WEST VIRGINIA WONDER WOMEN
THE RELATIONSHIP BUILDER JESSICA RINE, WHEELING Executive director of United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley
COMMUNITY LOVE “I grew up in Wheeling but later moved to Pennsylvania. Life eventually brought me back, and I fell in love with the community for the first time.The people here are so generous. When you go through something, this community rallies together to help one of their own. You can leave, and you can always come back.This is the place where you’ll receive the best homecoming.” GIVING BACK “At the heart of what I do, and the reason I love my job, is building relationships. We focus on doing that within our communities. I encourage those interactions with nonprofits and other groups, businesses, and people. I just love people. I feel like I have the best job in the world. I’m blessed and grateful. I’ve never woken up and not wanted to go to work.” COOKING UP CONNECTIONS “I am a big proponent of self-care, and cooking is mine. During the pandemic, I started a Facebook group called Connect in the Kitchen. People can post pictures and share recipes of their favorite dishes. It’s a very positive group, and everyone is always sharing what they can.The page puts me in a good headspace, and it helps me take some time to focus on what is directly in front of me.” DL
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