Amy Grady, Leon

West Virginia senator and Leon Elementary teacher

BROADENING HORIZONS

  “I can only ever remember wanting to be a teacher. I used to set up my dolls and play class with them. I teach fourth grade at a rural school with kids whose families love them, but they don’t necessarily have everything in life. It inspires me to show these kids things they don’t see on a regular basis, to show them there’s more in the world beyond Mason County.”

LOVE OF THE GAME

“My coaches at Point Pleasant High School gave me a lot of inspiration, and now I coach youth sports. I try to teach them skills, but also to love the sport. I learned a lot of my best life skills in sports, like the value of teamwork. When you’re a part of a team, you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

“During the 2018 teacher strike, I went door to door at legislators’ offices, offering my perspective. Few really took the time to listen, so I decided to run for office. I think everyone goes in with an idea of how they want to help, but many legislators don’t understand what it’s like to be a public educator. I ran in 2020, defeating incumbent Senate President Mitch Carmichael. My first session was a learning experience, but it’s been great sharing the perspective of students and families.”

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Since 2014 WV Living magazine has been honoring West Virginia Wonder Women, amazing women who are raising the bar in their communities, serving as beacons of light in their industries, and forcing change for the greater good. WV Living is proud to celebrate these Appalachian mothers, millennials, and mavens proving that in a time full of uncertainty, divisiveness, and hate, love for one another is all we really need. No need for bulletproof bracelets or a golden lasso of truth—these women are creating a better West Virginia with their can-do attitudes and Mountain State spirit.