Haley Bunn
Justice, Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia By Kristen Uppercue Haley Bunn’s love of the Mountain State and its sense of community began while she was being raised in a Southern West Virginia coal mining family and homeschooled by her mother. “Some of my fondest memories are gardening with my grandad, enjoying the spoils […]
Melissa Giggenbach
Teaching Associate Professor & Program Director, West Virginia Innocence Project Clinic By Kristen Uppercue Melissa Giggenbach was raised in a farming community in Roanoke, WV, a town mostly located under Stonewall Jackson Lake. The Stonewall Jackson Dam was created as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-control project in the 1980s, which formed […]
Imad Matini
Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP By Paige Udermann Imad Matini, partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, is no stranger to the hard work and discipline that comes with a career in the legal field. He grew up in Fredericksburg, VA, with parents who poured everything into raising him. “They inspire me […]
TJ Obrokta Jr.
President & CEO, Encova Insurance By Brooke Brown TJ Obrokta Jr., president and CEO of Encova Insurance, leads a multi-billion-dollar company that writes auto, home and business insurance across 27 states. Despite this, he is most proud of his home state of West Virginia. Obrokta grew up in the suburbs of Huntington, WV, after moving […]
Amy N. Rogers
Trial Attorney, Dormer Harpring, LLC By Pagett Dusic Amy Rogers, a trial attorney at Dormer Harpring, LLC, traces her drive, determination and deep sense of purpose back to her roots in the small town of New Martinsville, WV. Growing up as the middle child between two brothers, she was surrounded by a family who encouraged […]
Alys Portman Smith
First Lady, Marshall University; Co-founder, Wing 2 Wing Foundation;Founder, Women Warriors Summit By Megan Bevins Throughout her dynamic career, Alys Portman Smith has been a constant advocate for those without a voice, a champion for women and a firm believer that there is potential for success everywhere—especially here in the Mountain State. Smith was raised […]