Global Appalachia

08/25/2026

Global careers can start anywhere, including right here in Appalachia.

The Global Appalachia Mentor Network connects Kentucky high school students and classrooms with professionals working across diplomacy, international development, security, communications, law, public service, business, and more.

Our goal is simple: help students see opportunities they may not have known existed and connect what they're learning in the classroom to careers and issues around the world.

Kentucky is already deeply connected to the global economy. We want Appalachian students to see themselves as part of that story.

Teachers and schools interested in bringing the world into their classrooms can learn more at globalappalachia.org.

07/27/2026

Over the past week, we've introduced the people helping shape the future of Global Appalachia. Today, we're closing the series by introducing our founder and a member of our Board of Directors, Tanner Willis.

Tanner is a native of Greenup County, Kentucky. He holds a master's degree in international affairs and diplomacy from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and a bachelor's degree in international business from Marshall University. His professional experience includes nonprofit operations, international advocacy, project management, and compliance. His writing on public policy and public affairs has appeared in The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The Courier Journal, and he is the author of Smoke and Silence: The Lives of Ol' Mort.

Tanner founded Global Appalachia with the belief that where someone grows up should never limit where they can go. He believes students across Appalachia deserve access to opportunities that broaden perspectives, expand possibilities, and open doors around the world.

Learn more about our board and leadership team: globalappalachia.org/about

07/24/2026

Today, we're excited to introduce Chaz Martin, a member of our Board of Directors.

Chaz is a former U.S. diplomat with over 20 years of experience across government, private sector, nonprofits, and international development. During his Foreign Service career, he served in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan, was named the U.S. Department of State's Linguist of the Year, and became the first Russian-language spokesperson for the United States at the United Nations General Assembly. He currently serves as Director of International Communications at Spirit of America.

His career in diplomacy and international engagement brings a global perspective to Global Appalachia as we work to connect Appalachia with the world.

Learn more about our board and leadership team: globalappalachia.org/about

07/23/2026

Today, we're excited to introduce Langley Sebastian, Co-Founder and a member of our Board of Directors.

Langley is pursuing a law degree at the University of Melbourne, specializing in international human rights law. A graduate of Transylvania University and former Peace Corps volunteer in Cameroon, she has also lived in Italy and traveled to nearly thirty countries. Her experiences have shaped a deep commitment to global equity, food security, and human rights.

Langley helps shape Global Appalachia's vision while bringing a global perspective rooted in her Appalachian upbringing.

Learn more about our board and leadership team: globalappalachia.org/about

07/22/2026

Today, we're excited to introduce Chad Rudd, a member of our Board of Directors.

Chad is a lifelong resident of Wolfe County, Kentucky, where he has dedicated more than thirty years to education. He serves as assistant principal at Wolfe County High School, teaches College Algebra, and oversees district supplemental and after-school programs. Deeply rooted in Appalachia, Chad is passionate about expanding educational opportunities and preparing students for success both within the region and beyond.

His decades of experience as an educator and school leader bring a practical, student-centered perspective to Global Appalachia's mission.

Learn more about our board and leadership team: globalappalachia.org/about

07/21/2026

Today, we're excited to introduce Craig Combs, a member of our Board of Directors.

Craig is an educator with more than twenty years of experience and a native of Eastern Kentucky. In 2006, he founded the King of the Mountains Chess League, which continues to provide students across the region with opportunities to compete, learn, and grow. Throughout his career, he has worked with students across fourteen counties in Southeastern Kentucky, connecting young people with educational opportunities, resources, and community partnerships.

Craig's passion for serving rural communities and helping students reach their full potential strengthens Global Appalachia's mission to connect Appalachia with the world.

Learn more about our board and leadership team: globalappalachia.org/about

07/20/2026

We're excited to introduce the people helping shape the future of Global Appalachia.

Today, we're honored to feature Ambassador Greta Holtz, a member of our Board of Directors.

Greta is President and CEO of Amideast and a former U.S. Ambassador to Oman. A career diplomat with more than three decades of service in the U.S. Foreign Service, she also served as Chargé d'Affaires in Qatar, Minister-Counselor for Provincial Affairs in Baghdad, Senior Foreign Policy Advisor to U.S. Special Operations Command, and Chancellor of the National Defense University's College of International Security Affairs.

Throughout her career, she held senior leadership roles across the Middle East, Europe, and Washington, helping advance U.S. diplomacy and international engagement.

Her experience and commitment to expanding opportunities for the next generation make her an invaluable member of the Global Appalachia team.

Learn more about our board and leadership team: globalappalachia.org/about

06/23/2026

🌍 Help Us Build Global Opportunities for Appalachia!

Global Appalachia is building a growing network of mentors, educators, and students who believe Appalachia's young people deserve greater access to mentorship, career exploration, and global opportunities.

We're looking to connect with:

📚 Teachers and schools interested in bringing global perspectives into the classroom.
🎓 Students who want to explore new career pathways and connect with professionals from diverse fields.
🌎 Professionals and subject matter experts willing to share their experiences and inspire the next generation.

Whether you're from Appalachia or simply believe in expanding opportunities for rural communities, we'd love to connect with you.

Learn more and get involved:
https://globalappalachia.org/global-mentor-network

Please share this post to help us grow the network.

Make Rural Global

05/20/2026

Today, we’re excited to officially introduce Global Appalachia!

Our mission remains the same at its core: helping Appalachian students and communities connect with global opportunities, international affairs, public service, diplomacy, education, and leadership pathways that too often feel out of reach.

But as this vision has grown, we realized we needed a name that better reflected what we are building.

Global Appalachia represents the idea that Appalachia is not isolated from the world. Our communities have voices, perspectives, and talent that belong in global conversations.

Over the coming months, we’ll be expanding partnerships, launching new educational initiatives, and continuing development of our Global Careers Mentorship Program focused on connecting rural students with diplomats, international professionals, and leaders from across the country and around the world.

We're excited for what's ahead and grateful for everyone who has supported this vision so far.

globalappalachia.org

02/09/2026

A quick shoutout to our co-founder!

Today she officially started her law degree in Australia, where she’ll be studying at the University of Melbourne with a focus on international human rights law.

Watching someone from Appalachia take this step and commit to work that has real global impact is exactly why APWAN exists in the first place. We’re incredibly proud of her and grateful to be building this alongside her.

Wishing her the best of luck as this next chapter begins. Congrats Langley! Big work ahead!!