The story below is from our March/April 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!
These women are building a stronger Roanoke Valley through service-minded leadership.
Over the past 10 years, women’s representation has increased at every level. Most notably, women today make up 29% of C-suite positions, compared to just 17% in 2015, according to the nonprofit Lean In. In the Roanoke Valley, women leaders are making significant impacts across diverse sectors, from healthcare and education to transportation and wildlife conservation, demonstrating the transformative power of service-minded leadership.
The Path to Leadership Through Community Service
For many of these leaders, their journey began with a deep connection to service and community. Niki Voudren, executive director of Mill Mountain Zoo, has dedicated over 20 years to nonprofit work, focusing on empowering underserved individuals and protecting wildlife. Her experience spans working with individuals with disabilities, supporting underserved community members in achieving homeownership and being a founding board member of a suicide prevention organization. “Throughout my career, I’ve found that my greatest effectiveness is awakened when I am profoundly inspired by the mission I am pursuing,” Voudren says.
This dedication to community service is reflected in Andrea Garland’s work as director of transportation demand management at Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. Drawing inspiration from her experiences in Bogotá, Colombia, where she witnessed the transformation of urban transit systems, including the creation of TransMilenio (Bus Rapid Transit), Garland has brought that passion for change to Roanoke. “Serving your community with intention and passion—even through small achievements—can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life,” says Garland.
For Anna L. Weddle, school board chair for Botetourt County Public Schools, the commitment to education runs deep. “Growing up, education was always a priority in my family. My mother dedicated over 30 years to teaching, my father served on the Botetourt County School Board and my sister followed a similar path,” says Weddle. When her daughters started kindergarten and second grade, she saw an opportunity to contribute more to the school system.
Facing Challenges Head-On
These leaders have confronted significant challenges throughout their careers. When Voudren stepped into her role at Mill Mountain Zoo, she inherited decades of deferred maintenance and infrastructure issues. “I didn’t know where to start, but I knew I couldn’t abandon our dedicated team, our historic zoo, our supportive community, or the animals relying on us for their specialized care,” says Voudren.
The transformation that followed was remarkable. “Together, in record time, we built two new, 5,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art handicap-accessible exhibits that house dangerous animals,” Voudren says. “We repaired and replaced numerous roofs and HVAC units, turned multiple vacant exhibits into vibrant attractions, refurbished the iconic Zoo Choo and completely rebranded the zoo.”
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, particularly in education. “Throughout this experience, I learned that the loudest voices in the room are often not representative of the majority,” says Weddle. “It reinforced the importance of reaching out to all constituents and genuinely listening to the diverse perspectives of those I represent.”
Breaking Through in Male-Dominated Spaces
Many of these leaders have had to navigate male-dominated environments. “It’s not unusual for me to look around a meeting table and realize I’m the only woman in the room,” says Weddle. “As a naturally quiet person, I’ve often found it challenging to make my voice heard. Over time, I’ve learned that sometimes you have to interject, even when it doesn’t feel entirely polite, to ensure your perspective is acknowledged.”
Garland, working in transportation engineering, has faced similar challenges. “At times, it’s difficult to feel heard or taken seriously,” she says. “My strategy has been to build trust with those I admire and incorporate their strengths into my professional development.”
April Pratt Woodward, vice president of oncology at LewisGale Medical Center, points out ongoing systemic challenges. “I believe that women in leadership roles are still treated differently in terms of opportunities and pay. Many female executives, including myself, balance workweeks of over 50 hours, along with commitments to community service boards, home and family,” says Woodward. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare, she has learned to navigate these challenges while driving operational excellence and growth.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship emerges as a crucial factor in these leaders’ journeys. Weddle found invaluable guidance from Michelle Austin, the only other woman serving on the Botetourt County School Board when she was elected. “The most valuable lesson I learned from her was the importance of thinking one step ahead when solving problems, rather than focusing solely on the present,” says Weddle. “This forward-thinking approach proved especially critical during the pandemic, when every decision had the potential to create a domino effect.”
For Woodward, Sandra Morgan, who served as the senior national vice president of physician and provider relations for HCA Healthcare, provides inspiration. “Sandra embodies the principles of servant leadership and represents executive women who have worked their way up to have a seat at a national leadership table,” says Woodward.
Garland emphasizes the importance of learning from those around her: “In every role, I’ve sought to learn from those around me. My colleagues and supervisors believed in me and allowed me to pursue my passions.”
Achievements & Impact
These leaders’ accomplishments demonstrate their commitment to excellence and community service. Under Voudren’s leadership, Mill Mountain Zoo achieved accreditation from the Zoological Association of America, making it one of only 71 accredited facilities nationwide. This prestigious recognition required meeting the highest professional standards in animal safety, welfare and ethics, involving an intensive inspection of facilities, animal health, team knowledge and operational policies.
In education, Botetourt County Schools, under Weddle’s leadership, consistently ranks among the top 10 divisions in Virginia for SOL scores out of 131 divisions. Additionally, Central Academy Middle School recently earned the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Award. “These accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of every school employee, the support of parents and students and the engagement of community stakeholders,” says Weddle.
Garland’s work in urban design and transportation safety earned her the Smart Growth America Complete Streets Changemaker Award, validating her efforts to create safer, more inclusive streets for everyone in the community. Her involvement in projects like the Brandon and Colonial Avenue Safety Improvement Project has helped transform city streets into safe, multi-use boulevards.
Courtesy of April Pratt Woodard
At LewisGale Medical Center, Woodward focuses on bringing advanced treatment programs to Southwest Virginia’s cancer patients. “The greatest purpose of life is to live it for something that will last longer than you,” she says.
Leadership Philosophy & Advice
These leaders emphasize the importance of authentic, service-oriented leadership. “Leadership is not a title or a privilege, it is a service. The culture of an organization or business starts with the leader,” says Voudren. “It’s important to check your ego at the door and dare to be your authentic self.”
Woodward’s leadership philosophy centers on core principles: “Integrity, resilience, vision, humility, teamwork and prayer are the core principles of my leadership style,” she says. She advises aspiring leaders to “invest in yourself” and “be intentional about your goals.”
For Garland, success in leadership comes from aligning career goals with passion: “When you love what you do, it feels less like work and more like purpose. Hard work, professionalism, respect and active listening are critical.”
These leaders demonstrate that successful leadership requires more than authority — it demands strategic vision, adaptability and consistent execution. Their collective impact spans healthcare delivery, educational achievement, urban design and wildlife conservation, contributing to the Roanoke Valley’s continued growth and development.
The story above is from our March/April 2025 issue. For more stories like it, Subscribe Today. Thank you!
