Recognizing and valuing where you come from can provide a strong foundation for your identity and purpose. Annie’s deep connection to her Appalachian hometown shaped her advocacy and career choices.

Growing up in a small town taught Annie the importance of community support. Engaging with and caring for one another can create a strong safety net, especially during challenging times.

Annie highlights the need to confront and dismantle stereotypes about rural communities. Understanding the complexities of a region can foster empathy and more accurate representations.

After experiencing trauma, Annie took a semester off from college to heal. This decision underscored the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being over societal expectations.

Sharing personal stories can be a powerful tool for advocacy. Annie’s willingness to speak out about her experiences led to legislative changes and raised awareness about sexual assault.

Transitioning from a small town to a larger, diverse environment like UVA challenged Annie’s beliefs and expanded her worldview, demonstrating the value of diverse experiences in personal growth.

Healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and open communication. Learning to identify unhealthy behaviors can empower individuals to seek healthier connections.

In fast-paced work environments, especially in startups, it’s crucial to establish boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Your mental health should always come first.

Annie’s journey through business school reaffirmed her commitment to social impact. It’s important to explore different paths while staying true to your core values.

Bringing outside capital and resources into underserved areas can foster sustainable growth and development. Annie emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for local communities to thrive without losing their identity.

Annie grew up in Richlands, Virginia, a small Appalachian town with deep family ties, where her family has resided for eight generations, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.

Seeking broader horizons, Annie left her hometown to attend college, marking the beginning of her journey away from the familiar comforts of her small-town life.

After college, Annie moved to New York City, where she became a relationship health educator and an advocate for the One Love Foundation, focusing on scaling relationship health education nationally.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Annie returned to Richlands, reflecting on her roots and the importance of her upbringing in shaping her values and perspectives.

Back in her hometown, Annie emerged as a champion for rural communities, advocating for education, health, and economic development in Appalachia and beyond.

Annie’s journey from a small town to a bustling city and back again allowed her to bridge her personal experiences with the broader issues facing rural America, giving her a unique perspective on community needs.

At Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Annie served as the Vice President of Health and Wellness and co-chaired the Impact Investing Initiative (CASE i3), furthering her commitment to making a positive impact.

With a vision for her future, Annie aims to pursue a career in impact investing, leveraging her education and experiences to create meaningful change in underserved communities.

Throughout her journey, Annie has maintained a deep pride in her Appalachian heritage, advocating against stereotypes and highlighting the strengths of her community.

Annie’s quirky love for pizza, illustrated by her record of eating it for 21 consecutive days, symbolizes her connection to comfort and familiarity, reminiscent of her small-town upbringing.

The speaker reflects on the widespread misunderstandings about Appalachia, noting that people often demonize its residents, assuming they are uneducated or incapable of self-care, which perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

They highlight the historical context of the region’s struggles, emphasizing the long-term effects of industries like timber and coal, as well as the opioid crisis, which have compounded hardships for hardworking individuals wanting to support their families and communities.

The speaker shares their personal experience with the opioid crisis, revealing that almost everyone in their community has been affected, whether through addiction or loss, stressing the generational impacts that will persist for years.

Leaving their small hometown of Richlands for the University of Virginia (UVA) was a significant shift, exposing the speaker to a much larger, diverse environment that challenged their preconceived notions about the world.

At UVA, the speaker discovered new academic interests, particularly in women, gender, and sexuality studies, which helped articulate feelings they had long held but lacked the language to express.

The speaker candidly discusses experiencing sexual assault during their first year at college, which profoundly affected their educational journey and led to a semester off to heal and reassess their path.

Taking time off proved transformative, igniting a passion for activism. Upon returning, the speaker became deeply involved in efforts to prevent sexual assault and support survivors.

Living in a sorority provided a supportive network, fostering a sense of belonging that was crucial during their healing process and activism journey, demonstrating the importance of community in personal growth.

The speaker took a bold step by sharing their story publicly through Project Unbreakable, which garnered significant attention and allowed them to raise awareness about sexual assault, furthering their commitment to advocacy.

Ultimately, the speaker’s journey reflects a transformation from personal trauma to community activism, illustrating how individual experiences can inspire broader societal change and support for those facing similar struggles.

The speaker began their journey by engaging in policy initiatives, testifying before Virginia legislators to advocate for laws that were more survivor-friendly, highlighting the importance of sharing personal experiences in shaping legislation.

