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These seven women, all under 40, are making an impact across the region with their hard work and dedication. It’s hard not to be inspired by their passion and enthusiasm!
Julianne Rainone
Michelle Dykstra
Roanoke City Council
Executive Director, Boys and Girls Clubs ofSouthwest Virginia
34 years old
Michelle Dykstra ran for Roanoke City Council in spring 2016, taking office in July. Though her prior government experience was limited, her background of business, community and nonprofit development allowed for new representation on the council.
“What I hope people look for and why they elected me is that they’re looking for someone who had a variety of backgrounds from which I hopefully presented with a well-rounded decision-making capability,” she says.
Dykstra is only the seventh woman to serve on city council, and is glad to have more female representation. She and Vice Mayor Anita Price are serving concurrent four-year terms, the first time two women have served all four years together.
So far, she describes her experience as “amazing,” and that her variety of skill sets developed from random parts of her life are finally coming together in one place, whether it’s volunteerism or business development. As she continues to build upon them, she’s glad to feel like she’s contributing to the city in a meaningful way.
“I was not one of those people who graduated from college knowing exactly what I was going to do,” she says. “But I have always been the type of person who fills every minute of my day. What I do on a daily basis is complementary to what I do on city council...I get to talk about things I’m passionate about, whether it’s kids or community development or neighborhood revitalization. All of those things are not only city council-related, they relate to my job and they’re also my own personal passions.”
The uphill battle began in January 2016 when she announced her decision to run. Her first three phone calls after that were to current council members.
“I didn’t want them to tell me I’d win, but I wanted to know if it was even possible for a 33-year-old woman to get elected,” she says. “Because if you tell me it’s possible, I’ll tell you I can do it. But I didn’t know the lay of the land, and wanted to know if it was an all-boys club, that type of thing. They were honest, telling me the ups and downs of campaigning and being in politics.”
She’s also recently added the title of executive director of Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwestern Virginia. It’s a full-time job on top of her council duties, and Dykstra does it all with style and poise, calling it a tremendous opportunity.
When she’s not in council chambers or at her job, she’s staying strong with CrossFit and running. She values good relationships with friends, as well as spending time with family. Her main focus is her three-year-old daughter Elsa, and they stay busy with swim lessons, children’s theater classes and spending time with her friends. Being a role model is one of the most important things for Dykstra.
“It was a huge part of my decision to run,” she says. “Being able to model that for Elsa and saying I’m interested without knowing how it’d turn out, but I was willing to dive in and see what happened. Even if I hadn’t won city council, I would’ve found something else to focus on and do.”
Elsa isn’t the only one who sees her as a role model. When speaking to younger people, Dykstra stresses the importance of putting yourself out there, as well as surrounding yourself with supportive people.
“I wasn’t asked to run, but when I raised my hand and expressed interest, people were supportive and helped me explore the opportunity. As women and younger people, we should take advantage of that and speak up to get involved and serve. It’s easy to get a seat at the table here.”
Brie Jackson
WSLS Anchor/Reporter
35 years old
Brie Jackson is the WSLS weekend evening anchor (6 and 11 p.m.) as well as a weekday reporter Mondays-Wednesdays. For her, it’s the best of both worlds. She loves reporting and being out in the field, but admits it’s a tough job, so being on the anchor desk for the other half of her week is ideal.
Jackson has a lengthy resume, including working in Maryland, South Carolina and D.C. She worked behind the scenes in D.C., sharing that’s where she felt she got her true introduction to journalism, particularly for television. Seeing all the fun reporters had going out and telling stories made her want to try to get on the other side of the camera. For Jackson, who loves meeting people, it’s an honor for people to open up their lives and talk with her.
“Sometimes you’re talking to people on the best days of their lives and sometimes it’s the worst day,” she says. “Being able to tell that person’s story and share their words is an honor. Sometimes being a voice for people that feel as though they aren’t being heard, like an underserved community or they don’t know how to spread their message, I love helping with that.”
