Fostering Solutions

Welcome to Fostering Solutions, where we explore the stories and strategies of leaders who are shaping stronger, more equitable communities. I’m your host, Dr. Michelle Foster. In this episode of our Holding the Mission Together series, we’re joined by Briana Martin, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Covenant House in Charleston, West Virginia. With over two decades of experience in the social service sector, Briana leads with vision, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to social justice. Her work bridges gaps between food access, housing stability, and healthcare equity—offering hope and tangible support to our most vulnerable neighbors. In our conversation, Briana reflects on what it means to lead through uncertainty. She takes us back to the moment Covenant House faced significant funding challenges and shares how her core values, faith, and community partnerships guided her team through crisis. We talk about resilience, innovation, and the deep personal lessons she learned while ensuring that Covenant House’s 40-year legacy of service continued to thrive. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, a community advocate, or someone seeking inspiration in difficult times, this episode offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not just about managing resources—it’s about holding the mission together when everything else feels uncertain.

Welcome to Fostering Solutions, where we explore stories of leadership, resilience, and purpose in action. I’m your host, Dr. Michelle Foster, and in this episode of our special series, Holding the Mission Together: Leadership in the Face of Uncertainty, we’re sitting down with a woman whose leadership has shaped the future of education and workforce development across West Virginia — Dr. Amelia Courts, President and CEO of The Education Alliance. For more than a decade, Dr. Courts has led The Education Alliance in mobilizing business and community partnerships to ensure West Virginia students are equipped for success. From launching the statewide STEM Council and WV Ready internships to securing a $4.7 million Appalachian Regional Commission ARISE grant that’s transforming career pathways in healthcare and manufacturing, her leadership exemplifies innovation with impact. In our conversation, Amelia shares how she’s navigated moments of uncertainty — including funding challenges and shifting education priorities — while holding true to her mission of investing in the state’s most valuable resource: its students. We talk about the principles that guided her through tough decisions, how she supported her team and community, and what she’s learned about leading with vision, faith, and balance. Dr. Courts also reflects on what holding the mission together really means to her — and offers words of wisdom for other nonprofit leaders who are charting their path through change. So, settle in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Dr. Amelia Courts — a dynamic leader, educator, and advocate for West Virginia’s next generation.

Welcome to Fostering Solutions, the podcast where we explore the stories and strategies of leaders who are transforming communities and holding their missions together through times of challenge and change. I’m your host, Dr. Michelle Foster. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Heather Foster, a proud West Virginian and the newly appointed Executive Director of the West Virginia Community Development Hub—a statewide nonprofit committed to engaging community members in leadership development and planning for economic success. Heather brings more than fifteen years of experience in nonprofit governance, volunteer leadership, and public service. Before joining the Hub, she served as Chief Impact Officer for AmeriCorps’ Mid-Atlantic and Midwest Regions, where she oversaw federal community investments across nine states and territories. Her leadership was marked by strategic growth, strong staff engagement, and an unwavering focus on community impact. She also co-leads Red Spruce Collective, a Charleston-based consulting firm that supports nonprofit leaders and organizational planning. In this conversation, part of our Holding the Mission Together: Leadership in the Face of Uncertainty series, Heather shares her reflections on leading through uncertainty, sustaining staff morale, and balancing organizational survival with long-term mission integrity. We’ll talk about what guided her decisions during times of funding shifts, how she maintained communication and trust, and what “holding the mission together” truly means to her as a leader rooted in love for West Virginia. So, grab your notebook—or just settle in—and join us for this inspiring conversation with one of West Virginia’s most thoughtful and collaborative changemakers, Heather Foster.