During a public hearing, the speaker faced skepticism from a senator who questioned their experience. This moment underscored the significance of allyship, as other senators defended the speaker, demonstrating that advocacy can come from various sources, not just those who have experienced trauma.

After a year working for their national sorority, the speaker transitioned to the One Love Foundation, motivated by a passion for relationship health education, which set the stage for their commitment to combating relationship abuse on a broader scale.

The speaker made a significant leap from Charlottesville to New York City, motivated by the desire to work at One Love. Despite initial fears and challenges, they embraced the city life, symbolizing their willingness to step out of their comfort zone for their mission.

Upon joining One Love, the speaker found themselves in a startup environment, learning the ropes of nonprofit operations, including funding and outreach, while passionately advocating for relationship education.

The speaker flew back and forth between New York and Jacksonville to promote One Love’s educational programs, showcasing their commitment to reaching underserved communities and building partnerships across various sectors.

They faced skepticism about the necessity of relationship education, yet remained persistent, emphasizing the widespread impact of relationship abuse and the importance of making educational resources accessible to all.

The speaker began to articulate the language surrounding healthy and unhealthy relationships, aiming to educate listeners about the signs and dynamics of both, which is crucial for prevention and support.

The speaker’s outreach included schools, military bases, and community organizations, reinforcing the idea that relationship abuse affects all demographics and that education is a vital tool for change.

Through their experiences, the speaker demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering dialogue about relationship health, believing that collective action and education can lead to meaningful societal change in addressing relationship abuse.

The foundation aimed to create a common language to identify and label unhealthy behaviors in relationships, such as manipulation and volatility, which often go unrecognized.

The foundation aimed to create a common language to identify and label unhealthy behaviors in relationships, such as manipulation and volatility, which often go unrecognized.

The speaker realized that they were not taught what healthy relationships looked like, highlighting the negative influence of media portrayals, like in “The Notebook,” which romanticizes unhealthy dynamics.

They emphasized the importance of recognizing and discussing healthy relationship behaviors, such as healthy conflict resolution, trust-building, and honesty, rather than idolizing unhealthy relationships.

They emphasized the importance of recognizing and discussing healthy relationship behaviors, such as healthy conflict resolution, trust-building, and honesty, rather than idolizing unhealthy relationships.

The foundation produced high-quality video content to illustrate both unhealthy and healthy relationship behaviors, aiming to educate the audience on these critical distinctions.

The foundation produced high-quality video content to illustrate both unhealthy and healthy relationship behaviors, aiming to educate the audience on these critical distinctions.

The speaker urged peers to engage in deeper conversations about relationships, challenging the notion that it’s not their business to intervene when they notice unhealthy dynamics in friends’ lives.

They pointed out that relationship abuse and unhealthy behaviors can affect anyone, regardless of gender or identity, emphasizing the need for awareness across all communities.

After six years at One Love, the speaker reflected on the intense learning opportunities in a startup but also stressed the importance of setting personal boundaries to maintain mental health.

Inspired by the smart leadership at One Love and their experiences, the speaker decided to pursue an MBA, recognizing the value of the skills learned in a fast-paced environment.

The onset of the pandemic prompted the speaker to leave New York City and return home to Virginia, where they stayed with their parents, expecting a short visit that ultimately lasted two years.

The speaker’s experiences underscored the importance of self-awareness, the need for healthy relationship education, and the necessity of maintaining personal boundaries in both personal and professional realms.

Annie felt a deep longing for her Appalachian roots, leading her to engage with the region through podcasts, books, and conversations, ultimately reaching out to her now-partner about a local club.

Upon returning to Richlands, she confronted the region’s struggles, notably the opioid crisis and economic decline, but also recognized a resurgence of young entrepreneurs revitalizing the community.

As she navigated her dual existence—working remotely for an organization in New York while being physically present in her hometown—Annie embraced the complexities of belonging to two worlds.

Living in her family’s home, she cherished the strong community ties and weekly family gatherings, highlighting the importance of place and connection in her life.

Annie moved to Durham, North Carolina, to pursue her MBA with the intention of enhancing her leadership skills and testing her values against corporate America, while remaining committed to social impact.

Throughout her MBA journey, she engaged with diverse experiences and people but ultimately reaffirmed her commitment to social impact over traditional corporate paths.

With graduation approaching, Annie expressed her desire to return to Appalachia, seeking a job that aligns with her mission of fostering community and economic development.

