In this episode of Our Communiversity, host Dr. Ramon Stuart, President of WVU Tech, sits down with Dr. Mandy Wriston, a passionate advocate for youth leadership in Southern West Virginia. Together, they explore the mission and impact of Leadership Fayette County, a selective program designed to mentor high school juniors and help them grow into confident, capable leaders. As always, Dr. Stuart frames the conversation with two powerful questions: Why not us, and why not now?

Dr. Wriston shares her journey as a proud Southern West Virginia native and explains how her work in Appalachian leadership research helped shape a stronger, more intentional curriculum for the program. Leadership Fayette County focuses on public speaking, mentorship, civic engagement, and what she calls “Speaking Truth to Power.” Students are challenged to think critically, advocate for issues that matter to them, and build the confidence to stand toe to toe with anyone, anywhere. Through monthly sessions, competitive selection, and meaningful exposure to community leaders and higher education professionals, the program equips students not just to succeed, but to envision themselves as future decision makers.

The conversation highlights powerful transformation stories, including students who begin the program shy and uncertain but finish as confident speakers and emerging leaders. At its core, this episode celebrates what Southern West Virginia already possesses: pride, grit, resiliency, and a deep belief in the next generation. If you care about mentorship, community development, and preparing young people to live, work, and lead in Appalachia and beyond, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

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