Welcome to Fostering Solutions, the podcast where we celebrate nonprofit leaders who are building stronger communities through vision, resilience, and purpose. I’m your host, Dr. Michelle Foster. In this episode—part of our “Holding the Mission Together: Leadership in the Face of Uncertainty” series—we’re joined by Rev. Michael Lewis Farmer, a dynamic and dedicated leader whose work through Step by Step West Virginia has transformed lives across our state. Rev. Farmer serves as CEO and Executive Director of Programs for Step by Step WV, a nonprofit that supports children, teens, and families in Lincoln, Logan, and Kanawha Counties through 18 afterschool programs, three Family Support Centers, and a range of workforce, college, and career readiness initiatives. Under his leadership, Step by Step has become a trusted community anchor—helping families navigate challenges, access resources, and build pathways to brighter futures. He also serves as Pastor and Director of Risen City Church and the Risen City Neighbor Center on Charleston’s West Side—an extension of his commitment to faith- based community development. Beyond his day-to-day work, Rev. Farmer lends his expertise to several boards including Charleston Works, Hope for Appalachia Addiction Recovery and Children’s Resource Centers, Mountaineer Food Bank, Prestera, and KRT. In today’s conversation, we’ll talk about what it takes to hold the mission together when funding is uncertain and needs are great. Rev. Farmer will share how his team stayed grounded in their values, how they innovated to meet community needs, and how hope and partnership continue to fuel their work. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about faith, leadership, and the power of stepping up—step by step.

Welcome to another episode of the Fostering Solutions Podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Michelle Foster. In this special Holding the Mission Together series, we’re highlighting nonprofit leaders who have faced government funding cuts and other uncertainties while staying true to their mission. Today, I’m honored to welcome Beth Scohy, a lifelong West Virginian who grew up on Charleston’s West Side and graduated from Alderson Broaddus University. Beth has devoted more than 30 years to Daymark, where she’s served in multiple leadership roles—including Director of Training, Transitional Living Coordinator, and now Executive Director. Under Beth’s leadership, Daymark has navigated challenges while continuing to serve young people and families across our community. In this conversation, she shares what it has meant to hold the mission together in difficult times, the values that have guided her, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience and hope. So, let’s dive in and hear Beth’s inspiring story.

I’m excited to welcome today’s guest, Margaret Ann O’Neal, President of United Way of Central West Virginia. Margaret is a proud West Virginian whose career has been all about service and community. She got her start in the nonprofit world with Hospice of Southern West Virginia, where she helped raise nearly three million dollars to build the Bowers Hospice House. From there, she went on to lead United Way of Southern West Virginia, and since 2017, she’s been leading United Way of Central West Virginia here in Charleston. She brings so much heart, vision, and experience to this work—and I can’t wait for you to hear her story.

Today’s guest is Beth Casey, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, based in Charleston, West Virginia. Beth’s connection to Girl Scouts runs deep—she grew up in the movement, earned both her Silver and Gold Awards, and has spent more than 33 years building a career with the organization. For the past 17 years, she has led the Black Diamond Council, guiding programs that empower girls across our region. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations from the University of North Carolina and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke University. She first started out as a program specialist, running resident camp programs, and has since become a visionary leader in shaping opportunities for thousands of girls. Outside of work, Beth is married to Michael Casey, and together they have two children, Matthew and Hannah—who proudly carries on the family tradition as a fourth-generation Girl Scout. The Casey household is full of life with four dogs and five chickens. Beth also enjoys reading, sewing, making jewelry, and traveling to connect with family and friends. We’re honored to have Beth kick off our Resilient Nonprofit Series and share her story of leadership, perseverance, and impact.

With a vibrant career beginning in 1998 at Element Federal Credit Union, Linda Bodie has modernized the way her credit union serves her community. As CEO, she blends analytical prowess with creative innovation to develop solutions that not only meet but anticipate consumer needs. Her leadership was instrumental in securing the medical cannabis banking contract for the State of West Virginia in 2019, propelling the state's medical program into successful implementation and ongoing operations. Linda's commitment to inclusivity and leadership is evident through her co-founding roles in CU Pride, an LGBTQ+ association for credit union professionals, and CUWLA, a national organization empowering female CEOs of smaller credit unions. Her influence extends across various local and national boards, dedicating her expertise to projects that champion human rights, equality, and justice. Her achievements have been recognized widely, culminating in receiving the prestigious Herb Wegner Memorial Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in 2023. This accolade celebrates her significant contributions to the credit union industry.  