She articulated a vision for attracting non-extractive investments to the region, emphasizing sustainable development and community empowerment.

Annie highlighted her goal to enhance educational opportunities in Appalachia, aiming to retain talent and improve quality of life without forcing individuals to leave their communities.

Throughout her journey, Annie remained passionate about enriching the lives of her community, embodying a deep commitment to place-based development and social equity.

Annie expresses a clear aspiration to work in impact investing, indicating a belief in the power of finance to create positive social change.

The mention of getting Annie a job in DC highlights the belief that connections and networking are crucial for career advancement in impactful sectors.

Annie thanks Thomas, demonstrating a belief in the importance of gratitude and acknowledging support systems in one’s career journey.

The call to action for listeners to help Annie signifies a belief in collective effort and community support to achieve personal goals.

The urgency in finding a job suggests a belief in taking proactive steps and being assertive in pursuing career opportunities.

The interaction implies a belief that mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals can significantly influence career paths.

Annie’s eagerness to secure a job indicates a positive outlook on the availability of opportunities within impact investing.

The focus on impact investing reflects a deep commitment to aligning one’s career with personal values and ethics.

Engaging in conversations about job opportunities shows a belief in adaptability and the willingness to explore different paths to achieve one’s goals.

The overall discussion suggests a belief in setting long-term goals and working consistently towards them, emphasizing persistence in the pursuit of meaningful work.

– Annie Forrest hails from Richlands, a small Appalachian town in Southwest Virginia, where her family has lived for eight generations.
– She has a strong connection to her hometown, emphasizing the deep ties to the land and community that are prevalent in Appalachian culture.
– Annie’s childhood was shaped by traditional practices, such as growing vegetables during the summer and sourcing meat from local farms, which she initially thought were common experiences.
– She describes her hometown as a close-knit community where everyone knows each other’s business, fostering a sense of care and accountability among residents.
– Annie holds a humorous view on how small-town life can lead to a lack of privacy, especially with family members working in local schools.
– She has a passion for outdoor activities, particularly hiking and biking in the mountains.
– Annie enjoys long road trips, which likely reflect her love for exploration and adventure.
– She has a unique love for pizza, boasting a record of eating it for 21 consecutive days, showcasing her playful side.
– Annie lived directly above a Little Caesars in New York City, which contributed to her pizza-eating streak during her time there.
– She expresses pride in her Appalachian heritage, countering stereotypes often associated with the region by highlighting its hardworking and kind people.

– They experienced a significant culture shock when moving from their small hometown to Charlottesville for college, feeling that the latter was much larger and more diverse than what they were used to.
– The guest initially held misconceptions about diversity, believing that everyone in their hometown shared the same overwhelmingly Christian beliefs.
– They found a passion for women, gender, and sexuality studies at the University of Virginia, which helped them articulate feelings of feminism and intersectionality that they had long held.
– The guest took a semester off during college due to a traumatic experience, which they describe as the best decision they ever made, allowing them to gain clarity and direction.
– They became actively involved in sexual assault and relationship abuse prevention efforts after their experience, highlighting their commitment to advocacy.
– Living in a sorority house provided the guest with a supportive community that helped them navigate their college journey and activism.
– They participated in a project called Project Unbreakable, where survivors share quotes from their abusers, which helped them find their voice and gain media attention for their story.
– The guest emphasizes the importance of belonging and community support, particularly in collegiate settings, for personal and collective healing.
– They recognize the long-term impacts of the opioid crisis on their community, noting that everyone is connected to the issue in some way, whether through family or friends.

– The guest initially moved from a small town, Richlands, to a larger city, Charlottesville, before making a significant leap to New York City.
– They moved to New York City with only two suitcases and a one-month sublet, initially sleeping on a friend’s floor for five days.
– The guest experienced a culture shock and uncertainty about their decision to move to New York, despite having a strong desire to work for the One Love Foundation.
– Their family had limited exposure to New York City, making it challenging to navigate the city and its dynamics; they only visited once for Thanksgiving.
– The guest humorously noted that their family did not engage in traditional Thanksgiving activities, opting instead to dine at an Eastern European restaurant.
– They joined One Love at a time when the organization was still in its early stages, describing it as a startup vibe within a nonprofit context.
– The guest frequently traveled between New York and Jacksonville for work, emphasizing their commitment to building relationships and spreading awareness about relationship health education.
– At 23 years old, they took on the role of a “saleswoman” for a free educational program, highlighting the challenges of promoting a free service in a field that many are hesitant to discuss.
– They faced skepticism from potential partners about the relevance of relationship abuse education in their communities, indicating the need for advocacy and awareness.
– The guest is passionate about educating others on what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like, reflecting their commitment to making a positive impact in this area.

