Roanoke Region Talent Ambassadors

Kristen is an account manager at Anstey Hodge Advertising Group. She brings over a decade of experience in communications, community relations, marketing, and graphic design to her role. Kristen is an advocate for community building and mentorship. She became an ambassador to foster collaboration and enhance the quality of life in the region. For Kristen, Roanoke is not just a place to live and work; it’s home. She cherishes the area’s balance of a close-knit feel and the wide array of activities and experiences it offers. Having grown up in Botetourt, where her family still resides, Kristen values the region’s unique charm & vibrant lifestyle.

Growing up in Roanoke, I was told there was nothing to do. In college, I discovered cycling’s vibrant community, organizing races and events. After 7 years in Orlando, I returned, finding Roanoke transformed with opportunities for fun and growth. It’s a place where anyone can build something. Now a business owner, clients move here for the affordable living and outdoors. They love the welcoming community. It’s heartening to see the region I love embrace everyone.

I wholeheartedly embrace community involvement, recognizing its pivotal role in Roanoke’s growth. It’s not just about solutions; it’s about a shared understanding of the challenges we face. This understanding becomes a powerful tool when collaborating with advocates and professionals dedicated to Roanoke’s well-being. Living here, what truly warms my heart is witnessing the organic growth fueled by passionate individuals turning their dreams into reality. It’s more than development; it’s a ripple effect of inspiration. As a proud Northwest resident, I’m genuinely thrilled to be part of this collective journey of positive transformation.

As someone who wasn’t always confident or made to feel welcome growing up, I find it my calling to welcome others and make sure they feel they have found a safe space. I always try to include others and make them feel welcome and can apply that to any volunteer opportunity or social group. The growth our region has experienced is inspiring. I’ve lived here since 1989 and can now confidently say that Roanoke is cool. We have so many communities to become a part of. I connect with artists and of course roller skaters/ other active individuals. But there are creative and driven folks in this town I’m still excited to meet.

After relocating to Roanoke from Hampton Roads 2 years ago, I’ve aimed to engage in local community efforts. While in Norfolk, I served on city committees like the Environmental Council and Economic Development Authority, contributing to organizations like WHRO and Startwheel. Now in Roanoke, I’m inspired by the community investment and the warmth of its people. Eager to contribute, I aim to support local businesses, foster connections, and give back to this welcoming community. Roanoke’s friendly spirit motivates me to be an active participant in its growth, creating genuine connections and friendships while helping businesses thrive.

Gabrielle, also know as Gabbi, is a Roanoker through and through. She’s seen Roanoke grow and change over the years and believes it’s the “best place to be.” She credits the region with providing her with the tools to lead a beautiful life and create a successful business (The Slap Shop). Now, Gabbi wants to spread that love, positivity, and success to others.

I work at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion in Roanoke. My professional career path is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia and professional settings. I see the growth potential of Roanoke: downtown life, arts and culture, LGBTQ+ ‘mecca’, business, and academic opportunities. The feeling I experience when I go downtown, I find something new every time. Sometimes it’s a person, other times it’s a place, and it’s always an experience to remember.

Roanoker since 2001, my love for the city abounds! I enjoy recommending local gems to friends. As a social media strategist, I work with businesses, emphasize their passion and help them grow. This fuels my commitment to promoting Roanoke’s unique charm. I hope to highlight life here, showcasing great food and my family’s favorite hot spots. Living here is unparalleled for family life—exceptional schools, diverse activities, and captivating museums!

As a native of Roanoke, my accounting career has connected me with diverse backgrounds in our community. I genuinely love people, reveling in their unique stories. Raising my daughters in the safe neighborhood I grew up in has been a joy. Exploring Roanoke with my immediate family, we uncover new adventures together. As an Ambassador, I’d bring my authentic self, fostering warm, kind interactions. Genuine connections and organic relationships are what I believe in, not just in the valley but beyond. Roanoke, to me, is more than a hometown—it’s a place for a quality life, work, play, and meeting fantastic people. I choose to stay because it’s home, a unique and welcoming haven.

Kaila has literally made it her job to get people to move here! As a mortgage lender with Union Home Mortgage, she’s passionate about helping people move to her neck of the woods. She’s from “God’s favorite place, Salem, VA!” and loves the natural scenery, the parks and greenway system, and that we get all four seasons in the Roanoke Region. One of her favorite things about the region is that it has all the big-city amenities for her and her family to enjoy, but also provides space to getaway from the hustle and bustle.

After graduating college in 2019, I intentionally chose Roanoke—a city bigger than my hometown but not too urban. I embody what “Get2KnowNoke” stands for as a young professional who loves this city. Most of my friends here are locals, and I often encourage them to explore Roanoke more. Being a transplant, I appreciate the city differently, finding immense value in the experiences it offers. Roanoke has it all—live sports, concerts, athletics like the Blue Ridge Marathon, shopping, diverse restaurants, bars, trampoline parks, and theatre. What sets us apart? The proximity to the great outdoors through Roanoke’s greenway system and hiking trails. This city is a hidden gem!

I grew up in Franklin County and lived in Roanoke for many years after graduating from Virginia Tech. I moved to Raleigh with a corporate relocation and lived there for 9 years. Being able to work from home full-time during the pandemic allowed me to visit Roanoke more and spend time with friends and family. I moved back to Roanoke last year with her adorable Corgi, Windsor, and work fully remote with Milwaukee-based company, ETEReman, as a Sr. Project Manager. My favorite part of living here is the nostalgia of the area, the great local restaurants and breweries, and the mountains.

John started his career as a financial planner. An avid photographer and food and cocktail lover; his passions include traveling the South on a quest for “the perfect bite,” while also cooking at home and creating experiences with his friends and family. John grew up in Fairfax County before relocating to the Roanoke Valley in 2004. His love for food and showcasing our region’s food scene (and beyond) has led to a full-time media agency gig, JPG Agency.

Bonnie is the CEO and founder of Building Beloved Communities, a business consulting firm providing community-centered solutions. Bonnie was born and raised in New Mexico and relocated to Roanoke. Her driving force is to help all organizations overcome barriers with a lens focusing on smart solutions that benefit nonprofits and the underserved. Her favorite thing about the Noke is that she can truly be herself and she and her partner are fully-embraced by the community.

Courtney is a manger of sales proposals for software company Benefitfocus. After living in Northern Virginia post college, Courtney spent the last decade working and living in Charleston, South Carolina. When the pandemic hit and her company decided to go remote-optional, Courtney chose to move back to Virginia right away. After growing up in Alleghany County, Courtney purchased a home in Roanoke City to experience the Roanoke Valley and all it has to offer. Courtney is remote worker passionate about community involvement.

Cory Hollingsworth is a new transplant from Dallas, Texas. He has built up a career in the sports industry with stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings, and Panini America, the exclusive trading card manufacturer of the NBA, NFL, FIFA, and Premier League. Cory lives with his wife Jessica and two pooches, Archer and Kahlua. Cory and the family moved to Roanoke, captured after one visit by the region’s sprawling mountain views and local charm. He’s recently joined forces with Showtimers Community Theater and is making a splash on the stage!