Jackson attended the University of Maryland (thanks in part to a basketball scholarship), earning her bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s in journalism. Jackson also has a truly incredible story about becoming a journalist. Her mother, who passed away when Jackson was only four years old, was also a journalist. Jackson came to know her mother through her work.
“There was a piece of her that I didn’t realize was behind my passion for journalism. I think I was always a good writer, so it was a way to connect,” she says. “I didn’t go in thinking I’d be a journalist, but the field and I sort of found each other, letting me use my skills and my passion.”
While Jackson worked down in South Carolina, she began working on a story that her mother once worked on. Her mom’s research study on the Gullah culture became a book. While Jackson worked there, she did a few stories on the same subject, and won an award for her research, bringing it all full circle.
“When things fall into your path, I never expected to be there for work...but when I went there and met people that knew my mom and did research with her, I wanted to learn more about the culture and what her research was on,” she explains. “I did some stories to help update her research 30 years later. I never would’ve imagined that to happen. The award was really special to me and something that made me connect to my mom and the field and raised awareness about this culture’s efforts to preserve itself.”
In addition to her full-time job, Jackson is a member of Junior League, which has been a great experience and provided opportunities to meet other women in different professions. She’s also participated in Leadership Roanoke Valley, allowing her to meet even more people outside of work. She wanted to meet young professionals outside of the station, as well as work with people who are committed to improving our community. She’s also thrilled with the running groups, who welcome any and everyone who wants to try it. She’s completed the full Blue Ridge Marathon, and when her friends come to visit, they’re taken on a trip to the Mill Mountain Star. Or rather, they’re running to it.
“My friends hate me for this when they come visit, but that’s what we do,” she says unapologetically. “We run up the mountain to the star, then take it easy for the rest of the day with pancakes and maybe going out later that night for beers!”
For her days off, she’ll take one day to relax and hit the reset button; for the second, she wants to be out and about. Jackson lives downtown and loves the ability to walk out of her building right into the busy downtown. She enjoys the nightlife when she can, but it’s especially fun to be right in the thick of things during events and festivals and still walk back home.
Jackson laughs when asked about getting recognized while out and about, sharing that many times people don’t realize she’s on television until long after the fact. To her, it feels good to be known in a community, not because of popularity, but because no one here is a stranger.
“It feels like Roanoke’s theme is community. We’re family-based and friendly, and truly live that rather than just say it. It’s such a welcoming community and while it’s not where I’m from, everyone’s made me feel like it’s home.”
Candace Blair
Treble Makers Music
31 years old
To traveling music teacher Candace Blair, music is much more than just music. In a music class, preschoolers can learn about cooperation, how to follow directions and interact with other children, have a social and emotional outlet, and get their energy out. It’s thanks to Blair that there are several opportunities in Roanoke provided to do just that.
Blair is the children’s music director at Covenant Presbyterian Church, as well as the preschool music teacher there. She conducts private lessons in the church’s studio for 34 children, is an assisting teacher at North Cross and is also a preschool music teacher at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. She teaches piano, clarinet, flute and saxophone, and sees more than 200 kids on a weekly basis. She also occasionally donates music lessons for charity auctions or other good causes.
“It takes a lot of organization, but I love it. It takes time learning everyone’s names, but they’re my family,” Blair says with a laugh. “I found music with little children was my calling.”
Blair’s been giving private lessons since she was in high school, teaching middle schoolers out of her parents’ basement. Originally from Virginia Beach, Blair has a music education degree from VCU. She began her career in the public school system and moved to Roanoke for a teaching position at the Roanoke Valley Montessori school, gaining her certification as well. She offered music classes for an after-school activity, which steamrolled into something bigger. In 2014, she started her own business, Treble Makers Music.
She’s worked with a full range of ages, but finds the younger children to be her favorite because she loves being the first one to introduce them to musical instruments and watch them create their first note. As a kid, she was shy, but when she started playing music at 11 years old, it gave her an outlet to make friends. Her dad asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, and she told him she wanted to be a music teacher. Even now as an adult, she still wants to be one when she grows up!
