About
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LB is a passionate community advocate, organizer, and storyteller. LB returned to her Appalachian home and began working to create meaningful change by breaking down social barriers and creating a sense of community. LB was a co-founder of Forward Wilkes, an organization that works to create safe and inclusive spaces and events, particularly focused on serving minority and LGBTQ+ youth in Appalachia.
A decade after returning home LB opened Merle's, a craft cocktail bar on main street that is dedicated to creating a place where the queer community can gather to been seen and loved within the community.
LB is a participant in Weave: The Social Fabric Initiative, she is a graduate of the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Institute and a member of the inaugural class of the Civil Society Fellowship, A Partnership of ADL and The Aspen Institute.
LB is an aggressive friend and doting dog mom.
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