The Top of Virginia Regional Chamber proudly celebrated the graduation of the 2026 Arising Leadership Program (ALP) on June 17, recognizing an outstanding group of student leaders who spent two weeks exploring career pathways, developing leadership skills, and building connections throughout the Top of Virginia region.

Now in its third year, ALP provides students with firsthand exposure to local businesses, organizations, and professionals through tours, hands-on experiences, and conversations with community leaders. Throughout the program, participants explored careers in healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, finance, entrepreneurship, public service, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and education while gaining valuable insight into the skills needed for future success.

Reflecting on the Class of 2026, Missy Spielman, Director, Programs & Services for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, shared:

"The ALP Class of 2026 was a dynamic and diverse group of students who quickly formed meaningful connections with the industry professionals they met, as well as with one another. Their openness allowed new experiences to expand their thinking and, in some cases, reshape some of their initial career plans. One of the most rewarding transformations to observe was their journey from timid strangers to confident peers who built a genuine bond, laying the foundation for their own emerging professional network."

The 2026 graduating class included:

Amoni Hill, Andrea Rojas, Brennan Carter, Christiana Ekoue, Cole Stockli, Emily Banegas Ramirez, Hudson Slaughter, Jack Bruns, Kimberly Andrade, Noah Mandel, Nyomi Coates, Owen Parker, Samuel Donohue, Sierra Chastain, and Tiffany Yau.

A special thank you goes to Freda Roberson of Fremont Street Nursery, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber Board Member, and Chair of the Chamber's Workforce Development Committee, for sharing inspiring remarks with the graduates. The Chamber also extends its appreciation to Janet Michael of The Valley Today for helping share the story of the program and to Lucy Gluszak, a student intern from John Handley High School, whose dedication helped support ALP throughout its two-week journey.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our 2026 ALP sponsors for making this experience possible and investing in these future leaders:

Presenting Sponsor: Carmeuse Americas

Investor Level Sponsor: Navy Federal Credit Union

Mentor Level Sponsor: Bank of Clarke Foundation

Learner Level Sponsors: In Honor and Memory of Kathy Nerangis, Donut Dive, Opportunity Scholars, Sierra Learnership Collaborative, and City of Winchester Economic Development Authority

Water Sponsor: Capon Valley Bank

The success of ALP would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and the many businesses, organizations, and community leaders who welcomed students into their workplaces and shared their time, expertise, and career journeys. Their investment in the next generation continues to strengthen our region, develop future leaders, and build a stronger workforce for years to come.

As the Class of 2026 moves forward, they do so with new knowledge, expanded perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the opportunities available right here in the Top of Virginia region. The Chamber looks forward to seeing the impact these emerging leaders will make in their schools, communities, and future careers.