Women Impact Virginia
Stories and Strategies of Bold Action in Rural Spaces
Reynolds Homestead regional event
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Community Engagement Center, Reynolds Homestead, Critz, VA
Featuring a short keynote address and a faciliated panel of women leaders from around the region, this free event offers insight, inspiration, and networking opportunities.
Sign up now: bit.ly/wivatrh2025
If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodations, please contact Kristin Hylton by email at krhylton@vt.edu or phone (276-694-7181 ext. 26) at least five business days prior to the event.
2025 Reynolds Homestead Regional Event Guests
Based in Patrick County, VA, Janeise learned to crochet from her grandmother and has since expanded her practice to include knitting, weaving, and twining—often using natural and repurposed materials. A 2024 graduate of Haywood Community College’s renowned fiber arts program, she now serves as Program Director of the Gypsy Hollingsworth Fiber Arts Program in Stokes County, NC, where she leads community fiber arts initiatives and explores traditional overshot weaving through a new grant-supported project.


Shauna Hines serves as the Director of Technology and Coordinator of Fine Arts for Martinsville City Public Schools. In her role, she works alongside dedicated educators to support digital learning and expand access to the arts for students in grades K–12. She is also grateful to serve as Artistic Director of the MCPS Performing Arts Academy and as Technical Director for theatrical productions at Patrick & Henry Community College.
Shauna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music, a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology, and a Certificate in School Leadership. With a background that combines both education and the arts, she is committed to helping students and teachers grow through creativity, curiosity, and the thoughtful use of technology. Shauna believes in the power of collaboration and community to create meaningful learning experiences, especially in rural settings where every opportunity can make a lasting impact.
Shelby Irving, a proud Danville, Virginia native and the youngest of seven children, has dedicated her life to public service and community leadership. A 1979 graduate of Tunstall High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Ferrum College in 1984. In 1987, Shelby made history as the first female firefighter in the Danville Fire Department.

Over the course of her distinguished career, she has steadily risen through the ranks—promoted to Assistant Fire Marshal in 2004, Chief Fire Marshal in 2007, and, most recently, reassigned in 2023 as the Division Chief of Community Risk Reduction.
Shelby’s commitment to professional development is evident in her numerous certifications in fire and emergency medical training. In 2005, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Danville Community College with an associate degree in Fire Science and was inducted into their Honor Society. She was later recognized in 2010 as one of DCC’s Outstanding Alumni. Beyond her work with the fire department, Shelby is an active civic leader, serving on numerous boards throughout the city. Now in her 38th year with the Danville Fire Department, she continues to lead with passion, expertise, and an unwavering dedication to public safety.

Karice Luck-Brimmer is a cultural preservationist focusing mainly on the Dan River Region. As a historian, she collaborates with local community members to maintain a robust network of cultural organizations dedicated to fostering positive change.
With over 20 years of experience as a genealogist and public historian, she has conducted extensive genealogical research in the Pittsylvania County area. Karice’s work highlights the critical need to conserve sacred burial grounds, historic sites, and oral traditions that contribute to our shared heritage.
One of her ongoing initiatives is the establishment of the Danville Research Center for African American History & Culture. From 2019 to 2023, she served with distinction on the Virginia Board of Historic Resources, and currently serves on the board of the Descendants of Enslaved Communities at UVA.
Karice is currently a fellow with Preservation Virginia’s Mellon African American Fellowship. Luck-Brimmer has been featured in several prominent publications and media outlets, including The Washington Post, People, and 60 Minutes. Additionally, she is the founder of Our History Matters, which offers heritage tours, historic preservation consulting, and genealogy services.
Kristin Hylton serves as the communications and community programming specialist at the Reynolds Homestead. She is a founding member and current member at large of One Family Productions, a non-profit community building organization in Patrick County.

A long time resident of Patrick Springs and avid supporter of rural identity, Kristin brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to conversation—balancing insight, curiosity, and a touch of humor to create space for meaningful dialogue. With a background in nonprofit programming and community engagement, she’s skilled at drawing out stories, connecting ideas, and keeping the conversation both focused and dynamic. Expect a warm and engaging session that honors the voices on stage and invites connection from the audience.

Sarah is a co-founder and past President of One Family Productions, where she has been instrumental in fostering connections between people, organizations, and resources. With a strong background in education and event planning, she brings expertise in nonprofit management, community development, and facilitation to both the board and One Family Productions.
Sarah is currently the Community Engagement, Partnerships, and Program Manager at the Reynolds Homestead. She holds a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning.
Beyond her professional commitments, Sarah finds joy in watching live music with her husband, Chris, practicing yoga, chasing sunrises, tending to her garden, and snuggling with their beloved cat, Kali.
The Patrick County Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a long-standing partner of Women Impact Virginia, and to sponsor this year's Reynolds Homestead regional event. Find out more about chamber membership and get involved: https://www.patrickchamber.com/
Women Impact Virginia virtual events
As lead up to Women Impact Virginia Summit, the Women Impact Virginia planning committee and advisory board will host monthly virtual events. These thirty minute Zoom calls will keep participants informed about the upcoming summit and feature speakers sharing stories and actionable advice for creating impact in the local community.
WOMEN IMPACT VIRGINIA SUMMIT
FALL 2025
DANVILLE, VA
Each fall, the Women Impact Virginia Summit shares stories of personal success and struggle along with tips and tools for building confidence and influence at work and in the community. Through engaging speakers, interactive workshops, and meaningful conversations, participants will dive into a range of topics, including leadership development, career advancement, and work-life balance.