West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s “Returning Home” series features stories and conversations with West Virginians who, after leaving the Mountain State for other opportunities, decided to return, bringing their skills and expertise back home.

Stories

Jessica Lilly,Dec. 21, 2021

Williamson Attorney Builds Creative Outlet To Spur Growth, Spirit In His Hometown

Leo James Pajarillo, who goes by Jim, first left Mingo County for Massachusetts to attend boarding school, then Kentucky, and eventually landed in California. He worked there as an attorney for 17 years. Pajarillo made his journey home in 2014. He opened up a law practi…

David Adkins,Dec. 17, 2021

Diversity Speaker Promotes Advocacy Through Art, Theater In The Ohio River Valley

As part of our “Returning Home” series, David talks with Carmen Mitzi Sinnott about her decision to come back to Appalachia after years of delivering keynote performances, workshops, and classes around the world.Sinnott is a mixed race women from the region who uses her…

Liz McCormick,Dec. 16, 2021

Returning Home: Berkeley County Special Education Teacher Lifts Up Students With Disabilities

As part of our “Returning Home” series, education reporter Liz McCormick sat down with Berkeley County resident and educator Elizabeth Anne Greer Mobley.Mobley moved from Maryland to Martinsburg with her family when she was 14. The now 30-year-old mother of three is…

Roxy Todd,Dec. 16, 2021

Crystal Good On Returning Home To Launch the Publication ‘Black By God’

The first time Crystal Good left West Virginia—like, really left—she was 13. Up until then, apart from trips to Myrtle Beach for vacations, she really hadn’t spent time outside of her small town in Kanawha County.“Growing up in St. Albans was a safe place,” Go…

June Leffler,Dec. 13, 2021

Nikki Bowman Mills On Shaping West Virginia's Narrative

Nikki Bowman Mills has a penchant for the finer things in life. She has blown-out hair, a polished suit and zebra striped pumps. Her Granville office feels the same way, well kept but not ordinary.“When people walk in this office. The first thing they say is, ‘Wow, …

Eric Douglas,Dec. 06, 2021

Consultant Brings Business Home To W.Va.

As part of our “Returning Home” radio series, Eric Douglas spoke with Crystal Mersh about her return to Calhoun County.Mersh is the CEO of Quality Executive Partners…