Jackson, Miss.—September 19, 2023
On September 1, Sebrena Williamson became the new Together for Hope (TFH) Director of Programs and Partnerships for Appalachia. As a proud product of the community that raised her, Williamson is dedicated to rural advocacy and to Appalachian culture. A true collaborator at heart, Williamson hopes to help create change in Appalachia that comes from a love of environment, people and community.
A West Virginia native, Williamson feels indebted to her Appalachian roots that informs her work at home and beyond. “I am thrilled to be working with Together for Hope, Appalachia. Everyone has a calling, and I truly believe mine is to work in this region I call home. I’m also excited to be part of an organization that is part of a larger rural-advocacy network. While I have a particular loyalty to Appalachia, I am also extremely passionate about advocating for rural communities everywhere. I believe that we can’t create change alone, and creating coalitions and partnerships with others outside our home regions is crucial to change, growth and real solutions.”
Jason Coker, President of TFH, is enthusiastic about the future of TFH work in Appalachia with Williamson’s hire. “Sebrena’s excitement and commitment to her home will deepen TFH’s roots in Appalachia and create an urgency and enthusiasm in our work there. It will be fun to see how Keith (TFH VP for Appalachia) and Sebrena will organize their work for impact in Appalachia,” Coker said.
Williamson is an Appalachian storyteller, choreographer, writer and digital marketing strategist from Huntington, West Virginia. Currently, she focuses on the arts and community development. In 2018, she co-founded Saltare in Elementis Dance Collective (SIEDC), where she now serves as Co-Founder, Choreographer and Director of Written Strategy. In 2021, Sebrena organized SIEDC’s debut film Terra (2021). Terra was filmed in WV’s Ohio River Valley and explores young Appalachians’ experiences around climate change and industrial disasters.
Together for Hope
2906 N. State Street, Suite 300
Jackson, MS 39216
tfhope.org