– Annie is currently seeking an impact investing job in Washington, DC.
– She expresses gratitude towards Thomas for hosting her on the podcast.
– Annie values the opportunity to share her insights and experiences with the audience.
– She is passionate about making a difference through her work in impact investing.
– Annie appreciates the support of the podcast community in her job search.
– She emphasizes the importance of networking and connections in finding new opportunities.
– Annie is open to exploring various roles within the impact investing sector.
– She enjoys engaging in conversations about social and environmental issues.
– Annie is motivated by the potential of impact investing to create positive change in society.

Annie Forrest’s family has deep ties to Richlands, Virginia, having lived there for eight generations, fostering a strong connection to the land and community.

Growing up in a town of 5,000, Annie experienced a close-knit community where everyone knew each other, highlighting the importance of small-town values and neighborly support.

Despite stereotypes about Appalachia, Annie developed a sense of pride in her heritage, appreciating the hardworking nature and distinct culture of her region.

Annie’s upbringing included practices like growing vegetables and sourcing meat locally, which she later realized were not common to everyone outside her community.

After high school, Annie pursued higher education, which opened her eyes to different lifestyles and perspectives, ultimately leading her to become an advocate for relationship health.

Annie relocated to New York City, where she worked with the One Love Foundation, focusing on strategic partnerships and national initiatives in relationship health education.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Annie to return to Richlands, allowing her to reconnect with her roots and the community that shaped her.

Back in Richlands, Annie became a vocal advocate for rural Appalachian communities, addressing issues related to education, health, and economic development.

While studying at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, Annie served as Vice President of Health and Wellness and co-chaired the Impact Investing Initiative, aligning her career with her passion for community development.

As she nears graduation, Annie aims to continue her work in impact investing, striving to create positive change in rural areas while cherishing her Appalachian heritage.

The speaker reflects on their upbringing in Richlands, a small town in Appalachia, where misconceptions about the region and its people are prevalent, often leading to stereotypes of uneducation and ignorance.

The conversation highlights the long-term effects of extraction industries like timber and coal, as well as the opioid epidemic, which have compounded issues in Appalachian communities, creating significant socioeconomic challenges.

The speaker shares personal connections to the opioid crisis, noting that nearly everyone in their community has been affected, either through addiction or loss, and emphasizes the ongoing generational impact of this crisis.

Leaving Richlands for the University of Virginia (UVA) marked a significant shift, exposing the speaker to a larger, more diverse environment that contrasted sharply with their hometown.

At UVA, the speaker’s worldview expanded, particularly through studies in women, gender, and sexuality, which helped articulate feelings of feminism and intersectionality that they had previously sensed but could not express.

The speaker experienced sexual assault during their first year at UVA, which profoundly affected their college experience and led to a period of reflection and activism focused on sexual assault prevention.

Recognizing the need for a break, the speaker took a semester off from school, a decision they describe as transformative, allowing them to gain perspective and return with renewed passion for advocacy.

Upon returning to UVA, the speaker became involved in advocacy efforts, particularly through a group called One Less, which focused on raising awareness about sexual assault before the mainstream emergence of the #MeToo movement.

The speaker took a bold step by publicly sharing their story of sexual assault through the Project Unbreakable initiative, which gained significant attention and sparked conversations around the topic.

Throughout their journey, the speaker emphasizes the importance of community support, particularly from their sorority, in fostering a sense of belonging and empowering their activism and personal growth.

The journey began in Richlands, Virginia, where the speaker’s understanding of relationship health and advocacy was initially shaped.

Moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, for college, where exposure to new ideas and experiences sparked a passion for policy initiatives and advocacy related to sexual assault and relationship abuse.

Actively engaged in legislative processes by testifying in front of Virginia Senate committees, sharing personal experiences to influence survivor-friendly laws.

Faced a challenging moment during testimony when a senator questioned the validity of their experience, highlighting the importance of allyship as other senators defended them.

Spent a year working for a national sorority, further developing advocacy skills and connections before transitioning to a more focused role in relationship health education.

