The progressive Women’s Association of Harrison County has announced that Natalie Tennent will be delivering the Keynote Message for the Women of Distinction Award Luncheon to be held on Friday, June 16 at noon. The luncheon will be held at the Uptown Event Center. The PWA will be honoring ten women whose contributions have made a difference in our community. Emphasis will be put on the volunteer efforts of these successful women. A special celebration of America will be held. Special recognition will be given to WV birthday to Juneteenth and to July Fourth. The menu and decorations will carry out this theme. Serving and promoting West Virginia has been a passion for Natalie Tennant since she was a young girl growing up on a Marion County farm.
As a leader in high school and college and then as the first female WVU Mountaineer Mascot in 1990, Natalie always saw the potential in her fellow classmates and the people of West Virginia and wanted to help them make a difference. She had that opportunity to tell the stories of West Virginia as a television reporter and anchor at various TV stations across the state for more than a decade. Natalie served as West Virginia’s 29th Secretary of State from 2009 to 2017. Throughout her administration, she was a leader in promoting open and engaging government and business-friendly initiatives. Natalie is known as a national leader in voting rights and brought more election advancement to West Virginia than any other Secretary of State.
This past fall, Natalie was a Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics Resident Fellow where she mentored students in public service, community involvement and policy development. In March, Natalie hosted a group of Harvard graduate students in West Virginia as part of their Future of Coal Regions Study Group. She is also a voting rights advisor for the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School. As a breast cancer warrior herself, Natalie encourages everyone to schedule a mammogram and advocate for yourself when it comes to your health. The event is open to the public but reservations must be made by calling 304 624 6881. The major sponsor of the event is Davis Funeral Home.