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Since its 2019 inception, the Wing 2 Wing Foundation has worked to level the playing field of opportunity in Appalachia. Acting on its three guiding pillars (education, entrepreneurship and environment), Wing 2 Wing has worked to support West Virginia’s dreamers and doers by prioritizing access to education, advancing entrepreneurial interests, and conserving and championing the

Continuously dedicated to creating a better future for all, Brad D. Smith kept a packed and fulfilling schedule in 2023. Over the course of the year, Brad leveraged his leadership roles and experience to both further his commitment to the development of his home state, West Virginia, and support his alma mater as Marshall University’s

Homecoming at Marshall University is a week full of exciting events and activities. Beyond the celebrations, Homecoming is also an opportunity for members of the Marshall community to reconnect and come together as one herd and reflect on how the university has changed throughout the years. This year’s 2023 Homecoming celebrations built off the sentiment

In 2021, Brad D. Smith and his wife Alys launched the Ascend West Virginia remote worker incentive program through their Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC). As a West Virginia native with a lifelong passion for giving back to his home state, Brad was inspired to create an initiative that would share the wonder of West

Public lands are portions of land owned by the general population and managed by the federal government. According to the Congressional Research Service, approximately 640 million acres of U.S. land is federally owned across the country. In West Virginia —  a place famously nicknamed “Almost Heaven” for its natural splendor —  about one fifth of

The next generation of employees entering the workforce brings enthusiasm, drive and agility born out of global disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic and rapidly changing technological environment. Despite facing unprecedented challenges, young people today are continuously noted as maintaining a positive outlook on the world and striving to make a positive impact in hopes of

When it comes to leveling the playing field of opportunity among people, education is a critical component. Studies from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that people who receive higher education are more likely to earn a higher income than those who do not. Data from the Bureau also indicates that the unemployment rate

West Virginia’s Appalachian mountains make the state a “must-see” destination for adventurers. And beyond the mountain range, the sprawling hills and valleys also pose as the perfect backdrop for a number of outdoor activities. According to a study by the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), 67% of West Virginia residents engage in outdoor recreational activities each

Supporting local businesses is crucial to the U.S. economy. Not only do these entities account for 99% of all businesses in America, but they also support numerous families and communities across the country. Born and raised in small-city Kenova, West Virginia, Brad D. Smith has long been witness to the importance of small businesses and