“Music just helped me so much to come out of my shell,” she says. “Many music teachers won’t take a private lesson students until they’re older, but I really enjoy tapping into that young brain. I think a lot of preschoolers play alongside their peers, but might not have figured out how to play with them. To see that child go to an instrument basket and share with another child or sit with us and sing along or laugh is a really important thing.”
Blair plays all the instruments she teaches, and is a classically trained musician. She can strum chords on a guitar, but is “definitely a woodwind player” in addition to her love for piano. She calls her career a “dream come true” and will host her first-ever studio recital in March. She’s excited for the experience, and to share her students’ hard work playing an instrument and sharing it with their loved ones.
“The parents of my students, I’ve had some for a long time so they know me well,” she says. “They know their kid is my family. I want to be in their lives even after they move on from my classes. They’re my kids!”
When she finds time for a day off, she loves to do yoga and go on girls’ hikes with her friends. Recently engaged, she’s planning her wedding for later this year. She adores attending the Roanoke Symphony, citing Music Director David Wiley as a huge inspiration, and has admired his work from afar during every concert. Not surprisingly, she has friends in the local music scene, and will often try to catch their shows around town.
“That’s one cool thing about Roanoke, we do have an eclectic mix of artists and people trying to create art in this community, whether it’s music or painting or yoga classes. There are so many cool, different entrepreneurs here,” she says.
Blair has been in Roanoke for almost six years, and loved the city instantly thanks to its natural beauty and close-knit community. She can’t wait to start a family of her own and raise them here. She hopes her business continues to thrive, though she plans to keep it at the intimate level rather than add on other teachers or classes. In her mind, it’s all about what’s best for her students, rather than herself.
“I like that it’s personal and all of my students are connected to me. I would love to see where my students are then compared to now and see their joy for music grow, and how it helps them.”
Ariel Lev
Previous Director of CoLab
28 years old
Ariel Lev is probably a name you’ve heard several times in the last couple years, particularly when discussing the CoLab or CityWorksXpo. At time of print, Lev has just made the announcement of handing off her director’s title to Brad Stephens, and the possibilities in front of her are endless. For now, we take a look at her CoLab experiences and how they’ve helped shape her into the remarkable young woman she is today.
Lev and her husband Sam moved from D.C. to Floyd, quickly making contacts through the farmers market at the community market where she worked. It was there she met Brent Cochran, who would be a much bigger asset than she realized at the time. She and Sam spent a fun, interesting year in Floyd, enjoyed their honeymoon and moved to Roanoke. Without a job, Lev contacted Cochran, who introduced her to Ed Walker. A few projects here and there turned into full-time work as the CoLab director in October 2014, followed by becoming the CityWorksXpo organizer. Three years later, Lev marvels at the opportunities she’s had so far.
“I’ve met such incredibly visionary leaders in the area,” she says. “Not only do I get to learn from then, but I see the next generation of leadership growing through the CoLab’s perspective and the communities we touch. If I had to summarize what I’ve done for the last three years, it’s sort of as a middle man between the leadership and the brilliant minds who haven’t yet found their place or voice. Whether it’s in the business ownership realm, community development or nonprofit world, we can help them figure out the next best step for them if they need that help. If they don’t, I just sit back and watch them do that awesome work. It’s a lot of listening and learning.”
Originally from Burlington, North Carolina, Lev received a bachelor’s in communications broadcasting from Appalachian State University. She followed that with a master’s in communication culture and technology at Georgetown University, studying how people communicate from the theoretical side all the way to how sound gets out of a microphone, out of speakers and into your ears. She also studied the future of communications, and how technology impacts things like television and print and digital means.
“I couldn’t have picked or been in a better job [than the CoLab], because that’s what I do. We talk about technology all the time and how it impacts people,” she says. “Even our members that work with a trade will sometimes come in to do accounting with software, so it’s all hooked into that technology side which is important for my background to have that continuing education with that since it changes so fast. I’m thankful to tech-savvy members who have kept me updated on that stuff.”
Lev is glad to have had big-city experiences because it helped her understand more about the world. When she and her husband left the D.C. area, they weren’t sure where they wanted to be, and ended up picking Roanoke off a map. They knew they wanted a city that didn’t completely revolve around a university, preferring a consistent, non-transient population of people who choose to stay in the area.