Gail Pitchford is a lifelong resident of West Virginia, having grown up in the Charleston area. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from West Virginia State University and a master’s degree in business from West Virginia University.   Gail dedicated 25 years to the banking industry, most notably as Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at BB&T, now Truist. In this role, she supervised a team of professionals and managed the delivery of comprehensive financial services to high-net-worth clients.   Following her banking career, Gail transitioned to healthcare philanthropy, serving as President of the CAMC Foundation. The CAMC Foundation is the fundraising arm of Charleston Area Medical Center, a 1,000-bed tertiary hospital in West Virginia's capital. During her 15-year tenure, Gail led all fundraising and grant-making efforts, successfully raising $15 million to establish a free-standing, multidisciplinary cancer center at CAMC. She retired from the foundation in 2021 and maintains her certification as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).   In 2022, Gail pursued her passion for creating organized and peaceful living spaces by founding Pro Clutter Buster, a home organizing business. She assists clients in overcoming decluttering and organizing challenges, providing long-term solutions to maintain clutter-free environments.   Gail has a strong commitment to community service, demonstrated through various volunteer roles. She served on the Board of Governors at West Virginia State University for 10 years and is currently a Commissioner on the Higher Education Policy Commission of West Virginia. Additionally, she serves as President of the Board of Trustees of the Craik-Patton House Foundation, Inc., which preserves the historic Craik-Patton House and Museum. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority Employee Wellness Board. An active member of the Rotary Club of Charleston, WV, Gail is also an avid runner, having competed in numerous 5k and 10k races, multiple half-marathons, and completed the New York City Marathon.   Gail is married to Dr. Augustinus Lobach, a retired family practice physician, and they reside in Charleston, WV.  

Nora Myers is the Executive Director of the West Virginia Women’s Business Center, a program of Partner Community Capital. In this role, she oversees business support services and access to capital for women and minority-owned small businesses. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with start-up organizations. She served as the LaunchLab Director at West Virginia University’s Beckley campus and as the Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Charleston, where she was the operational assistance partner for Adena Ventures. In this capacity, she provided business development support to numerous companies across the state seeking venture capital.   Nora has experience as a commercial lender in the Washington, DC area, serving small to medium-sized enterprises. She is a graduate of the Venture Capital Institute in Atlanta and holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington, as well as a BS in Management from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Additionally, she serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, the Fund for the Arts, and Kanawha Valley NOW.  

Terrell Ellis is a West Virginian by choice. She believes that our state has tremendous untapped potential to be the best place in the country to live, work, and play. She has dedicated her professional life to helping communities realize this potential.   Terrell Ellis's career path is unique and impactful. She began her journey focusing on downtown revitalization, working locally and statewide with the state’s capital city, Charleston, and the WV Main Street program. Her work involved directing and providing technical assistance for diverse projects, from riverfront development to historic preservation and financing programs. This early experience laid the foundation for her future success in community and economic revitalization.    Subsequently, Ms. Ellis served as the Principal of Terrell Ellis & Associates, a consulting practice that provides support to the public and private sectors on issues related to community and economic revitalization.  She worked nationally on community and economic development initiatives, emphasizing small to medium-sized rural communities.     In 2023, Ms. Ellis made a significant career move, closing her consulting practice to become the President & CEO of Advantage Valley, a 9-county regional economic development organization. In this role, she has successfully leveraged millions of federal funding to support regional business attraction and retention, entrepreneurship, development of outdoor recreation assets, and industrial site development efforts. Her unique collaboration with regional partners has led to the creation of hundreds of new jobs and millions of private reinvestment in the region, demonstrating the tangible impact of her work.   In addition to her Bachelor of Arts degree in urban affairs from Virginia Tech, Ms. Ellis is also a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional. She volunteers in leadership roles for numerous local, state, and national organizations. Ms. Ellis is the proud mother of four daughters.  

