The United Way’s Young Leaders Society is an international network of young professionals, who share a passion for advancing community solutions, in their own backyard and around the world. Through unique networking events and hands-on volunteering opportunities members leverage the power of the United Way to connect, serve and grow, both personally and professionally.
In an effort to encourage younger individuals to become involved in philanthropic efforts, give back to their community, and become engaged with nonprofit entities, the United Way of Greenbrier Valley initiated the Young Leaders program in 2021. We are now in year six of this successful program, with six individuals in the class of 2026-2027. Several past participants have gone on to serve on the boards of nonprofits and continue their support of the United Way of Greenbrier Valley.
Stephanie Moore
Stephanie Moore has served as Executive Director of Family Refuge Center since November 2020, where she works to support survivors of domestic violence and their families throughout the community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Charleston and a Master of Arts in Law from Regent University School of Law. In January 2026, Moore founded Moore Than Clean LLC, a residential and commercial cleaning business that also gives back through her “Honoring Seniors Through Service” program, providing volunteer cleaning services to local seniors.
Moore is passionate about bringing people, businesses, and organizations together to strengthen the community. She is a mother of three and strives to teach her children the importance of hard work, resilience, and giving back to others. Through her professional work, small business, and community involvement, she hopes to continue making a positive impact throughout Greenbrier County.
Ella Colombo
Ella Colombo earned an associate’s degree in Business Management from New River Community and Technical College and is currently attending Marshall University, where she expects to graduate in December 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Management. She currently works as an insurance producer at Sandy Epling’s State Farm and hopes to continue building her career in West Virginia.
Colombo is passionate about helping create opportunities for young people to thrive and build careers in the Mountain State. She enjoys attending local events and festivals and believes in supporting the people, businesses, and activities that keep her community connected and growing.
Ethan Thomas
Ethan Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts from the University of Charleston and currently works as a Health Inspector with the Greenbrier County Health Department. After more than 15 years working in kitchens and restaurants, including The Asylum, Amy’s Market, and the Greenbrier Sporting Club, Ethan transitioned into public health. In 2019, he was honored as Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation’s West Virginia Chapter. He hopes to continue his education by earning a master’s degree in public health.
Ethan is committed to giving back to his community by stocking blessing boxes in Rainelle, Rupert, and Fairlea, purchasing Christmas gifts for children in local shelters, and supporting the Humane Society. Inspired by his sister, Paula, he joined the United Way of Greenbrier Valley Young Leaders program. Ethan lives in Rainelle with his girlfriend, Addison, and their two dogs, Brady and Benny. In his free time, he enjoys fishing and golfing.
Jason Nerenberg
Jason Nerenberg holds a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University and recently transitioned from a career in hospitality to real estate. He is currently a realtor with Greenbrier Real Estate Service in downtown Lewisburg and looks forward to becoming more involved in the community. During his time at Marshall University, Jason worked with a team to establish the Cooking & Culinary Institute in downtown Huntington, securing nearly half a million dollars in grant funding and in-kind donations to support public cooking classes, dining events, and hands-on training for culinary students.
New to the Lewisburg community, Jason is excited to build connections and get involved locally. He married his wife, Merriweather, in May, and enjoys spending time with her, his daughter Zela, and their dogs, Ace and Brier. Outside of work, Jason enjoys hiking, floating the Greenbrier River, fishing, and spending time in the kitchen cooking for his family.
Kit Lindsey
Kit Lindsey graduated from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. She currently serves as Development Director at Carnegie Hall, where she is passionate about making arts education and live performances accessible to everyone, regardless of financial barriers. Kit hopes to continue growing her career at the intersection of community service and the arts.
Outside of her work at Carnegie Hall, Kit is a singer and songwriter who performs throughout West Virginia and collaborates with regional artists. She is currently finishing production on her debut 10-track album and volunteers annually as a marketing assistant for the Skyline Bluegrass Festival on the River. Originally from South Carolina, Kit now lives in Harts Run with her two hound dogs and three horses.
Kennedy Black
Kennedy Black graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte with a degree in Baking & Pastry/Food Service Management. She currently serves as Executive Pastry Chef at the Greenbrier Sporting Club in White Sulphur Springs. In 2021, Kennedy opened Tootsie’s Place, a local coffee shop and bakery that became a way for her to invest in and give back to her community. After five years in business, she continues to carry that same passion for leadership, service, and bringing people together into her work and community involvement.
Kennedy serves as Treasurer of the WV Dandelion Festival and volunteers with White Sulphur Springs Elementary School, along with other local initiatives. Inspired by her family and her great-grandmother’s love of baking, Kennedy believes leadership means showing up, serving others, and making a difference in the place she calls home. She is supported by her husband, Ben, and enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, who call her “KK,” and her three dogs.