How someone born at the San Diego Naval Hospital ends up settling down in Roanoke might sound like an exciting story, but its really pretty boring. I grew up in and around San Diego, regularly visiting family in San Bernardino County (including my grandmother, who lived and worked at a forest service station and proudly claimed Smoky Bear as her boss), hiking in the desert scrub and occasionally visiting the beach. Just before high school, my father’s company moved their base of operations to the opposite coast and we moved, ending up in Roanoke on the other side of the world.

Starting high school at Cave Spring was quite a culture shock for someone who grew up in the southern California suburbs, but I eventually adjusted and even settled in. I knew I had become assimilated into the Roanoke Valley when, upon returning to San Diego for the first time in over 13 years, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow, this is awfully flat - and where are all the trees?”

I started college with a computer science degree at Virginia Tech but ended up finishing with an English degree from Roanoke College, and recently wrapped up my Master’s from Hollins University. I’ve worked in data analysis, published some science fiction, an now work as a transportation and air quality planner at the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, including running the RIDE Solutions alternative transportation program. I’ve become dedicated to maintaining and improving the Valley’s already wonderful quality of life through responsible use of its natural resources, and am proud of the many individuals and organizations - including our local governments - who are putting Roanoke on the forefront of sustainability.

I have become so dedicated to Roanoke, in fact, that I married a native and have two wonderful stepsons - one of whom will be attending Roanoke College - and a beautiful daughter. I can think of no better place to raise a family.

• Jeremy’s Occupation: Transportation Alternatives Coordinator, Roanoke Valley Alleghany
  Regional Commission; Program Director, RIDE Solutions
• Jeremy’s Hometown: San Diego, CA
• Jeremy’s Social Profiles: NewVa Moves blog, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr

I am, officially, a Roanoker.

Four years ago I had dreams of being a small town girl in a big city. With two older sisters living in New York City and Charlotte, NC, metropolitan lifestyles seemed to be something in our DNA. Or so I thought… A natural philanthropist, I knew my heart’s greatest desire was to change the world! That may not have happened quite yet, but over the past four years I have made my mark by changing and saving lives through Children’s Miracle Network, a national non-profit that provides equipment and services for local hospitalized kids. Literally starting work the Monday after graduating from Radford University I knew Roanoke needed the services this wonderful organization offered, so I made it my mission to open the first ever Southwest CMN office, and now as Director, the rest is history.

A Kiwanian, YMCA member, and new Southwest home-owner, I have found all that Roanoke has to offer more than just “satisfying”. My daily routine is relatively similar…a morning stop at the Crystal Springs 7-11 where I never fail to exchange smiles and stories about the weather with Luke, the head cashier, followed by interactions with individuals who impact me more than they probably realize…and it is these daily habits that I am not able to live without.

Yes, Roanoke is home to the Star, Center in the Square, “cheesy in a bowl“, and the Roanoke River…but I believe it’s TRUE claim to fame are the people. While every attraction and venue compliments and completes the city, the people and their southern hospitality are what truly make Roanoke home for me. I have graced the October 2006 cover of The Roanoker magazine, been voted Roanoke’s most eligible bachelorette by The Roanoke Times, and placed in the top 3 in Miss Virginia USA representing Roanoke, but no experience triumps a smile from a stranger or a warm handshake from an old acquaintance…Roanoke’s citizens have truly stolen my heart!

• Erin’s Occupation: Director, Children’s Miracle Network, Southwest Virginia

I am a Roanoke Valley native, born at Lewis-Gale Hospital! I left Roanoke briefly after college, but I always knew that Roanoke was where I wanted to live. Cave Spring High School provided me with excellent education and prepared me well for college. I hold a bachelors degree in communications and a master’s degree in counseling and student affairs administration from Radford University. I currently work for Jefferson College of Health Sciences, located in the heart of downtown Roanoke.

Roanoke offers a wide array of hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. There are many social networks for young professionals to join—everything to the Square Society, NewVA Connects, and the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce, just to name a few. The Star City offers great restaurants, wonderful entertainment (Opera Roanoke and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra), and cultural opportunities (Art Museum of Western Virginia and Center in the Square). There is always something going on around town!

The Star City is a great place for young professionals to start their career. Not only are there job opportunities, but living expenses are more affordable than in other urban cities in Virginia! Plus, the fact that we do not have to deal with long commutes to work is an added plus!