Shamika Robinson spent most of her life in a suburb of Los Angeles, California, and has been living in Charleston, WV since late 2015. She was raised in a family that emphasized helping others, which shaped her career dedicated to service. Shamika worked for five years at the Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority in Charleston, WV, starting as a Housing Specialist and quickly rising to Inspections Supervisor. She is currently a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer in West Virginia, working for a non-profit lender.   In May 2020, Shamika established Luv Enterprises LLC, a car rental service that became profitable in 2022. Her 25-year career in social services includes roles in residential recovery services, homelessness prevention and assistance, family reunification, and child development. Shamika discovered that car rental services could benefit from a more human touch, extending her passion for social services into this new venture. Today, Luv Enterprises provides some of the most innovative car rental solutions in the market.  

Morgan Morrison, the co-owner and founder of Rock City Cake Company, a unique bakery and music venue nestled in the heart of West Virginia. Morgan's journey as an entrepreneur exemplifies resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to bringing a modern twist to a beloved classic.   Beyond the bakery, Morgan serves as the Vice President of the Downtown Charleston Association, demonstrating her commitment to community growth and development. In this role, she actively works to foster connections between residents, visitors, and businesses in Charleston, West Virginia. Her dedication to enhancing goodwill reflects a deep-seated belief in the potential of her community and the unique offerings of the Mountain State.  

Attorney Kusimo-Frazier has built an illustrious career, beginning as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Kanawha and Jackson Counties, West Virginia, where she excelled by winning nearly all her trial cases. She transitioned into private practice with a Charleston law firm, successfully defending numerous clients in criminal cases across municipal, state, and federal courts.   After several years, she joined the Supreme Court of Appeals as a Deputy Counsel, where she spent four years reviewing appeals, summarizing them, and presenting her findings to the Supreme Court Justices. Her expertise led to her promotion as Director of Magistrate Services, where she supervised the operations of West Virginia's fifty-five county magistrate court system, advised magistrates, circuit judges, and the Supreme Court Justices, and implemented statewide legislation.   In 2022, she returned to private practice as Of Counsel at a national law firm headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia. In 2023, she was named a fellow in the inaugural class of the Johnson & Johnson Trial Pathways Fellowship Program, focusing on product liability defense, criminal defense, and civil rights law.   Attorney Kusimo-Frazier has been recognized with numerous accolades. In 2022, she was honored as a West Virginia Bar Foundation Fellow and joined its board. In 2023, she received the Civil Rights Champion award from the West Virginia Human Rights Commission. In 2024, she was named a Woman to Watch by the Charleston, West Virginia YWCA Woman of Achievement Awards.   Her dedication extends beyond her legal practice. She serves as a Commissioner for the West Virginia Juvenile Justice Commission and is an active member of the Charleston-Institute (WV) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Omicron Omega Chapter.   Attorney Kusimo-Frazier graduated magna cum laude from The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and earned her Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington, Virginia. She is also a lifetime member of the FAMU Alumni Association.

Dr. Yvonne S. Lee-Long , a licensed Graduate Social Worker, has been practicing since 2011. She holds a PhD in social work with a focus on Family Intervention and Preservation, where her research explored the relationships between stress, family support, and family resources among custodial grandparents in Appalachia.   An entrepreneur, Yvonne owns "My September Case Management," which assists aged and disabled waiver participants. Additionally, she runs "F.A.I.T.H Behavioral Support," a licensed behavioral health center she recently opened. At this center, she provides case management for children with Serious Emotional Disorder waivers and offers wraparound services. Yvonne has been working as a therapist for five years under contract.   Active in her community, Yvonne serves on the boards of West Virginia Center on Budget and Policy and the WV Child Advocacy Network. She also held an appointment to the Advisory Council Grandparents committee, where she contributed to the Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act supporting grandparents raising grandchildren. As a member of the Charleston Institute Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., the WV ACES coalition, and the Kanawha Chapter of the NAACP, Yvonne is deeply involved in mentoring, advocating for, and leading at-risk youth in her community.