About Us
The Women Warriors Summit is a one-day, annual gathering of women — and allies — of all ages, demographics, and backgrounds held in October in the mountain state of West Virginia.
Mission
The Women Warriors Summit’s mission is to gather women – and supportive allies – of all ages, demographics, and backgrounds to shine a spotlight and give the hidden voices of women a stage to share, learn, and grow together.
Purpose
We aim to provide a platform for all women in West Virginia to access developmental empowerment opportunities and build meaningful relationships that enable them to foster professional and personal growth. We are a supportive space for attendees to share their personal stories, collaborate in crafting purpose, and discover new strategies to cultivate the lives they desire.
Meet Our Founder
Alys Smith
Founder
Alys Smith is co-founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, where she supports and facilitates many philanthropic activities that increase access to education, open entrepreneurial doors, and preserve and promote the natural environment of Appalachia. A mediator and former attorney, Alys is also the founder of Better2Mediate.
She is passionate about her role and platform as the First Lady of Marshall University, supporting women’s equality and empowerment. Her goal is to empower women in Appalachia and beyond to realize their full potential on whatever path they may choose. She is thrilled to unite the community for the inaugural Women Warriors summit.
Alys received her B.S. from The Ohio State University and a J.D. from The University of Akron School of Law. As a certified mediator and licensed attorney, Alys Smith seeks justice for all, regardless of social or economic status. Since 2005, she has worked with several non-profits focused on education and adolescent counseling, served as a mentor and as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for young women. She also serves on the board of the New Opportunity School for Women in Berea, Kentucky.
She is also a dedicated and proud mother of two women, Devon and Payton.
We may not always agree, but we can still respectfully listen to others’ views and learn something from each other and the conversation. Women are often pleasers who suppress their thoughts and opinions so that they don’t rock the boat, or they hold on to their opinions in fear that they could be wrong. This must change if we want equal footing on any stage, boardroom, or homestead.”
