The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 36

40 UNDER 40
KATIE STRUBLE, 35
Lead Farm Hand with Garden Variety
Harvest / Take Root Program Instructor
with Lick Run Community Development
Corporation
" The opportunities for
education, collaboration
and engagement with
nature are abundant ...
It's this shared sense of
purpose and unity that
makes Roanoke a truly
special and inspiring
community. "
Katie Struble graduated from the
Governor's School for Agriculture
at Virginia Tech and later acquired
a Bachelor of Science in Sociology
from James Madison University. She
earned certificates in Permaculture
Design from Diversity Permaculture
RVA and Horticulture Technology
from Virginia Western Community
College. Struble is a member of
The Harvest Collective, co-owning
Roanoke's inaugural compost facility,
Star City Compost LLC. She founded
Spoiled Rotten Ferments in 2019,
crafting sauerkrauts from food scraps,
and has managed the LEAP Mobile
Market, promoting accessibility to
fresh produce in underserved areas.
" By promoting an understanding of
and respect for the environment, I
help people recognize the importance
of sustainable practices and stewardship, "
she says. " I share my knowledge
with others, whether through
workshops, mentoring or community
events, which helps raise awareness
and empower individuals to make
more informed decisions in their daily
lives. ... It instills a sense of responsibility,
fosters a culture of environmental
stewardship and provides a
foundation for future generations to
continue this vital work. "
* Gauntlet Business Incubator
Program 2017 awardee for
RebelRadish, fermentation and
food rescue business
DARLA SUMMERS, 38
Assistant Professor of Nursing, Virginia
Western Community College
" Aside from the amazing
outdoors and the
abundance of things to do,
there is a lot of kindness
here in Roanoke. ... The
community here is tight and
is always seeking ways to
help someone in need. "
With over 15 years as a Registered
Nurse, Darla Summers holds a master's
in Nursing Administration from
Jefferson College of Health Sciences.
Her experience spans Carilion Clinic's
Magnet and Level 1 Trauma facility.
She initiated impactful events like
the virtual Nurses Run for Education
5k and the Captain's Choice Second
Chance golf tournament, raising substantial
funds for VWCC's educational
needs. Summers founded the Second
Chance Annual Scholarship, coordinated
COVID-era virtual 5Ks and
actively champions substance use
prevention among youth. She supports
Back Creek Elementary PTA,
engages in youth sports, organizes
nursing program events and volunteers
for Elm Manor's residents. " We
all get so caught up in life sometimes
that we neglect to stay connected to
those that really matter, " she says.
" Addiction has been no stranger to our
family and I strive every day to 'seek
to understand' and to show compassion
even when it is hard. I believe in
second chances, as no one is perfect.
To be able to show resilience and an
ability to 'get back up' when you are
at your lowest of lows is nothing to be
ashamed of. And is often an opportunity
some will never get. "
* Received J. Andrew Archer
Award for Excellence in
Teaching, Virginia Western
Community College, 2021
* Named a Health Hero in the
Roanoker Magazine's July/
August 2022 issue
MACY WARE, 27
Program Director Children's Miracle
Network (CMN), Children's Miracle
Network - Carilion Clinic Foundation
" I love the beauty of our
community. The people here
are engaging and care about
those around them. Our
community steps up to help
one another in various ways.
... I have enjoyed watching
our 'small town city' grow
and I'm happy to be growing
here as well! "
Macy Ware spearheaded the growth
of the Children's Miracle Network of
Southwest VA program, raising over $3
million for Carilion Children's, breaking
records and augmenting corporate
partner funding and engagement. She
is a co-chair member of the Junior
League of Roanoke Valley (JLRV).
Since 2009, she has been involved
in the Miss America Organization,
and worked with Susan G Komen of
SWVA, advocating for Breast Cancer
Awareness and becoming a certified
Breast Health Educator. She also serves
as Virginia's spokesperson for several
national CMN corporate partners.
Macy has been honored with awards
from the Miss America Organization,
the Miss Universe organization and
the Children's Miracle Network for her
exceptional volunteerism and character.
" I strive to raise funds for Children's
Miracle Network-Carilion Children's,
so we can provide the best care with
the latest state of the art equipment for
children in our community, " she says.
" It's incredibly important to me that
families are able to receive care while
remaining in their own community, surrounded
by their support system and
having the security of knowing they are
going to receive top-notch healthcare
for their child. "
* Earned a bachelor's degree in
Communication Studies with a
Minor in Dance, Louisiana State
University
* Began volunteering for Children's
Miracle Network at the age of
nine
HEATHER WILSON, 38
Senior Kitchen Manager, RAM House
(Roanoke Area Ministries)
" Roanoke is beautiful.
From vocal, passionate
community members,
to the fellowship found
in festivals, all the way
down to the hidden history
around every corner, my
love for Roanoke only
grows daily. "
Heather Wilson's dedication as
the Senior Kitchen Manager at the
RAM House within Roanoke Area
Ministries has significantly uplifted
the RAM House's kitchen operations.
She supervises a team of 40
volunteers, preparing meals for 200
individuals daily. She also manages
shelter duties when required and her
adept social media management has
strengthened RAM House's outreach
efforts. She runs her own catering
company and extends her community
engagement beyond work, partnering
with local gardens, churches and
donors to increase food and kitchen
supply donations. She also volunteers
with Habitat for Humanity and Kid
Soar. " There are so many obstacles
in that life that make us want to give
up. My goal daily is for our community
members to know their value and
what they are capable of. No matter
the loss, you can make a life after.
Just keep going, " she says. " We all
deserve love and a nourishing meal,
regardless of where we came from or
where we are going. I have been in
food service and hospitality for almost
25 years and serving our homeless
community has been my most fulfilling
position in my career. As a widow
of a U.S. Army veteran, I have a passion
for letting our vets know how
appreciative we are of them and how
deserving they are of our community's
attention. "
* Runs a third job with food prep
at Raleigh Court Presbyterian
Church
36
january/february 2024
TheRoanoker.com
COURTESY OF KATIE STRUBLE / COURTESY OF DARLA SUMMERS / COURTESY OF MACY WARE / COURTESY OF HEATHER WILSON
http://www.TheRoanoker.com

The Roanoker January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker January/February 2024

The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover1
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover2
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 3
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 4
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The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR1
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR2
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR3
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR4
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The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR20
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The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR22
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The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR90
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The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR92
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover3
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/rkr-jan-feb-2025-with-vbrl
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-nov-dec-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-sept-oct-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2024-updated
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-january-february-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-november-december-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-sept-october-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-january-february-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-november-december-2022-2
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-september-october-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-january-february-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/RKRND21
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/RKRSO21
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanokerJA2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_2020_1112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200506
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https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20191112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20181112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20171112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanoker_JulyAugust2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanoker_MayJune2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20161112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20151112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20141112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_201402
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com