I am excited for what the future holds for young professionals in this city. I am happy and proud to call Roanoke my home. I truly believe that Roanoke is a great place to live, work, and socialize!

• Sarah’s Occupation: Jefferson College of Health Sciences
• Sarah’s Hometown: Roanoke, VA
• Sarah’s Social Profiles: Facebook

Never in a million years did I think that I would fall in love with Roanoke. After attending Roanoke College in tiny Salem, Virginia for four years, I desperately wanted the world to be my oyster. Thoughts of moving to Charlotte, D.C., Atlanta, and NYC and seeing the world sounded glamorous and exciting, but the closer it came to graduation, the more I realized that I wanted to stay exactly where I was. Not only was I comfortable with my beautiful surroundings, but I really felt as if could really make a difference living in the Roanoke area.

With the connections that I had made through my involvement at Roanoke College as an English major with a communications concentration, I quickly found myself writing fashion articles for Bella Magazine for a brief time. Additionally, I became the Human Resources Technology Specialist at Delta Dental of Virginia, which has been a blessing to work for a great company.

Growing up in Winchester, VA my parents were extremely active in the community and taught me at a young age to get involved and give back. I became involved in the Junior League of the Roanoke Valley and The Contemporaries, which has allowed me to meet so many incredible people. Whether it’s chatting about our latest read in our book club with a few glasses of wine from Wine Gourmet, letting our dogs run loose at Six Wags Dog Park, taking a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or gobbling up some s’mores at the Fork in the Alley, my friends and I are always having a blast.

I really am an advocate for living in the Roanoke area, especially when I hear my friends who live in large cities complaining about their high cost of living, long, dreaded commutes to work, and not feeling as if they’re a “part” of they live. In Roanoke, you can make a difference and your voice will be heard—not to mention that the connections you make here will help you throughout your life. I’m blessed to live in this area and look forward to many more days in the Roanoke area.

• Lauren’s Occupation: Human Resources Technology Specialist, Delta Dental of Virginia
• Lauren’s Hometown: Winchester, VA
• Lauren’s Social Profiles: Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace

I am a recent college graduate who wants to change the world. Typical story, I guess, but I chose an atypical location and am so glad I did. Growing up in Northern Virginia and graduated from the University of Virginia, I decided that I wanted to move to a friendly city rich with non-profits, with less congestion, a lower cost of living and slower pace of life, surrounded by nature. I wanted to develop a career in non-profits that would allow me to better the community in which I lived. I soon discovered that a great way to do that is to move to Roanoke and work for United Way of Roanoke Valley. When I started last May at United Way, I really had no idea of what driven people and a great organization can accomplish. I am learning about the challenges that the Roanoke Valley faces, but I also see how many people there are here that really want to make a difference. This community encourages me to do big things and I am excited about what the future will bring.

I got my idealistic notions through my involvement with Alternative Spring Break (ASB) at UVA as a participant and on the Executive Board as well as some non-profit internships. I learned from ASB that there is always something we can do to help someone and that I wanted to seek out these sorts of opportunities. I still hang on to this ideal, and am now leading an ASB trip through United Way. I believe that the young people of today are true change-makers and I want to mobilize them to enact that change.

Upon moving to Roanoke, I realized that I wanted to be a part of showing young professionals here that they have the power to really affect a community for the better and that Roanoke is a great place to do it. United Way of Roanoke Valley is creating a Young Leaders Society (name to be determined) to bring young professionals together with goals of service, philanthropy, awareness, and personal professional success. I am happy to be working on the project with some great volunteers and successful young professionals from our community.

I am excited for what the future holds for young professionals in the Roanoke Valley and young people in non-profits more specifically. I am so happy to call the Roanoke Valley my new home with its relaxed, friendly, and encouraging atmosphere. I believe Roanoke to be a great place to live, work, relax, socialize, explore, grow, and most of all, make a difference.

• Jas’s Occupation: Development Manager, United Way of Roanoke Valley
• Jas’s Hometown: Fairfax County, VA
• Jas’s Social Profiles: Facebook

I grew up on a farm near Abingdon, Virginia – a small town that is near the Virginia/Tennessee border. My entire family still lives in Abingdon, and I knew I didn’t want to move too far away after graduating from Virginia Tech in 2004. I was attracted to Roanoke, which is about two hours away from my hometown, when searching for my first job because I felt the city provided opportunities and plenty of things to do for people my age, yet still fostered a sense of community and felt a little like home.

