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Fostering SolutionsAuthor: mfoster1231
The Fostering Solutions podcast, with Dr. Michelle Foster, uplifts people and enterprises making a positive community impact in Appalachia and Urban America. Language: en Genres: Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Holding the Mission Together Leadership in the Face of Uncertainty - Margaret Chapman Pomponio
Episode 101
Monday, 17 November, 2025
Welcome to Fostering Solutions, where we explore the stories of changemakers who are building a better future for our communities. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Margaret Chapman Pomponio, Executive Director of WV FREE, joining us from right here in Charleston, West Virginia. Margaret's journey is one of deep commitment to justice and community empowerment. After earning her Master's in Political Science from Western Washington University—where she even taught Women and Politics—she made the choice to return home to West Virginia. That was back in 2002, and she's been on the front lines of reproductive health, rights, and justice work ever since. Under Margaret's leadership, WV FREE has grown significantly, achieving meaningful policy victories at every level of government, even in one of the most challenging political landscapes in the country. But what really sets Margaret apart is her approach: she knows that lasting change doesn't happen in isolation. She's a firm believer in coalition-building, in lifting up new voices, and in the power of partnership to create transformative social change. Beyond her work at WV FREE, Margaret serves on the board of the West Virginia Interfaith Refugee Ministry, sits on the West Virginia Lawyer Disciplinary Review Board, and is active in her church community at St. John's Episcopal here in Charleston. She's also a busy mom to young twins and stepmom to two young adults—somehow finding time for family travel adventures between fighting the good fight. Margaret, thank you so much for being here today. Welcome to Fostering Solutions.
