THE VISIONARY
Ashley Montgomery, Weston
Co-owner of the Weston Town Hub
COMING HOME
“My husband, Nick, and I both graduated from Lewis County High in 1997. We lived in different places and moved home to West Virginia in our 30s. I became a vocal advocate for home birth and midwifery care in north central West Virginia when we arrived, and I was the state’s first gestational surrogate—I gave birth to twins for strangers who live in a different state.”
MISSION-DRIVEN
“My husband and I decided to open a craft beer taproom in downtown Weston. We quickly realized that apathy had replaced civic pride in our community. I believe that Weston is at the crossroads of economic development and community charm. I’ve now made it my mission to challenge others in our community to put differences aside and work together to bring our town back to life.”
THE FRONT PORCH
“We created a huge ‘Front Porch’ right on Main Avenue to provide a much-needed outdoor area for everyone in the community to enjoy. We are also starting renovations on a dilapidated 24,000-square-foot building adjoining the Front Porch, and we intentionally named the building the Weston Town Hub because we want everyone to be part of our town’s new space. We’ve started monthly Second Saturdays and have created other events to bring people downtown, and we’ve also inspired new friends to get involved using their talents. Most importantly, we’ve organized a movement to tell Weston’s new story of positive progress. By working together to create lasting change, we take ownership of our town’s future, and we can once again feel pride in where we live.”
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER 2021 WEST VIRGINIA WONDER WOMEN
Learn more about our Wonder Women
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.
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