Alex Weld
Executive Director , Generation West Virginia
MAGGIE HATFIELD TRACY A . TOLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Weld visits the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum in Matewan , WV .
Dedication and determination are the two characteristics that are the driving force behind Alex Weld ’ s life .
“ When someone says something can ’ t be done , I don ’ t accept that . I see it as a challenge to find out how it can be done ,” she says .
As executive director of Generation West Virginia , Weld is leading programs that equip young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities , ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State .
“ I know what it feels like to be a young West Virginian unsure of my career path , to care a lot about my community but not sure how to make an impact ,” she says . “ It ’ s a gift to be able to work every day on something that ’ s so important to me .”
The oldest of three , Weld grew up with her younger brother and sister in Wellsburg , WV . She feels lucky to have grown up with hardworking , loving parents and grandparents .
“ I feel really thankful that I have very supportive parents ,” Weld says . “ I know that no matter what career path I decided to take , they would have been supportive and in my corner , which has made a huge difference in my life .”
Weld has also had the unwavering support of her husband , Ryan , who showed her that working to find a solution is where the real change happens .
“ Ryan and I met in 2011 ,” she says . “ We both love West Virginia and were volunteering on local boards and doing our best to serve our community ,” she says . “ He ’ s been an incredible example of what is possible when , instead of complaining that things aren ’ t better , you work like hell to be a part of the solution .”
In her current position , Weld is leading job training , job placement and professional growth programs for young adults throughout the state .
“ I feel incredibly lucky to lead an organization that is doing this important work ,” she says . “ I know our team at Generation West Virginia is helping young people in this state find meaning and growth in ways that aren ’ t just important to them but are important to our state .”
Weld is motivated by her team members who are just as passionate as she is , the number of young people she sees daily who want to make a difference and seeing the potential of the Mountain State .
“ When I see West Virginia at the bottom of some national rankings , I
know it ’ s because we have real challenges , but it also means we have the opportunity to be problem solvers ,” she says . “ This is an opportunity to get curious , try new ideas , figure out what those underlying challenges are and work to build solutions . I feel incredibly lucky to live in a place and be in a position where that ’ s possible .”
Outside of her career , Weld serves as the chair of the Wellsburg Urban Renewal Authority , on the executive committee for the West Virginia Workforce Development Board and on the board of the Regional Economic Development Partnership . She also recently completed a six-year term on the board of YWCA Wheeling , an organization that is doing incredible work and changing the lives of women and children every day .
Weld cannot imagine living or working anywhere besides the Mountain State .
“ I ’ ve been lucky enough to build a career that I ’ m passionate about in a place that I love ,” she says . “ I ’ m passionate about my job because I want other West Virginians to have that same opportunity .” •
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ?
food :
DiCarlo ’ s Pizza
pet :
Our 3 Dogs , Trudy , Murray & Ava
local restaurant :
Waterfront Hall in Wheeling
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