Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia

ALT MAAV Project coordinator Lauren Trice AICP certified urban planner and community engagement specialist "Appalachia is home. Appalachia is where my people are from. It is where I first experienced the importance of historic places and the joy of community collaboration. After coming back home from living in DC, Philadelphia, and Colorado, I appreciate more than ever the sense of belonging I feel in this old mountain landscape."

ALT What are some of the challenges facing Appalachia? "Appalachia is stereotyped. From outside and within, the stories we tell about Appalachia are often untrue, one-sided, or simplified. MAAV is already taking on this challenge facing Appalachia by asking for more mountain stories, more untold stories, and more people involved. The project is giving permission for these stories to take up space and be seen." Fun Facts: When Lauren dies, she says she wants to be shot off in a firework. She has also taught zombie makeup classes!

ALT "Working with MAAV has allowed me not only to develop new skills and discover new interests, but has allowed me to connect with the local Appalachian Virginia community in ways I never would have anticipated. It has been so rewarding to be part of such a fun and engaging project, and though I am sad to be leaving, I can't wait to see what MAAV accomplishes over the next couple of years!" -Bethany Hansel "During my time working with MAAV, I think I will always be so grateful that I was able to be a part of an organization that is going to make such an influential and monumental (no pun intended) impact to many communities in Appalachian Virginia. I am glad to have been a member of the organization at its beginning stages and being able to be an integral part in helping it grow and expand." - David Vu