Updates

Celebrating the First Ascent in the Mountain State

Inspired by the Ascend WV Program, a remote work initiative made possible by the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), the state’s Department of Tourism, and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, First Ascent is designed to give current students and recent graduates from Marshall and West Virginia University (WVU) the tools they need to build a thriving career in West Virginia

New Beginnings Create Lasting Bonds: How Ascend WV Sparked Business Growth & Community in West Virginia

This unique program—which encourages talented professionals to relocate and build their lives in West Virginia—has not only led to personal transformations but also to the creation of new businesses and events that truly showcase the state’s vibrant, thriving communities and its tenacious spirit of inclusivity.

West Virginia Native Emily Calandrelli’s Ascent Into Space

Emily Calandrelli’s journey into space is a testament to her unwavering dedication to women in STEM and her deep-rooted connection to her home state of West Virginia. A fierce champion for accessible education, Emily has experienced the transformative power of the right support firsthand.

Wing 2 Wing and DonorsChoose Are Transforming West Virginia Classrooms

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation has teamed up with DonorsChoose — a groundbreaking platform that connects donors to classrooms in need — to address the critical shortage of educational resources in underfunded areas across the state.

The Today Show Features Ascend WV’s Efforts to Bring Remote Workers to the Mountain State

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation is proud to support Ascend West Virginia, an innovative initiative designed to invigorate rural communities throughout the Mountain State by attracting remote workers with a $12,000 relocation bonus, comprehensive outdoor recreation packages, and access to modern co-working spaces.

Wing 2 Wing Donates $1,000,000 to Operation HOPE

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation recently partnered with the Operation HOPE Organization to improve economic opportunities and financial literacy across marginalized communities. Wing 2 Wing contributed $1,000,000 towards Operation HOPE’s 1865 Project, which aims to help close the racial wealth gap across the United States.

Looking Back at the Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s 2023 Accomplishments

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation has worked to create equal opportunities in Appalachia since its establishment in 2019. Now in its fourth year of work, Wing 2 Wing has continued to find new ways to uplift the people of West Virginia and bolster the state’s continued development.

Alys Smith’s Inaugural Women Warriors Summit to Celebrate and Empower Appalachian Women

Wing 2 Wing co-founder Alys Smith is set to hold the first inaugural Women Warriors Summit (WWS) in October 2023 at Mountain Health Arena in Huntington, West Virginia. The one-day gathering will follow a theme of empowerment, giving women “the power to say ‘no’ and the courage to say ‘yes.’” The event will include inspirational talks from trailblazing women, serving as an opportunity for women to build meaningful relationships, discuss inequality issues and learn from one another in a safe learning environment.

Rhetoric: A Wing 2 Wing-Supported Venture

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation provides mentoring, resources and educational training to a number of startups in West Virginia to foster entrepreneurship in the state. One of the most recent additions to the foundation’s portfolio of supported ventures is Rhetoric, an innovative startup that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to assist litigators in improving their odds in court. Rhetoric was founded by Luke Yingling, a West Virginia native and graduate of West Virginia University College of Law.

Brad D. Smith Discusses the Future of West Virginia on Daily304

Brad D. Smith, Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, was featured on the daily304’s bi-weekly “Innovators and Entrepreneurs” segment to discuss his recent efforts to uplift West Virginia through Ascend West Virginia and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. Born and raised in the Mountain State, Brad and his wife Alys Smith have made it their mission to create opportunities and support development in Appalachia.