Meet the Locals Proving You Really Can Have It All in Roanoke

How the 2025 Get2KnowNoke Talent Ambassadors are Showcasing Roanoke’s Best Career and Lifestyle Opportunities 

Roanoke isn’t just a great place to live—it’s a place where you really can have it all. A fulfilling career, an incredible outdoor playground, and a community that actually supports each other. And this year’s 2025 Get2KnowNoke Talent Ambassadors are here to show you exactly how.

The Get2KnowNoke Talent Ambassador program keeps growing, and 2025 marks our biggest year yet. With 25 new ambassadors and 16 returning members, this powerhouse group of 41 local professionals is on a mission to connect, inspire, and help others discover all the opportunities waiting in the Roanoke Region.

“Our talent ambassadors are a vital resource for both employers and individuals. They bring a personal connection to the talent-attraction process, offering recruits valuable insights that help people imagine their life here,” said Julia Boas, director of business investment at the Roanoke Regional Partnership. “They don’t just talk about what makes the Roanoke Region great—they are actively building the communities they want to exist here.”

What Makes Roanoke a Great Place to Live and Work?

Started as a way to showcase Roanoke’s thriving job market and unbeatable quality of life, this program has expanded every year. The Talent Ambassadors are a mix of professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and

outdoor lovers who are committed to making Roanoke even better.

Through networking events, mentorship, and social media storytelling, they’re helping job seekers, remote workers, and young professionals find their place in the region.

Take Khal Clary, for example. He’s one of the new ambassadors ready to hit the ground running:

“As an ambassador, I want to highlight why the Roanoke Valley is a great place for recent graduates to build their careers and lives. With its scenic mountains, vibrant seasons, affordable living, and growing nightlife, it offers the perfect balance of work and play.”

Khal Clary, 2025 Ambassador

What Do Get2KnowNoke Ambassadors Actually Do?

These ambassadors are more than just Roanoke enthusiasts—they’re making a real impact. Here’s how they’re helping to grow the community:

• Helping job seekers connect with career opportunities in Roanoke through networking events and mentorship.
• Assisting businesses with recruitment by showing potential talent around and giving them an insider’s scoop.
• Serving on boards and committees to shape the future of Roanoke’s young professional scene.
• Promoting local businesses, outdoor activities, and community initiatives to showcase the best of the region.

Kristen Chapin is one of them, and she’s been involved in both hosting pop-up events and meeting with potential residents:

“I’ve enjoyed meeting with recruits from area employers and showing them what I love about living and working here. I’ve unofficially been singing Roanoke’s praises for years, so to be able to channel that into having a real impact is rewarding.”

Kristen Chapin, Second-Year Ambassador

The Program Is Growing—And So Is Roanoke

With 41 ambassadors—our largest group yet—the Get2KnowNoke Talent Ambassador program is a testament to Roanoke’s momentum. More people are choosing to live and work here, and these ambassadors are leading the charge in welcoming them.

Just ask Bonnie Chavez, who sees the ambassador program as a chance to welcome everyone:

“I love connecting with people and making them feel comfortable and included. It is an honor to help others find belonging in the Roanoke Region.”

So, if you’re looking for career growth, a supportive professional network, and an unbeatable quality of life, you’re in the right place. And these ambassadors are here to help you make the most of it.

Want to connect with them? Visit our ambassador page, follow us on social, and sign up for our newsletter to get plugged in.