Profiles

I've really enjoyed being a part of the First Ascent program and the community that has come with it. Having grown up here, I would really like to stay and see my future grow. A lot of the people I grew up with, and went to school with, have left the state. So getting to build community through the various Ascend programs has been great.

A great career is only part of the story. What matters most is building a life in a place where you feel connected. In West Virginia, I've found the opportunity to grow professionally while becoming part of a welcoming community, exploring incredible outdoor spaces, and creating a life that's both fulfilling and authentic. That's what First Ascent is all about—helping you find not just your next job, but your place to belong.

My most memorable First Ascent experience was the Country Roads Tour this summer in Canaan Valley. It was an incredible weekend filled with new experiences and great people. I went horseback riding, took a fly-fishing class, hiked through the beautiful scenery, and met so many fun and welcoming people along the way. Each night, we met around the bonfire to make s'mores, enjoy snacks, and spend time getting to know one another. It was the perfect combination of adventure, community, and everything that makes West Virginia special.

“The First Ascent program has been instrumental in helping me build stronger ties within the community, both with new arrivals and with longtime residents who are just beginning to explore the area’s growing outdoor and recreational assets. One thing that’s really struck me is how often people from the region are the least familiar with what’s available here. First Ascent has helped change that for us, and now we’re hoping to be part of spreading that awareness even further.”

Having a career that supports the life I want to live has been incredibly rewarding. It gives me the flexibility to balance work with the people, places, and experiences that matter most. Whether I'm spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, or enjoying everything West Virginia has to offer, I've found that success isn't just about what you do for work, it's about building a life you love alongside it.

Take advantage of everything that's offered...the resources are here. You just have to join in and use them. The co-working space, career mentorship and development, networking opportunities, and the outdoor experiences - all free and available to anybody that joins the program.

The friendships I’ve made through First Ascent are some of the most genuine I’ve ever had. We support each other, celebrate each other, and push each other to keep growing. It’s more than a program — it’s a community that feels like home. It shows that there are so many people who aspire to stay in our beloved state and share the same love for it that I do. It's amazing to see how many people want to stay and see the true beauty of West Virginia.

First Ascent has provided me with career mentoring and has helped me understand what I am passionate about and what I am looking for in my next job opportunity. I have been able to meet other people who are just getting started in their careers and it reminds me that I am not alone and we are all learning and growing together.

Even in my short time with First Ascent, I've gained so much. The program has helped me strengthen my resume, build confidence through interview coaching, and discover opportunities to get involved in my community. I'm especially excited to participate in outdoor volunteer events like trail cleanup days, which have made it even easier to connect with both the people and the places that make West Virginia special.