Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Virginia Women's Leadership Forum hosted by Virginia Economic Development Partnership alongside Nina Rezai from the Campbell County Economic Development Department. Over the course of two days, we had the chance to promote the Lynchburg Region to site selectors and economic development professionals while also learning from some of the leading voices in our industry.

The forum brought together women from across Virginia who are shaping the future of economic development in their communities. It was inspiring to be surrounded by professionals who are passionate about creating opportunities, supporting businesses, and helping their regions grow. Conversations throughout the event highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and leadership in today’s economic landscape.

One of the most valuable parts of the experience was the opportunity to connect directly with site selectors and discuss what makes our region competitive. From workforce strengths to quality of place and regional partnerships, we were proud to share the story of the Lynchburg Region and the momentum happening across Virginia. These conversations are important because relationships often play a key role in future opportunities and investment decisions.

In addition to promoting the region, the forum provided a meaningful space to learn from other economic developers across the Commonwealth. Hearing different perspectives, sharing ideas, and discussing common challenges reminded me how collaborative the economic development community truly is. Whether discussing workforce development, business retention, or community growth, there was a strong sense of shared purpose throughout the event.

Attending the Virginia Women’s Leadership Forum was both encouraging and energizing. It was a valuable reminder of the impact strong leadership and collaboration can have on communities and regional growth. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our region alongside Nina Rezai and look forward to continuing the conversations and connections that began during those two days.