Now she and Sam own their home in the Grandin neighborhood. Lev runs the foodie-based Instagram account for @eatrke, showcasing all the unique restaurants Roanoke has to offer. As Sam works in the food industry, they’re conscious about what they eat and where it comes from, and they love trying new things and shopping at farmers markets. They also enjoy hiking and running, and anything else outdoors.
Lev is also a dedicated weaver, initially started as a stress-relieving hobby. She loved it immediately, and began posting photos online to share her work. She was surprised by a number of people asking to buy the finished product. Rather than turn it into a profit-driven exercise that would take away the fun, she decided to sell her work and donate the profits. Her first $1,000 went to Angels of Assisi, and while she understands the money will go where needed within the nonprofit, she hopes some of the money will be used for their senior dogs, as it’s a personal passion for her. The next thousand will go to another animal-oriented nonprofit, spreading the love across city and county lines.
“I try to get a little bit of weaving done every night. It never gets old and is so much fun,” she says. “I also feel like donations opens up a different type of accessibility for people. It’s more of a gift for themselves because not only do they love the work, but it reminds them that it connects to the community in a deeper way.”
Cally Smith
Roanoke Regional Chamber
VP of Membership and Brand Strategy
26 years old
Cally Smith is the biggest cheerleader you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. And as vice president of membership and brand strategy at the Roanoke Regional Chamber, her job is a perfect fit with her bright personality.
“People ask me what I would do if I could do anything in the world and money didn’t matter. I love being a cheerleader, and I get to be paid to be an encourager! Here in Roanoke, there are so many people that are ready to be your cheerleader...you stand on the sidelines and support the team; there are a lot of folks that are willing to do that and they don’t care about where the credit goes,” she says.
Her job at the chamber requires thinking in two ways. One is membership and programming; the other is legislative advocacy. Smith and her team are responsible for raising 100 percent of the chamber’s operating budget through membership dues and non-dues, and events and programs. She leads a team of four, putting on countless events throughout the year, as well as staying focused on membership sale and retention, benefits and communication. In addition, she’s also part of Leadership Roanoke Valley.
It’s a huge job, but Smith is no stranger to hard work. She’s been with the chamber for four and a half years, starting as the manager of networking events. Now in her VP role for nearly two years, she’s tackled becoming a manager, learning about interviewing and hiring and other challenges.
Smith is from Russell County, the type of small area where the adage is, “You can’t go to Walmart without makeup on.” She couldn’t wait to be done with school, wanting to be an adult with a closet full of suits and carrying a briefcase everywhere. During her undergrad at Radford University, where she majored in public relations, she completed an internship with a small chamber of commerce. It was here she caught the bug for community relations, as she watched her boss make solutions for everyone who walked in the door.
“It was amazing to see!” Smith says. “It was such a lesson in integrity for me because her knowledge and ability to really be what everyone needed was so cool. They didn’t care if she wore a suit or jeans. She was so many things for so many different people.”
Smith had to make cold calls for that internship, which only enticed her further. As she went through the list, speaking with strangers and hearing their stories, she was excited to see so many people supporting the chamber. Smith’s job is never boring, nor does it even pause. She works many hours, often on nights or weekends with events, but she does it all with a smile, knowing even if she worked somewhere else, it would be the same ethic.
“If something has my name associated with it, I really want it to be a certain level. At the chamber, there’s always something else we can do...I decided a long time ago that I’m Cally, and I’m going to be the best Cally I can be. I’ll never be good at being anyone else, so I wanted a job where I can set myself up for success in being myself. Because at the end of the day, who’s got time to be someone else?”
Smith’s job allows her to be present in other avenues. She’s president of her New Generations Rotary Club, and along with Leadership Roanoke Valley, she’s able to meet so many people.