I have found that Roanoke is a great place for a young person to start their career. There are job opportunities here, but rent and other living expenses are much more affordable than other urban areas in Virginia. We don’t have to deal with the long commutes and traffic either! I also like the way that Roanoke Valley neighborhoods form their own communities. I love to participate in my neighborhood’s events! It makes me feel like I am living in a small town within a city!

After living here for four years, I have some great friends and loved ones. Roanoke feels like home as much as the place where I grew up, and I don’t expect to be moving any time soon!

• Natasha’s Occupation: Student Activities Coordinator, Virginia Western Community College
• Natasha’s Hometown: Abingdon, VA
• Natasha’s Social Profiles: Facebook

I consider myself very fortunate to live in the beautiful Roanoke Valley. My husband and I were born and raised here. I was brought up in Roanoke County and went to Northside High School. He was from Salem and graduated from Andrew Lewis. We were both very lucky to get good jobs when we graduated. I went to work for GE and he went to Carter Machinery, where he is still employed with 36 years service.

Growing up as a child in Roanoke I never lacked for things to do. There was Lakeside Amusement Park, concerts at Victory Stadium, rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway and big snows in the winter. One of my favorite memories was sharing a chocolate milkshake with my dad at the counter top bar at the local drug store. I loved to sit on the stool and go round and round!

After Mike and I got married and started our family, we moved to Botetourt County where we remained until our children were grown. We never considered moving anywhere else because we knew there was no better place to raise our children than the Roanoke Valley. We had great schools, lots of activities to keep us busy and a peace of mind that our children were safe.

We moved from Botetourt to Roanoke County 4 years ago. We enjoy all of the conveniences we have but we especially love the traditional neighborhood with sidewalks and front porches. It reminds me of the Roanoke neighborhood I was raised in.

In the work place, it has definitely been a plus to have my roots in the Roanoke Valley. Working as a business consultant in marketing and advertising with Online Advantage and Roanoke Biz2Biz, my heritage has served me well. Over my fifty plus years, I know a lot of people, I have a lot of connections and I know how to get anywhere. Just ask me!

• Patsy’s Occupation: Operations Manager, Roanoke Biz2Biz, JobzCafe, OSAdvantage
• Patsy’s Hometown: Roanoke, VA
• Patsy’s Social Profiles: Facebook, LinkedIn

I’ve worked in live entertainment and sports for over 20 years in Greensboro (my home), Detroit, and Atlanta. Once upon a time I was married and lived in Asheville, NC for over five years. When I divorced, I needed a change and began looking at opportunities in venues in the mid-Atlantic area. I was offered a position at the Roanoke Civic Center and I’ve been there for over ten years, first as Director of Sales & Marketing, and for the past few years as Assistant Director of the facility. My move to Roanoke was perfect because not long after I got here, my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia/Alzheimer’s and since she lived in Bassett, I was able to be close to her during the last years of her life. Over the past decade, I’ve made so many great friends, met a legion of wonderful people, and have grown to love many things about the area.

• Robyn’s Occupation: Assistant Director of Civic Facilities, Roanoke Civic Center
• Robyn’s Hometown: Greensboro, NC
• Robyn’s Website: www.robynschon.com
• Robyn’s Social Profile: Facebook, LinkedIn

After spending 36 years in Wisconsin, the desire to be closer to our young grandson is what ultimately led us to look at cities along the east coast. Though North Carolina proved beautiful and very appealing, we found very few properties that allowed easy access to a lake, where we would naturally want to dock our boat. Discovering Smith Mountain Lake in a magazine and its proximity to Roanoke, where Judi’s best childhood girlfriend lives, led us to investigate areas around the lake and to the 14-acre Franklin County property that today we happily call home. Nestled among trees, streams and wildlife, the idea of having space to hike, garden, build and entertain family and friends fit us well. Having been in the area for almost two years now, we enjoy volunteering for local organizations such as the Rescue Mission and the Presbyterian Community Center, as well as taking advantage of local activities such as the Salem Avalanche games, and of course, watching the leaves change colors from our back deck.

Growing up in rural Southside Virginia near Smith Mountain Lake, we would often came to the “big city” of Roanoke for shopping and entertainment. My dad would reminisce about driving his dad to Roanoke down Jefferson Street where the retail mecca of the region resided. That was the 50s and today we are seeing tremendous revitalization of the downtown district for not only retail, but dining, housing and entertainment.

