Updates

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.

Wing 2 Wing sponsors the High Q game show

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation has donated $31,000 to sponsor the newest season of High Q with Ernie G. Anderson, a question and answer style game show featuring local students. The show welcomes students from high schools and junior high/middle schools across the Tri-State area to compete on the show. First shown on October 15, new episodes air on Saturdays at 1 PM. High Q is broadcast on CW throughout the Tri-State area.

Top 10 Fall Activities to Enjoy in West Virginia

The Mountain State is an optimal destination for experiencing new things and visiting new places this fall. From beautiful outdoor scenery to agritourism, West Virginia offers adventures of all types to get you out and exploring. There’s much to do and many things to see, but here are 10 ideas for making this fall especially memorable.

Ascend West Virginia featured in Qualtrics documentary

Part one of Qualtrics’s docuseries “work: new.0” follows the journey of Ascend West Virginia participant Nkem Nwankwo and his decision to leave Denver, Colorado for Morgantown, West Virginia. Nkem was chosen from a pool of 7,500 applicants to be among the program’s first 50 participants.

Committed to West Virginia: The Brad D. Smith and Gordon Gee Partnership

West Virginia University (WVU) President Gordon Gee was recently featured in the Spring 2022 issue of Chamber Magazine, a publication produced by the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Gee spoke of the efforts and initiatives focused on the future of West Virginia’s economy. Gee’s vision and shared passion for the state of West Virginia, led to a friendship and partnership with Brad D. Smith. Before taking on his new role as president at Marshall University, Smith has had a long-term plan to increase West Virginia’s population and create new economic opportunities.

Wing 2 Wing Foundation Donates $60,000 to Fairfield U. Mentor Program

Co-founders Alys and Brad D. Smith Join Fairfield Community Development Corporation and the Marshall University School of Medicine to extend access to educational and entrepreneurial opportunities in West Virginia.

Heritage Farm celebrates 25th anniversary

Heritage Farm, in Huntington, West Virginia, is celebrating its 25th anniversary showcasing Appalachian Ingenuity and Adventure in a big way with the addition of dual racing ziplines, two multi-level challenge towers, and thanks to the support of the Wing 2 Wing foundation, multiple family-friendly mountain biking trails.

The State Journal | Ascend West Virginia program aims to increase population, economic development opportunities

MORGANTOWN — Brad D. Smith, former Intuit executive chairman and the next president of Marshall University, has a long-term plan to increase West Virginia’s population and create new economic opportunities.