Made a significant leap from Charlottesville to New York City, moving with just two suitcases and a one-month sublet, driven by the desire to work with the One Love Foundation.

Encountered challenges in getting family to New York, illustrating the cultural shift from a small town to a bustling city environment.

Joined One Love at its early stages, contributing to the development of relationship health education programs and focusing on scaling initiatives on a national level.

Worked intensely on relationship-building efforts, flying frequently to Jacksonville to promote the foundation’s free curriculum to schools and community organizations.

Engaged in teaching about healthy and unhealthy relationships, emphasizing the importance of awareness and education in preventing relationship abuse and fostering community support.

The organization aimed to create a common language for recognizing unhealthy behaviors in relationships, addressing issues like manipulation and deflection of responsibility that often go unrecognized.

The speaker shares their personal experience of not being taught what a healthy relationship looks like, highlighting the negative influence of media portrayals, such as in the film “The Notebook,” which romanticizes unhealthy relationship dynamics.

One Love focused on debunking unhealthy relationship myths and promoting healthy behaviors, including effective conflict resolution, responsibility, trust-building, and the importance of happiness in relationships.

The speaker encourages peers to engage more deeply with friends’ relationships, emphasizing the importance of asking open-ended questions and not taking social media at face value.

The conversation stresses that unhealthy relationships can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, and challenges the notion that it’s not one’s business to intervene in a friend’s relationship.

After spending six years at One Love, the speaker reflects on the invaluable learning experiences gained from working in a startup environment, particularly the necessity to adapt and hustle.

The inspiring work environment at One Love motivated the speaker to pursue an MBA to enhance their skills in scaling organizations.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries in a startup culture, advocating for mental health and recognizing that no job is worth sacrificing well-being.

In March 2020, the onset of the pandemic prompted the speaker to leave New York City and return to their hometown of Richlands, Virginia, seeking more space and support from family.

What was initially intended as a brief visit turned into a two-year stay, allowing the speaker to reflect on their journey and prepare for the next chapter in their career, including attending business school.

Annie begins to feel a deep longing for her Appalachian roots, leading her to engage with the community through podcasts, literature, and conversations about the region.

She reaches out to her future partner on LinkedIn about joining the “Friends of Appalachia” club at UVA, expressing her desire to reconnect with her home.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Annie returns to her hometown of Richlands, experiencing a bittersweet homecoming as she confronts the region’s challenges, including the opioid crisis and economic decline.

Upon her return, Annie observes a significant decline in small businesses on Main Street but also witnesses a resurgence of young entrepreneurs revitalizing the local economy.

Annie grapples with feelings of being an outsider, balancing her Appalachian roots with her experiences in urban environments, symbolized by a photo of her fishing while carrying a New Yorker bag.

She cherishes family connections, participating in Sunday lunches with her extended family in her grandparents’ old house, reinforcing her community ties.

Annie moves to Durham, North Carolina, to pursue an MBA, aiming to enhance her leadership skills and explore her professional values beyond the nonprofit sector.

During her MBA, she engages in various initiatives, including health and wellness programs and social impact internships, while reaffirming her commitment to social impact over corporate America.

As graduation approaches, Annie reflects on her experiences, recognizing that while she gained valuable insights, her passion for social impact remains unchanged.

Annie plans to work on rural community development in Appalachia, focusing on non-extractive capital investment and improving education, with the goal of enhancing the quality of life in her hometown.

Annie expresses her interest in impact investing, highlighting its importance and relevance in today’s economic landscape.

Thomas, a key figure in the conversation, offers to help Annie secure a job in DC, showcasing the power of community and connections in career development.

Annie’s qualifications and experiences are acknowledged, emphasizing her readiness and potential to contribute to the impact investing field.

The conversation serves as a rallying cry for listeners to support Annie in her job search, illustrating the collaborative nature of professional advancement.

Annie expresses her appreciation for the opportunity to share her journey, indicating a positive mindset and openness to new possibilities.

The discussion hints at Annie’s future goals in impact investing, suggesting a clear vision for her career path.

The podcast encourages listeners to become involved, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The conversation wraps up with a hopeful tone, leaving listeners motivated to support one another in their professional endeavors.

The interaction between Annie and Thomas illustrates the importance of mentorship and relationships in achieving career goals.

Annie’s journey serves as an inspiration for others in the field, highlighting the possibility of making a meaningful impact through one’s career.