Board of Directors

---

Erika has always felt tied to the Appalachian land and landscape. With a firm belief that self-sufficiency creates quality of life, she has the desire to provide spaces for others to gather to teach and learn together and from one another. With a long history of Appalachian heritage gleaned from her family and mentors, she recognizes a need to share stories and traditions of self-reliance and community connectedness. In addition to her work with the Foundation, Erika is a former restaurant owner spending 21 years managing and owning restaurants. She now is a community educator currently working with the State of TN. 

Symber grew up immersed in the Southern Appalachian lifestyle, where front porch storytelling, hospitality, gardening, cooking, and food preservation weren't just practical skills, they were heartfelt acts of love and tradition. She carries that heritage forward by sharing her passion for homegrown food and traditional canning through curated products and hands-on experiences that connect people to the roots of Appalachian living. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), Symber also brings her love for healthcare into her work, believing that true wellness grows from meaningful connection, purposeful activity, and nourishing both body and community. Symber is the owner and operator of The Wild Tallow Co., Root and Petal and Shell Mill, where she continues to celebrate the timeless relationship between land, food, and community.

A native of Southeastern Kentucky, Beatrice built a diverse professional career, including the American Cancer Society, after attending Eastern KY University. She is a mother to three sons, grandmother to 8 and great grandmother to 6. Her strong family ties and mountain heritage have shaped her values of hard work and resilience. Her independent spirit and wealth of experience inspire her mission to help others build life skills and achieve personal growth.

Entrepreneurship is the epitome of self-reliance. The Foundation supports local entrepreneurship through our purchases and contracts. Bryce is a local entrepreneur with a business but also specializes in growing and assisting others with business model planning, feasibility, research, and logistics. His role on the board of directors is fluid as he serves as a business consultant for the board and participants interested in launching a business. He currently owns and operates Appalachian Entreprenuers with two other business partners.