LEAD VIRGINIA

06/14/2026

The final day for Class of 2026 members included exploring Roanoke’s historic Gainesborough, a cohesive Black community disrupted by Urban Renewal as local citizens today share those stories and honor their history; hearing from mental health and community leaders on initiatives serving the vulnerable among us; and enjoying the generously given affection of Virginia Tech therapy dogs English Labs Derek and Epcot. Sincere appreciation to Lead Virginia alumni and planning team members Dr. Susan Short, Dr. Scott Weimer, Angela Penn, Jim Lull, Katie Conner, and Amanda Cox! Thank you also to Peter Blake for a superb Reflections session!

06/13/2026

Innovation is in the DNA of Roanoke and Blacksburg, driven by , and the intellectual capital drawn to this part of Virginia. Groundbreaking R&D in life sciences, advanced technology and transportation, additive manufacturing and aerospace are driving economic opportunity benefitting the entire Commonwealth and beyond.

06/12/2026

The Star City was shining today for the Class of 2026. The class heard a recurring theme of collaboration to bring big dreams to reality with Melrose Plaza, Roanoke’s CTE Center to prepare talent pipelines for the future and nurturing a small city’s culture with a big heart.

06/04/2026

Before the Lead Virginia Class of 2026 officially kicked off our Southern Virginia session, we had the opportunity to gather with alumni from across the region at River District Social in Danville.

A special thank you to Emma Lugar Sellers '24 and Anne Moore-Sparks '24 for organizing such a fun evening and helping connect our current class with regional alumni. It was a great opportunity to build relationships, share experiences, and strengthen the Lead Virginia network before the session began. We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped welcome the Class of 2026 to Southern Virginia!

06/04/2026

A little late sharing, but our Lead Virginia Class of 2026 spent an incredible few days in Southern Virginia last month!

From exploring economic development and workforce initiatives to learning about rural healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and community revitalization, our class experienced firsthand the opportunities and challenges shaping the region.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed us, shared their stories, and helped make the session such a meaningful experience. We can't wait to carry these lessons with us throughout the rest of the year.

05/19/2026

05/15/2026

The art of the possible on full display in Southern Virginia for Lead Virginia’s Class of 2026. A region overcoming double digit unemployment a generation ago and 20 years into an economic transformation. A Virginia community college one of 25 in the nation to be a finalist for the prestigious Aspen Award. Two philanthropic foundations collaborating on quality of life initiatives to uplift their communities with job opportunities as a focus. Thanks to all for welcoming a new group of leaders and sharing your stories of navigating the hard things and building anew.

05/14/2026

Lead Virginia alumni welcome the Class of 2026 to the Southern Virginia region with food, libations, duckpin bowling and conversation at . Love seeing our alumni from across the region as the class will explore Martinsville/Henry County and Danville/Pittsylvania County over the next two and a half days. Thanks to Anne Moore Sparks, Allison Moore, Jennifer Doss, Cassie Jones, Nick Setliff, Emma Sellers and Tina Leone for a warm welcome to the Class of 2026!

05/05/2026

Still thinking about last week’s Spring Gathering at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

So grateful to bring together such an incredible network of alumni, partners, and friends for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and meaningful conversation.

This network continues to inspire us every day. Thank you to everyone who joined us.

04/27/2026

Lead Virginia welcomed the Class of 2026 as they began their journey with the Hampton Roads Opening Session earlier this month. This session explores Hampton Roads' impact across the Commonwealth and the nation, while also creating space for class members to build social capital, deepen relationships, and engage with leaders who are shaping Virginia’s future.