it is vital to stay in WV to bring new ideas to the table and get to be part of the positive change that is occurring and is going to grow even more,” she says. “It felt wrong to leave my home in the hands of someone who may not be as familiar with its unique needs and people.”
After graduation, Eliza accepted a position as a Critical Materials Water Researcher at the West Virginia Water Research Institute and started working toward a master’s degree in geology. Around the same time, she also applied to First Ascent, a first of its kind program in the nation, designed to help West Virginia college graduates with hybrid or remote positions stay in state while leveling up their careers and building community.
First Ascent was a perfect fit for Eliza, providing her not just professional development, but also a sense of community by way of coworking spaces, social events, and outdoor adventures.
“I joined First Ascent in order to make new friendships after college,” Eliza says. “I was looking for a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to explore and cherish this state.”
What does the hiking and backpacking enthusiast cherish the most about West Virginia?
“It's hard to put into words what makes me love WV so much,” she says. “The natural beauty is astounding and it's an honor to preserve and remediate the environment through my job. WV is one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world and its remarkable to me that not many people know about it. I love this state so much because there is a place here for me to make a positive impact to environments and communities.”