Alex Weld and Generation West Virginia: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
The Mission of Generation West Virginia
Generation West Virginia serves all 55 counties in the state, with a clear focus on assisting young adults in navigating career pathways that provide not only job opportunities but also long-term, life-sustaining careers. For years, the common belief was that to find success, one had to leave West Virginia. However, Generation WV is determined to challenge this notion. By supporting and expanding career opportunities, the organization is making it clear that young adults can thrive and build fulfilling careers right here in West Virginia.
Supporting West Virginians: A Focus on the 18-40 Age Group
While Generation WV offers support to a wide range of individuals, its primary focus is on young adults between the ages of 18 and 40. This age group includes recent high school graduates, college graduates, and those looking to reenter the workforce or switch careers. Alex Weld shares that a significant portion of their work involves assisting college graduates who struggle to find career opportunities that align with their education and aspirations. Many young adults in the state face the challenge of underemployment—working jobs that don’t require their level of education or provide the necessary income for a sustainable life.
Generation WV helps these individuals through career coaching, leadership development, and mentorship. The organization also connects job seekers with employers to help them find positions that match their skills and career goals.
Breaking Through the Barrier of Feeling “Stuck”
Alex explains that many young people feel “stuck” when it comes to their careers. After college, they might struggle to secure the jobs they were hoping for, or they may face roadblocks in their pursuit of meaningful work. This feeling of being “stuck” is common, especially among individuals who were not adequately prepared for the professional world during their school years. Many students neglect career services during their college years and graduate without the job-seeking skills needed to succeed.
Generation WV aims to bridge this gap by providing crucial support to those who are struggling to enter the workforce. The organization equips young adults with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing job market, which has seen a significant shift in the last decade. Alex mentions that the rise of remote work, digital skills, and broadband access has dramatically altered the landscape of work, making it crucial for young people to stay current with these changes.
Alex Weld’s Journey to Generation West Virginia
Alex Weld’s path to becoming the Executive Director of Generation West Virginia was shaped by her background in communications. She began her career in the media industry, working for a local TV station in northern West Virginia. It was during this time that Alex realized there were many important stories about the state that needed to be told, but she didn’t have the platform to share them. This led her to pursue work in the nonprofit sector, where she joined Wheeling Heritage, an organization dedicated to community revitalization.
Shifting the Narrative Around Small Towns
Alex, who hails from Wellsburg in Brooke County, West Virginia, is particularly passionate about helping small towns in the state thrive. She sees firsthand how communities have been affected by the decline of large industries like steel and coal, which have traditionally been the economic backbone of many towns. These shifts have left small towns struggling, with fewer opportunities for local residents.
However, Alex believes there is hope. She points to new businesses and industries, like Form Energy, which has brought new life to the former Wheeling Steel site, as a shining example of how West Virginia can adapt to the changing economy. The new workforce is different—higher-paying, skilled jobs that require advanced education or training. Alex is dedicated to helping young people in small towns realize that success doesn’t mean leaving for larger cities. She emphasizes that there are plenty of opportunities within the state; they are just different than what existed in the past.
Generation West Virginia’s Core Programs
Generation West Virginia offers several core programs designed to support young adults in finding and advancing in their careers.
- NewForce Program: This program focuses on job training and preparing individuals for the future of work with a technology lens. It provides data analytics training to help participants secure roles in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state.
- Career Connector Program: This program helps job seekers find job placements by working with employers to strengthen job descriptions, recruit candidates, and provide career coaching. The Career Connector program also offers interview preparation and other job-seeking resources.
- Fellowship Program: The fellowship program supports young adults in the first few years of their careers by providing professional development and networking opportunities. Participants gain hands-on experience through mentorship and learning about different parts of the state.
These programs, along with other services provided by Generation WV, are designed to help young people build lasting careers and connect with employers who share their values and goals.
Pathways to Progress Conference: A New Opportunity
One of the most exciting initiatives for Generation West Virginia is the Pathways to Progress conference, scheduled for May 8th. This event will bring together passionate individuals and organizations focused on shaping the future of work in West Virginia. The conference aims to showcase the incredible stories of progress and innovation happening in the state and to provide a space for networking and idea-sharing.
Topics will include the role of AI in the workforce, the future of broadband, and how businesses can adapt to the changing economy. With speakers from companies like Microsoft and local business leaders, the event promises to be a significant step toward building a brighter future for West Virginia’s workforce.
How to Get Involved
Whether you’re a young adult looking for career support or an employer seeking to connect with talented individuals, Generation West Virginia offers numerous opportunities to get involved. Visit their website at generationwv.org to learn more about their programs and upcoming events. Stay connected by following them on social media and signing up for their monthly newsletter to stay informed about the latest job opportunities, training programs, and community events across the state.
Conclusion
Alex Weld and Generation West Virginia are doing critical work to ensure that West Virginians have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. By offering career coaching, job placement programs, and professional development opportunities, Generation WV is helping young adults chart a path toward success in their home state. With a vision to create a thriving, sustainable workforce, Alex and her team are paving the way for a brighter future for West Virginia.
To learn more about Generation West Virginia and how you can get involved, visit generationwv.org.
