Who We Are

  • Rebecca Burns, Ed.D. - Executive Director and Founder

    Rebecca, hailing from Wood County, West Virginia, founded Run the World - Appalachia, inspired by her dissertation research. She holds a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Learning from The George Washington University and serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business. With degrees from West Virginia University and the University of Pittsburgh, Rebecca brings 13 years of experience in higher education administration, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering women's leadership. Before her academic career, she spent a decade as a resource allocation and budget analyst in various DC municipal government agencies. Rebecca is passionate about empowering women and creating a brighter future for her home state.

  • Kirsten O'Hara Denne, M.Ed. - Board Member and Volunteer

    Kirsten, hailing from Mineral County, West Virginia, serves as the Math Department Head at Keyser High School. She embarked on an inspiring journey from South Korea to her forever home in West Virginia. Holding a Master's in Education from West Virginia University, she shapes the minds of future generations by teaching diverse subjects. Beyond math, Kirsten fosters inclusivity and respect, celebrating differences and modeling these values for her students. In the heart of Appalachia, she embodies unwavering dedication to her students and community, exemplifying the true essence of education in West Virginia.

  • Yancey Burns, Esq. - Board Member and Volunteer

    Yancey, hailing from Lincoln County, West Virginia, manages his family farm, producing 100% grass-fed Hereford beef. An alumnus of The George Washington University Documentary Film Center, he directs award-winning documentaries that amplify underrepresented voices. Previously an attorney with the DC Board of Ethics, Yancey holds degrees from West Virginia University, the University of the District of Columbia School of Law, and The George Washington University. His film, Imagining The Indian, was a finalist for the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize. Currently producing Loyal To The Soil, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Rena Flying Coyote Collective. Yancey passionately champions women's leadership to advance and diversify West Virginia's economy.

  • Lara Atella, MPH - Board Member and Volunteer

    Lara leverages her expertise in developmental psychology, neurobehavioral science, and public health to cultivate a diverse and inclusive wellness community. With academic experience from Johns Hopkins and the National Institutes of Health, Lara, as Director and Owner of Hot Yoga Capitol Hill, infuses her yoga teachings with scientific insights. She has managed global health leadership training programs, collaborated with the World Health Organization, and advocated for wellness through influential publications. Lara’s unwavering commitment to education and supporting women underscores her impactful and transformative leadership.

  • Jessica Hinshaw, Ed.D. - Board Member and Volunteer

    Jess, a Doctor of Education from The George Washington University and Health Director at the National Association of Community Health Centers, combines academic rigor with practical leadership. With a Master of Public Health from Vanderbilt University, she has extensive experience in community-based maternal and child health initiatives in Nicaragua. As a lecturer at the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica, Jess is committed to fostering leadership skills in diverse contexts. Her research at the intersection of health, environment, and social entrepreneurship positions her as a valuable asset in advancing initiatives that empower women leaders.


Our Board Members illustrate the diverse and rich expertise contributing to Run the World - Appalachia. Together, we represent a powerful coalition advancing the nonprofit's goals of women's leadership and community empowerment in Appalachia.

Community Partners

  • Marshall University

    Alys Smith - First Lady of Marshall University, Co-Founder, Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Founder, Women Warriors Summit and Attorney

    (304) 696-2300

    Office of the President, Old Main 216, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755


    As co-founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, Alys drives positive change in West Virginia, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, and the environment. Passionate about women's leadership, she founded the Women Warriors Summit in 2023 to empower women in Appalachia and beyond. As First Lady of Marshall University, she champions women's equality and empowerment. A certified mediator and licensed attorney, Alys advocates for justice and serves on multiple non-profit boards. She represents children's interests in abuse and neglect cases and holds degrees from The Ohio State University and the University of Akron School of Law.

  • The George Washington University

    Laci Weeden - Assistant Dean for Family Engagement & Mount Vernon Campus

    (202) 994-6555 

    laci.weeden@gwu.edu

    University Student Center, 800 21st St NW, Suite 204, Washington, D.C. 20052


    A results-oriented and creative manager, she provides leadership, training, coaching, and support that enables individuals to thrive both professionally and personally. Known for building strong teams delivering outstanding customer service, she's passionate about supporting first-generation college students from orientation to graduation. With global experience in STEM colleges, she's collaborated with diverse colleagues and students, continuously learning and growing. Her journey in higher education has inspired her to evolve personally and professionally, striving to empower others along the way.

  • West Virginia Public Schools, Lincoln County

    Allison Johnson Stickler, Department Head/Counselor, Lincoln County Schools

    (304) 824-3033

    10 Marland Ave, Hamlin, West Virginia 25523


    Allison Johnson Stickler, Counselor and Department Head of Special Education at Lincoln County High Schools, is dedicated to student success. With a passion for advocating women's leadership in West Virginia, she champions initiatives to empower and uplift women across the state. Allison's commitment extends beyond her role in special education, where she provides crucial support to students. Her advocacy efforts contribute to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to thrive and lead. Allison's unwavering dedication makes her a valued asset to the education community in West Virginia.

  • The George Washington University

    Dr. Carly Jordan - Director, Elizabeth J. Somers Women's Leadership Program, Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences

    (202) 242-6692

    cnjordan@gwu.edu

    Mt Vernon campus, Academic Bldg 207-A, Washington, DC 20052


    Dr. Carly Jordan (she/her) joined GW in 2013 as a Professor of Biological Sciences, later becoming the Women's Leadership Program Director in 2022. Committed to evidence-based teaching, she engages students in inclusive environments, teaching biology for the Women’s Leadership and University Honors Programs. Dr. Jordan contributes to science education scholarship, authoring case studies and curriculum materials. She leads BCEENET, connecting educators to enhance undergraduate education, supporting over 30 institutions since 2020. Additionally, she oversees undergraduate research on diversity in human sexuality textbooks, addressing issues like racism and heteronormativity.

  • The George Washington University

    Dr. Gelaye Debebe - Associate Professor, Department of Organizational Science and Communication

    (202) 994-1937

    gdebebe@gwu.edu

    600 21st St. NW, Washington DC, 20052


    Gelaye Debebe, Associate Professor at George Washington University, is an expert in women's leadership development. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and has authored books and numerous publications on the subject. With a background in Government, Human Resource Development, and Organizational Sciences, she delves into how individuals overcome social norms and inequalities in leadership contexts. Her research appears in esteemed journals and she's held various leadership roles at GWU, including Program Director. With decades of experience in academia and program management, she continues to shape the discourse on women's leadership.

We believe that with your support, we can make a significant difference.