Event Details

Join us at this engaging session to hear from Tonya Nations and Chelsea Justice about the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (VTOP).  According VTOP: “A top concern of Virginia employers is access to an adaptive, well-trained workforce. Additionally, the benefits of internships and other work-based learning experiences on workplace readiness and career development cannot be overstated. It is important for employers to offer these opportunities to build their talent pipelines and provide an educational pathway to a career.”  In this webinar, Tonya and Chelsea will provide an overview of VTOP offerings and resources that address this concern; their focus in Southwest Virginia; and, how VTOP may benefit your company or organization.
 
Tonya Nations is the Director, Career Discovery and Planning / VTOP Project Support at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.  She joined the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2022 as the Director of Career Discovery and Planning. In this role, she serves the College by connecting students with people and opportunities regionally, nationally, and globally, while supporting her administrative home in the Office of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives. She also provides support for the VTOP Innovative Internship Program for Region 1, which began in early 2023.

Throughout her 26-year career, Tonya has held officer and board positions for state and regional
professional associations (MACE, SoACE) and served on committees for state and local
governments career initiatives, such as the Governor’s Job Fair Network. While director at William & Mary, she was voted as one of the Most Influential Women on Campus in 2019; and, in 2022, she was one of the nominees for the Values in Action Award. At UVA Wise, Tonya was presented with one of the 2023 Impact Leader awards by the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Tonya is an alumna of the University of Southern Mississippi (BS, Psychology) and the University of South Alabama (MS, Counseling). She also holds a Certificate in Modern Leadership from William & Mary.

Married with four children and three grandchildren, Tonya and Jimmy (husband) enjoy their time
together, whether it’s spent traveling, entertaining, helping others, or trying new things. Both are
very glad to call Southwest Virginia their home.

Chelsea Justice is the Virginia Talent + Opportunities Partnership Project Coordinator
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.  She joined the University of Virginia’s College at Wise in 2023 as the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (VTOP) Innovative Internship Program Project Coordinator. This role requires her to be in consistent contact with small businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and higher education institutions in Region 1 to grow the number of internships offered to high school graduates, college students and recent college graduates. She works alongside a stakeholder’s committee and other Virginia colleges in the region to market VTOP opportunities to employers and students.

Chelsea is a first generation professional and alumna of University of Virginia’s College at Wise with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Media Studies. She has an 11-year professional background in customer relations and sales. During her time as a cellular representative, she was highlighted as a customer advocate and attributed to brightening the workplace environment. While attending college, she served on the RHA board, was inducted to the Lambda Pi Eta National Communication Honor Society, and served on the CAVS TV board.

When not working, Chelsea loves spending time with her spouse Alex. Together they travel, test new recipes, plan events for friends, and spoil their two fur children. They moved back to area in 2021, indulging themselves in community events. When time allows Chelsea writes, gardens, and makes candles.