I began working for the City of Roanoke two years ago to work on addressing the region’s brain drain. We have created numerous programs and events, generated awareness for this important issue, and tried to instill hope, encouragement and a positive attitude for the next generation to call Roanoke its home. Many champions of this movement have emerged and we are grateful for everyone’s work on this issue. We are closer to the tipping point, but must continue innovating, shifting the paradigm and telling the offline and online communities how wonderful Roanoke is.

Just like my wife, who grew up in Roanoke and has stayed, I hope my child will want to stay or return to the region and sincerely know many opportunities exist for her to prosper and impact others. Please share with your friends from college, friends who live in other areas, chat about Roanoke online, do something to tell other people about this region and
let’s make it great for generations.

• Stuart’s Occupation: Special Projects Coordinator, City of Roanoke
• Stuart’s Hometown: Sandy Level, Virginia
• Stuart’s Website: stuartmease.com
• Stuart’s Social Profiles: Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, LinkedIn

Cameron Johnson from Roanoke is a contestant on Oprah’s Big Give! Read Cameron’s bio on Oprah’s website!

Cameron Johnson was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. After graduating from Patrick Henry High School in 2003, he attended Virginia Tech briefly but left to focus on continuing his business career. Cameron had started many successful Internet companies before graduating high school and while attending Virginia Tech, he started yet another successful dot-com. This time it was the Internet’s first gift certificate marketplace and he left college and successfully raised $10 million in venture capital (which he subsequently turned down and sold the company instead).

In 2007, Cameron wrote a bestselling business book telling his story and offering advice for young people and entrepreneurs of all ages. (You Call the Shots was released by Simon & Schuster and is available in bookstores nationwide). Today, Cameron is 23 and travels the world for various speaking engagements but he still calls Roanoke home.

“I think Roanoke offers many career opportunities for young professionals - and plenty of social events as well. I’m proud to call Roanoke home and with its affordable cost of living, I look forward to more young people making Roanoke their home as well. It’s always about progress, not perfection.”

• Cameron’s Occupation: Author, Entrepreneur, Speaker
• Cameron’s Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
• Cameron’s Website: cameronjohnson.com
• Cameron’s Social Profile: Facebook, MySpace, YouTube

My wife and I moved to Roanoke after graduating from James Madison University and The College of William and Mary, respectively. Both from Bristol, we wanted to live in southwest Virginia, and were in search of professional and personal opportunities. Now, fourteen years later, we simply can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I teach in Roanoke City at Crystal Spring School. Roanoke is home to an incredibly diverse population, and our schools certainly reflect that. Our classrooms are buzzing with technology, cutting edge teaching and learning methods, and administrators, teachers, and staff that continually strive to improve and grow.

Robbie works with Pfizer, Inc., and can speak firsthand about the world-class medical community that calls Roanoke home. Previously, she worked in the hospitality industry here in town; she knows firsthand that the business community here is connected and progressive, and never seems to stand still.

Our children, Jack and Gracie, both attend fantastic Roanoke City elementary schools. As a parent, I couldn’t be happier about the education they are receiving, or about the care they receive during the school day. Attending a true neighborhood school is special, and they simply love it.

We also enjoy the vibrant cultural and entertainment opportunities that abound in the Valley. From the various festivals that cover the City calendar to visual and performing arts exhibits and performances, there’s always something going on. And I get an extra peek at the music scene by playing in two bands, The Jiving Five and The SwayKatz.

Every time family or friends visit our home in Raleigh Court, they comment about the small town feel and accessibility that Roanoke offers. Our church, Raleigh Court Presbyterian, is just down the street from our home, as is the Grandin Road shopping district, which includes shoppes, restaurants, the Grandin Theatre, and our favorite place, Pop’s Ice Cream. When we take around town, they’re amazed at the variety of big city resources that Roanoke offers. In the end, it’s this combination – the best of both worlds – that we treasure most about the Star City.

• Wade’s Career: Teacher, Crystal Spring School
• Wade’s Hometown: Bristol, VA
• Wade’s Website: www.wadewhitehead.com

I came to Roanoke 13 years ago with my husband and two children. We are from Sarajevo, from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I never thought that I would move away from my hometown. I loved everything there. I spent my childhood and early adulthood in Sarajevo – a happy time and place. My heart was full of love and my life felt like a poem put to motion. Everything was beautiful and peaceful. People were smiling. Children were playing. Birds were singing all-around. Flowers were blooming everywhere.

