Empowering Women’s Leadership in West Virginia
Run the World - Appalachia
is dedicated to supporting the leadership development of low-income, first-generation college-bound women from West Virginia. Our holistic, culturally-tailored approach integrates mentorship, peer support, reflective practices, and exposure to women leaders to create a leadership pipeline. Run the World doesn’t just teach leadership; it fosters a lasting leader identity, positioning women to thrive as changemakers in their communities! While many initiatives focus on leadership skills alone, we go deeper by addressing leader identity development, seeing themselves as leaders, which research shows is critical for women’s pursuit and resilience in leadership roles.
The program kicks off with a week-long summer institute experience, where they will connect with leaders in West Virginia and Washington, D.C., and continues with ongoing support throughout the women's college years. All program services are FREE and students receive a stipend for their participation.
At Run the World - Appalachia, we are more than just a nonprofit organization. We are a passionate community dedicated to empowering women’s leadership in West Virginia.
Why We Do This
The statistics speak for themselves: there is a glaring lack of women in leadership positions. We recognize the unique challenges that women face on their journey to leadership and understand the importance of tailored support in overcoming these obstacles. By championing women in leadership roles, we not only empower them to reach their full potential but also inspire and mentor the next generation of female leaders.