Candace Nelson

Candace Nelson, director for Girl Scouts of Black Diamond, understands first-hand the true meaning of hard work and determination. When her parents told her as a child that she needed top-notch grades in order to have a shot at higher education, Nelson not only met but exceeded those expectations.

“They let me know early on that if I wanted to be the first person in my family to go to college, I would need to make excellent grades, which led me to become the valedictorian of Brooke High School in 2007,” she says. “As a first-generation college student, I learned there is no other option than to simply push forward, even when things are tough. One foot in front of the other. Someone once told me that I’ve survived every other worst day of my life, and whatever comes along, I can make it work, too.”

A lover of all things creative, this Wellsburg, WV, native always knew she wanted to incorporate writing into her life and considers one of her greatest accomplishments to be authoring and photographing, “The West Virginia Pepperoni Roll,” a story published by the West Virginia University (WVU) Press.

“An academic press has a more rigorous process for publication, including having a number of required positive reviews,” she says. “It was a long road from start to finish, but knowing that I helped to tell a piece of West Virginia’s story made it all worth it.”

Though she credits her fierce sense of independence to being an only child, she also recognizes her parents and former dean of the WVU School of Journalism, Chris Martin, for giving her a strong work ethic, compassion and drive.

“She wore converse sneakers with blazers. She was smart, quick-witted and intimidating. I wanted to be her,” Nelson says. “She gave a young, inexperienced student a chance, and I still work hard to hopefully make her proud.”

As the director of marketing for the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond, Nelson is able to channel that drive and love for her home state to help the next generation of young women chase their dreams and grow up to be leaders.

“I am able to use my skills to make a better tomorrow for West Virginians—and beyond,” she says. “I love being able to creatively tell stories, lead a team and encourage young girls that they can do anything they want to help make the world a better place.”

Passionate about all things West Virginia, Nelson is actively involved in many community projects and organizations.

“West Virginia is home,” she says. “I choose to work, live and give here because it has made me who I am. I want to help tell the story of West Virginia and its growth in the future.”

She currently serves as the secretary of the board of directors for Generation West Virginia, communications chair for both the Junior League of Charleston and the West Virginia Farmers Market Association, marketing committee member and board member for the Capitol Market and marketing chair and steering committee member for the Women for Economic and Leadership Development. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America and volunteers for Charleston Restaurant Week and Festiv­ALL Taste of ALL events.

“Through community service, I feel a calling to give back to the place I call home—whether that’s helping those who have not been afforded the same opportunities, those who have fallen on difficult times or those who want better for themselves and our state,” Nelson says.

With the tenacity, drive and autonomy of a true Mountaineer, Nelson continues to make West Virginia a place everyone can call home.

“I love West Virginia, and all of my endeavors, both personally and professionally, are to help make it better,” she says.