Virginia’s First Lady and Secretary of Education to Attend 2024 Rural Summit
October 11, 2024
The First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne Youngkin, and the Secretary of Education, Aimee Guidera, will be among the guests and presenters at the 2024 Rural Summit on October 24, 2024, in Abingdon, Va.
The one-day event features more than 20 different workshops, keynotes, and panels and attracts hundreds of participants every year.
"EO’s Rural Summit exemplifies the power of collaboration among state and local leaders to tackle some of our most pressing issues," said First Lady Youngkin. "It is inspiring to see how this event not only fosters dialogue but also mobilizes resources to uplift rural communities. I am honored to be part of this initiative."
The Rural Summit is a cornerstone event in Southwest Virginia, providing professional development and networking opportunities for professionals and practitioners working in the nonprofit, education, workforce, healthcare, and early childcare and education sectors. The agenda is built around a slate of national, state, and local presenters who provide a blend of inspiration, skill development, and emerging topic exploration.
“Rural Summit attendees will gain actionable strategies to advance economic and educational solutions that strengthen our communities," said Mary Anne Holbrook, Vice President of Development at EO. "This year, participants will engage with thought leaders on these important topics while also supporting families and communities still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.”
The 2024 Rural Summit is also being leveraged as an emergency supply drive to support the United Way of Southwest Virginia Hurricane Helene response efforts. Registered attendees will receive an updated list of needed supplies the week before the event.
Sponsors of the 2024 Rural Summit include the Virginia State Office of Rural Health, Ballad Health, Wize Solutions, Thompson & Litton, Anthem Health Keepers Plus, Visit Smyth County, Advantage Capital, Hitachi, The Leader’s Perspective, Pulaski County, Delta Dental, Innovate Fund, GrantFlow, and Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM), IncareK12, and Keller-Ferguson and Associates.
Tickets are on sale through October 17 at EOco.org/Summit.