Yet Sarajevo, Olympic City suddenly changed. This warm, beautiful, bright city became a dark, scary place. People changed. Neighbors became enemies. They started to hate each other. Bombs, shells, blood littered the landscape. No food, electricity, water. This went on for three years. Hope sustained us in our struggle and fight for life.

Than one day, I woke up in a city named Roanoke. It was July 8, 1995 a warm and sunny day. Our little family living in this little city. What are we doing here? Starting our life from the beginning. We were fortunate to have a chance! After days, months and years of hard work as a refugee, we all became citizens of our new Country.

One day I heard somebody say, “Your heart is where your home is”. My home is here as is my heart. This is a place where I met my friends and started my new life. Roanoke is my new hometown. Now I am very rich. I have two hometowns, two countries. I love both of them, but Roanoke is the place where my husband and I are enjoying life. We will be forever grateful for the wonderful hospitality we have found here.

• Adelaida’s Career: Department Secretary, Jefferson College of Health Sciences
• Adelaida’s Hometown: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

I was one of those young professionals we hear so much about, who left Roanoke in search of greener pastures. After graduating from North Cross School and Randolph-Macon College, I set off into the world in search of opportunities that were simply not available locally. My career in the commercial printing industry led me to a number of major metropolitan areas, including Richmond, Charlotte, and Washington, DC.

As my career advanced steadily, I was offered the opportunity to become vice president of sales for a company in Western New York. It was truly an eye-opening experience. The differences between the thriving areas I had left behind, and the stagnant economies of declining industrial cities like Rochester and Buffalo were like night and day. After 2 ½ years in the Great White North, the company I was working for was sold. My wife and I decided that we had no desire to remain in New York, and suddenly, we were faced with the unique opportunity to pack up and go anywhere we wished.

Jennifer had grown up in Milwaukee, and we met each other while we were both living in Northern Virginia. Our first instinct was to pick another major city as our next destination, but we realized that our priorities had changed. We wanted to have a child, and at this point in our lives, family life was more important than night life. We chose Roanoke as the ideal place to settle permanently and raise a family of our own. Even though I had been gone for over 20 years, I always considered Roanoke to be my hometown.

By this point in my life, I had a strong desire to own my own business, and after taking some time to consider my options, I opened Foodies in 2004. I wanted to do something completely different from my past experience, and introduce a new concept to the Roanoke Valley. I operated the business for 3 ½ years before selling it in December of 2007.

For the next phase of my career, I’m planning to put my 20 years of business and entrepreneurial experience to use as a consultant. I’ve spent virtually my entire career in privately owned companies, and I’m hoping to use this experience to help local businesses grow and create opportunities for the next generation of Roanokers. My goal is to ensure that when the time comes for my son to begin his career, remaining in Roanoke will be a viable option for him.

• Chris’ Career: Small Business Consultant, Applied Insights for Small Business
• Chris’ Hometown: Roanoke, VA

I was born and raised in Roanoke and was lucky enough to come from a very large, close-knit family. Growing up I started to realize how great a value living in Roanoke is compared to other cities. I was graduated from the University of Virginia in May 2007 and chose to come back to Roanoke. I received job offers in other cities but had long ago decided that Roanoke was where I wanted to start out.

Although I did not end up working for a company based out of Roanoke, I decided to start an office in Roanoke. Working for Advanced Planning Services has given me the chance to start a regional office in Roanoke instead of Richmond or elsewhere. In fact, our company is just a couple of spots ahead of another Roanoke company, Atlantic Credit and Finance, in Inc. Magazine’s top 500 fastest growing private companies list! I also recently joined the golf committee for the National Kidney Foundation tournament held at Ashley Plantation. Coming back to Roanoke was definitely a great decision!

Having always loved downtown, I recently purchased a condo at The Candy Factory on Salem Avenue. Downtown is becoming so much better than I had heard it described when I was a child. With exciting new restaurants and bars opening, I have no fear that when entertaining out of town clients there will be no shortage of things to do. With the good friends I have that chosen to stay and start something in Roanoke, and with the unbelievable golf community I have grown up in, I know that I will have no shortage of friends or fun in the years to come with the good friends I have that chose to stay.

• Barry’s Career: Mid-Atlantic Brokerage Director, APS, Inc
• Barry’s Hometown: Roanoke, VA