Updates

A Fireside Chat with Brad D. Smith and John Hope Bryant

On February 18, 2026, Brad D. Smith sat down for a fireside chat with John Hope Bryant at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center to celebrate Black History Month. The event was made possible by support from Operation HOPE, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Carter G. Woodson Lyceum, Drinko Academy and Marshall University.

Alys Smith Leads the Third Annual Women Warriors Summit

The third annual Women Warriors Summit was held Oct. 24, 2025, in Huntington, West Virginia. The one-day gathering brought together women from a variety of backgrounds, professions and ages to inspire and empower.

$1 Million to Fight Hunger in West Virginia

This year, all West Virginia public schools will receive a $1,500 check to provide students in need with food, clothing and classroom supplies. The Keep the Ball Rolling event–named after the founder and car dealer Shawn Ball–was hosted by Marshall University and the West Virginia Department of Education on Oct. 27, 2025. At the event, special guests shared stories about the impact educators had on them growing up, celebrated the money raised for West Virginia schools, and awarded checks to county principals and counselors to help meet their students’ needs.

How Ascend WV Builds Belonging in the Mountain State

In a world that often celebrates hustle and big-city living, Ascend West Virginia (Ascend WV) is quietly rewriting the script, inviting remote workers and entrepreneurs to build a different kind of life: One rooted in balance and purpose, in a place where community isn’t just a buzzword but a custom.

Brite, Backed by Wing 2 Wing, Brings a New Approach to College Student Retention

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation, led by Marshall University President Brad D. Smith, announces its investment and mentorship in Brite—a tech startup helping universities better understand, support, and retain students by collecting new student-driven data. This is made possible by Brite’s unique approach to engaging students, delivered using an app that students love.

A Proud Moment for West Virginians: ‘The Space Gal’ and the Power of Education

When West Virginia native Emily Calandrelli, professionally known as “The Space Gal,” lights up screens across the country with her enthusiasm for science and exploration, she brings more than star power—she brings hope and pride to her home state. From her roots in Morgantown to graduating from MIT, Emily’s journey captures the essence of West Virginia grit, ingenuity, and the transformative power of education. Her success reminds us how essential it is to nurture scientific curiosity in young people while showcasing the incredible possibilities that emerge when people invest in the future of Appalachia.

Strengthening West Virginia’s Education System: Wing 2 Wing Partners With Teach For America Appalachia

One of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s core beliefs is that every student deserves the opportunity to access a high-quality education. That’s why we’re proud to support Teach For America Appalachia with a $25,000 investment to help expand their efforts throughout West Virginia schools. This commitment will aid in teacher recruitment, training, and classroom support in underserved communities across the state.

Empowering Communities and Inspiring Change: The Wing 2 Wing Foundation’s 2024 Highlights

Driven by a shared commitment to fostering opportunity and innovation, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation approached 2024 with a dynamic blend of impactful initiatives, community-building events, and forward-thinking programs. Co-founded by Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys, the foundation continued to empower underserved communities, elevate local economies, and champion education and entrepreneurship throughout Appalachia and beyond.

Women Warriors Summit 2024: Forging Pathways for Empowered and Purposeful Living

On October 18, 2024, the Women Warriors Summit (WWS) returned to Huntington, West Virginia, gathering women from across Appalachia to ignite inspiration, share experiences, and build the tools needed to create purposeful, fulfilling lives. Led by Wing 2 Wing Co-Founder and First Lady of Marshall University, Alys Smith, this year’s event embraced the theme of “the power of productivity.” This focus on productivity, designed to encourage women to seize control of their daily lives and prioritize meaningful pursuits, marked an evolution from the summit’s inaugural year.

Ascend WV Members to Receive $12K Towards Purchasing a Primary Residence in the Mountain State

Ascend West Virginia (Ascend WV), a leading program dedicated to attracting and retaining talent in the state, has announced an exciting new Homeownership Incentive for its members. This initiative offers a $12,000 check to those who purchase a home as their primary residence in West Virginia. The incentive is set to boost the state’s economy and encourage Ascend participants to make long-term commitments by settling in the Mountain State.