Nicole Dias Chosen for Generation WV Fellowship

Nicole Dias, a project associate with WVU BAD Buildings and the WV Brownfields Assistance Center (BAC) at WVU, was recently selected as part of the prestigious Generation West Virginia (GWV) Fellowship Class of 2023.

GWV is an organization focused on professional development, community engagement, and networking within West Virginia.  Its mission is to attract and retain young people in the state, with work varying from promoting WV career opportunities to improving broadband.  The GWV Fellowship supports professionals in the early stages of their career to reach their potential in the Mountain State.  It is a great honor to be selected for this program, and Dias is an exceptional fit.

After graduating with her master’s degree in urban planning with a specialization in environmental hazard management, Dias moved back to her hometown of Morgantown, WV.  Through her work with communities in West Virginia, Dias helps establish sustainable community development initiatives that enhance the well-being and quality of life for people in the state.  Dias facilitates the implementation of community development strategies on abandoned and dilapidated properties, including coordinating stakeholder groups, project identification, project prioritization, site redevelopment plans, and pursuit of public and private sector funding opportunities.  This year, Dias decided to apply for GWV’s Fellowship.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to grow my network of young professionals who also share a passion for West Virginia. There are so many young professionals doing great work across the state in different sectors that I most likely wouldn’t have the chance to meet without this fellowship. I can’t wait to see the things I learn from my peers and the program,” expressed Dias.

During this fellowship, Dias will enhance and gain numerous professional development skills such as networking and project management, discover more about the history of West Virginia, learn from industry leaders working throughout the state, and make new connections. 

“We are thrilled for Nicole to join this year’s Generation WV Fellowship Class. Nicole’s passion for environmental justice and West Virginia communities is a clear driver for her career, and one of the things that showed me right away what a good fit she would be for our team,” said BAC Director Carrie Staton. “It continues to be a strong asset in her work, and the Generation WV Fellowship will help her leverage it for further growth that will impact not only her own career but also the communities she helps every day.”