Smith and her husband love trying new restaurants. (In fact, she says one of the worst parts about working downtown is wanting to eat out for lunch every day and yet trying to save time and money!) They enjoy spending time outdoors and going to plays and concerts. Smith loves the big weekend events that get people downtown, and seeing so much life in a vibrant city is important to her. What keeps her excited about Roanoke though, is that you can be only 26 years old and be such an integral part of Roanoke.
“There’s not a lot of other places where you get to have that privilege, to be in the room and invited to the meetings and be on the guest lists. I value being seen as an equal,” she says. “There’s always room to grow, especially for us women; if you’re committed and work hard, I think there’s a lot of opportunity here to have a seat at the table.”
Jaclyn Chaddic
Roanoke City Police Department
24 years old
As a Roanoke City police officer in the bravo platoon, Jaclyn Chaddic performs many roles you might not know about. Not only does she show up to traffic stops and answers calls during shifts, but she also acts as a teacher, mentor or even counselor to those she’s called to help.
Originally from northern Virginia, Chaddic is a Virginia Tech graduate with a major in business management, specifically for human resources. While it wasn’t her goal to be in the business field, it was a solid background to have because it applies to everything as she now deals with people from all walks of life in her personal and professional settings.
Chaddic was always interested in law enforcement, and knew early on it was the career she wanted to pursue. She completed an internship with the Virginia Tech Police Department, doing ride-alongs amongst other duties, and was fascinated by the job.
“It sounds clichéd, but it’s about helping people,” she says. “I’m also big into helping women with their confidence. I’ve always tried to include other women when I go out with friends, and I want us all to have a good time and make sure no one is quiet or sitting in the corner alone.”
Assisting others is just one reason she’s interested in pursuing a path into domestic violence and helping women in those situations. She also likes that no two shifts will ever be the same.
In a male-dominated field, Chaddic started the police academy in June 2014, graduating in December of the same year. Now with a little over two years of field experience, Chaddic loves her role.
“It’s a difficult time for law enforcement, but our department tries so hard to better relationships with the community because it’s important to us,” she says. “We know citizens won’t always agree, but we always have the community’s best interests at heart.”
As a police officer, Chaddic has to be in good health. As a female police officer, Chaddic is that much more determined to stay in tip-top shape. On her days off, she’s at the gym or running on the greenway. When officers occasionally go on calls alone, she knows she has to be prepared to handle any situation.
“I do get nervous on calls,” she admits. “You have those moments where you realize things can go bad pretty quickly, especially on domestic calls which are statistically the most dangerous for officers. You just have to push through the fear and nerves; that’s what you do in this job.”
As a woman in the field, she definitely has to be assertive, which struck her as a challenge in the beginning. As a self-described “nice person,” yelling was not something she did, nor is it something she does often now. But sometimes there comes a point where yelling might be the only thing that works.
What might be most frustrating is the catcalls while in uniform. She’s had passersby ask why she’s a police officer instead of America’s “Next Top Model,” for example, or others who tell her she’s too pretty to be a police officer.
“It doesn’t really faze me too much. I keep it in the back of my mind that I can handle business if I need to!” Chaddic says, laughing.
Chaddic has volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club in college, which instilled purpose for helping children. Today, she’s a Big Sister in the “Big in Blue” community-based program, with a 12-year-old “little sister” who just moved to Roanoke a few months ago. Chaddic is already incredibly proud of her, wanting to be a positive role model in the girl’s life.
“It’s a lot of fun and I have the time to donate, so it was important to me,” Chaddic says. “Your role isn’t to be a counselor, but to be a friend and help shape them as a person. My little is the only female on her wrestling team and it’s incredible. She already has so much confidence, and it just makes you want to better yourself.”
Chaddic stresses the importance of being a positive influence for younger girls. As a female police officer, she gets to show them that women can be in places of authority, as well as make an impact on their community. That goes for women considering becoming police officers themselves, too.
“I would say if you truly have the heart to be a police officer, don’t let being a woman or being out of shape stop you,” she says. “You can’t let it. All the department wants is to see that you will be persistent and determined, and won’t quit.”
