the state of West Virginia as well as a member of the Judicial Investigation Commission , Public Defender Services , New View Project for the Court Improvement Program and West Virginia State Bar character committee .
Her proudest accomplishment is something she holds close to her heart . Along with several other community members , Nogay helped to bring a child advocacy center to her home of Weirton , WV , to provide support and advocacy for children who are victims of abuse and neglect in Brooke and Hancock counties .
“ Besides my own marriage and children , the Comfort House Child Advocacy Center is my greatest success ,” Nogay says . “ I wish I could give all the children I work for a happy , loving home . My parents gave me the opportunity to be my best self , and I want that for these children too . I have loved working with the children of my cases , and I am thrilled to see them thrive after representing them in their adolescence . Recently , one of my former clients approached me at an abuse and neglect conference . Upon speaking with her , she told me that she had become a Child Protective Services caseworker . I was so happy to see the lovely young woman she has become with a beautiful family — I could not be any prouder of her .”
Working in law as guardian ad litem has not always been easy for Nogay . There are trials and struggles with
services that have the potential to help make a real difference in the lives of children across West Virginia .
“ The biggest challenges I have faced are not related to my professional career . Rather , it is the lack of support and financial resources needed for the numerous services that could make a real change and impact the lives of families involved in these abuse and neglect cases ,” Nogay says . “ With that being said , I would stack the West Virginia Supreme Court up against other courts in this country for the work and attention that is given to improving the abuse and neglect system .”
Nogay believes her sense of responsibility and congeniality have contributed to her success and made a difference in why she chose this line of work .
“ I was raised to be an empathetic person and sympathetic to the needs of others ,” she says . “ I try to live up to former President John F . Kennedy ’ s speech in which he said , ‘ For those to whom much is given , much is required .’ I am not wealthy , but I have been blessed with good health , decent intellect and supportive friends , colleagues and family . I enjoy giving to causes that support children and local food banks . I like to support political candidates that work for the rights of women and children and create better tomorrows . Throughout my career , I have always done what
I could to improve the lives of children and families and treat all of the participants in my cases with dignity and respect , regardless of their race , ethnicity , lot in life or disposition .”
Today , Nogay has shifted her practice focus to adoption and other similar cases . While splitting her time between Weirton and Pinehurst , NC , West Virginia will always remain home .
“ Both my husband and I have family roots in West Virginia , and we never gave leaving a thought ,” she says .
Nogay is not done yet . She is still working to become better as a practicing attorney to enact change .
“ I am proud of my accomplishments and work in the legal field ,” she says . “ I work tirelessly to improve my legal skills every day and want to continue to work with integrity until I am ready to retire .” •
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