Camryn Pressley has much love and hope for her home state, but like many West Virginia natives she felt she had to make the difficult decision to leave the comfort of its close-knit communities due to its uncertain future.

Graduating with bachelor’s degrees in international studies and Spanish and a master’s degree in public administration from West Virginia University, she is now enrolled in the Creighton University School of Law.

Having felt uncomfortable when she should have been able to fully experience joy, Camryn carries with her the understanding of the struggles of being a Black woman in Appalachia as she continues her journey of advocacy and works to change the future for those who look like her.