THE SHOULDER TO LEAN ON

Franki L. Parsons, Charleston

Of counsel attorney at Ray, Winton & Kelley law firm

THE FIRE WITHIN

“I’ve been an attorney for 19 years. My dad fell ill in 2011. I was living in Kansas City at the time, and I was trying to help my mom, but I couldn’t handle the matter because I was working as an attorney in another state. He had a will, but he did not have powers of attorney. There is a need in this state for people who practice this area of law and who get it. I’m not sure, unless you’ve been through it, if you really understand how stressful it is. When I moved back in 2014, I ended up working at United Bank in the trust and wealth department, and that was how I segued into making this my entire career—trust and asset management.”

OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

“I’ve been on several boards including Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia, West Virginia Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, and the Tamarack Foundation. I’m currently serving on the board of Faith in Action of the Greater Kanawha Valley. This is a great organization that provides help to seniors. We give them rides to doctor appointments, pick up their groceries, and make minor repairs at their houses.”

THE FUTURE

“I’ve had a lot of different experiences, like serving as acting general counsel to the West Virginia Development Office and as outside general counsel to the West Virginia Water Development Authority and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow my practice. I think there will be more writing and teaching in my future, too.”

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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.