Ava Rosa DeVries
Kid Journalist
11 years old
Ava Rosa DeVries is our youngest female in the group, and a name you might want to write down so you can say you “knew her when.” She’s not only a fifth-grader at Cave Spring Elementary (and already receiving middle school coursework for her middle school advanced classes, including pre-algebra) and an elite soccer player, but thoroughly interested in journalism. As a kid journalist, DeVries hosts her online show, “Three Questions with Ava Rosa,” where she interviews people in the Roanoke Valley.
Her mother, Afira DeVries, is the President and CEO of United Way Roanoke Valley (see my “Lunch With” interview on page 10), and her father Jason is a financial advisor. They both support Rosa in any way they can, and are constantly impressed by their daughter’s initiative.
“She’s built her own little empire!” Afira says, laughing. “I just need her to get good grades and brush her hair! She’s smart, but it’s her emotional commitment to trying to represent people by asking good questions and believing in journalism. I’m so proud that she took on the mantle of an advocate before anyone ever asked her to.”
While her parents ground and protect her, they may even occasionally edit DeVries’ questions because they are so serious, they’re almost “pitbullish.” Talk about a hard-hitting journalist!
DeVries remembers sitting with her father in a Taco Bell, talking about the idea of an online show and wondering if it was something she could do. She was 10 at the time, and a year later, she already has about 15 interviews on her resume.
“I noticed there weren’t a lot of kid journalists,” she says. “Even though there were a few, they didn’t ask questions I wanted to ask, serious, good questions.”
Her goal was to talk to different, interesting people in the area. Interviewees include Christ Hurst (previously of WDBJ7), Pearl Fu of Local Colors, politician Sam Rasoul, and her own mother. She even had a chance to ask former “Star Trek” star and activist George Takei a question during his visit to Roanoke last year. DeVries says she thinks it makes her show so much more interesting when she talks to different people in the area.
“Anita Price was my first interview, and now she’s the vice mayor of Roanoke, which is pretty cool,” she says. “I also interviewed Mayor Bowers on his last day in office. I got to sit in his chair!”
Shyness clearly isn’t in her repertoire (though she admits being interviewed for this article made her more nervous than doing her own show!). Her favorite subject in school is writing; she loves to write stories and talk in front of the class, as “something about that makes her really happy!”
Her favorite interview was interviewing WDBJ7 news anchor Chris Hurst, where she learned a few tips from the pro. Hurst did not want to see her questions beforehand, and was willing to talk about anything, including the circumstances surrounding the death of WDBJ7 reporter and his girlfriend, Alison Parker.
“I was really worried about that, and it was only my second show,” DeVries says. “I asked him how something like this happens, and how he can still come into work and do a great job. I had another question prepared, but he was willing to talk about anything.”
DeVries isn’t afraid of the difficult questions, and it isn’t uncommon for interviewees to be surprised at the depth of them. When she sat down with Sam Rasoul, for example, she asked him about North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2 (HB2).
To prep for her show, DeVries sits down with her parents and researches the interviewee from other news articles and website information. Once they have their questions, she figures out her written intro spots, and takes a couple hours to prep. During the interview process, she finalizes her outro, and what she’s learned thanks to the interview. Then it’s up to Dad spending a few late nights editing and putting it all together!
Videos are posted to her YouTube Channel, Facebook page and her website. While the majority of her views are via Facebook, she has plenty of YouTube hits as well. Her yearly recap video showcasing her 2016 interviews and adventures, at time of print, has already reached some 4,500 viewers.
“When we started, we had no idea if anyone would watch it,” she says. “It’s awesome that people are actually watching my episodes and liking and sharing.”
Despite her age difference, her love of Roanoke sounds much like anyone else’s. “I love that everyone’s so close together and that it’s easy to know people. You can bump into anyone on the streets because we’re all close...I like the close-knit community here.” I
... for the rest of this story, including cover subject WSLS anchor Brie Jackson, Roanoke Regional Chamber's Cally Smith, RCPD's Jaclyn Chaddic and kid journalist Ava Rosa, and more from our March/April 2017 issue, Subscribe today, view our FREE interactive digital edition or download our FREE iOS app!