The Business Builder

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Jina Belcher, Beckley

Executive director of business development at the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority who is instrumental in changes to the region after the new national park designation

MAKING BUSINESS

“I grew up in Welch and was the first in my family to graduate from college. Part of that was thanks to an entrepreneur scholarship from a business I started at sixteen. Then, in order to get a car, we had to help support the down payment, but there weren’t a lot of job opportunities for young females near us at the time. So, I started a sewing business. I made purses, sewed embroidery, and completed alterations.”

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

“Being from southern West Virginia poses so many challenges compared to the rest of the state. The level of resilience that comes from community members helps me look at issues in a solutions way as opposed to a complaint way. They help me to see things in a whole new perspective. There is just so much strength in our communities when it comes to facing challenges, and connecting with that helps me move our work forward.”

WORKING TOGETHER

“I’ve been so fortunate in my short time as director. I’ve been surrounded by creative, supportive individuals—such as the staff, board of directors, and people from previous roles—and I rely on those individuals to help me get to where I’m going. I don’t work alone.”

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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.