Courtney Conner Stringer, Class of 2018

Courtney Conner Stringer
Director of Professional Development, UVA WISE
Bristol, VA

What is new and exciting with you now or since your time with Lead Virginia?

I'm excited to be the co-chair of the 2020 Southwest Led Virginia session. I look forward to showcasing the beauty and brains of Southwest Virginia. I hope SWVA is a destination that will resonate with the members of the class and they will want to return to visit.

How did Lead Virginia shape you as a leader?
Lead Virginia reinforced the value of relationships for me. I also gained a better understanding of the Commonwealth and the challenges each region faces. Many of the regions have the same strengths and challenges and I loved that we could work together for the betterment of the state as a whole.

Since Lead Virginia, how have you put your social capital to work?
I served as part of the Southwest Virginia curriculum planning team for 2019 and for the class of 2020 I'm serving as the co-chair for the Southwest session.

What was your biggest takeaway or lesson learned from Lead Virginia that continues to resonate with you today?
I was astonished by the relationships that I established during the program. All of the relationships were formed with such ease and a willingness to support one another no matter where they lived in the Commonwealth. Everyone in the program and the Lead Virginia staff was so supportive and encouraging.