Regional Events
Women Impact Virginia is a collaboration of the Commonwealth Campus Centers in Roanoke, Abingdon, Richmond, and Newport News, as well as the Reynolds Homestead in Critz.
The Women Impact Virginia Summit caps a year of regional programming at each of these centers. The regional programs address the unique needs and challenges found in those specific areas of Virginia.
Programming for 2024 is being planned now. More information will be coming soon!
Cancer, Co-Workers, and the Workplace Navigation
March 26, noon-1 p.m., virtual
Over 70 percent of people diagnosed with cancer are in prime workforce age, and 76 percent of those diagnosed want or need to continue to work. When a co-worker is diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness, you may both be asking, “How do I navigate this at work?”
Deb Squire, a career coach with more than 20 years of experience, will lead a virtual discussion about how cancer and other major illnesses can impact people in the world of work, and how to be supportive when a co-worker faces an illness. Diagnosed with blood cancer, Squire received a stem cell transplant in August 2023. Hear her story and learn ways you can advocate for the ones you work with.
Rooted in Yourself – How to Achieve Authentic Leadership
April 17, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Newport News Center, in person
Authenticity doesn’t automatically ensure success, but inauthenticity guarantees failure.” - Jamie Kern Lima
The Virginia Tech Newport News Center held its Women Impact Virginia regional program featuring Virginia Tech alum Kelly Souders.
Participants discussed authentic leadership and Souders covered the six transformative ways to embrace authenticity to become a “high road leader.”
Rooted in Rural
July 10
Reynolds Homestead, in person
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.
Rebecca Adcock, executive director of Patrick County Chamber of Commerce, is a former panelist, and the chamber provided financial support to bring the free event to the community. When asked to reflect on the “Rooted in Rural” theme, Adcock said, “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.”