Renowned New York Times bestselling author inspires women leaders at annual leadership summit
Renowned New York Times bestselling author Jeannette Walls fulfilled a lifelong dream this spring, gracing the prestigious halls of The Greenbrier. Not only did she revel in the luxury of the famous resort, but she also took to the stage of Colonial Hall to share her journey.
“I am deeply grateful to the Women’s Leadership Summit for this opportunity, and to each of you for lending me your ears as I recount the path that brought me here,” she remarked.
Though she hails originally from Phoenix, Walls proudly claims West Virginia as her home state.
“I may not have been born here, but West Virginia raised me … I’m a West Virginia gal,” she said.
In 2005, Walls unveiled her memoir, “The Glass Castle,” a No. 1 New York Times bestseller that has since sold over 7 million copies and inspired a 2017 movie adaptation. It has been translated into more than 30 languages and was followed by two additional novels based on Walls’ remarkable upbringing.
“The Glass Castle” delves deep into Walls’ tumultuous childhood, marked by adversity and resilience. Relocated to McDowell County, West Virginia, at the tender age of 10, she reflected on her return to the state as an important full-circle moment.
“It feels spectacular,” she said. “West Virginia is a beautiful state filled with superb people. My time here wasn’t always that easy — but that was not West Virginia’s fault; that was my crazy parents. I hope that I am going to be able to give back at least a little bit of what West Virginia has given me, much of which is a great story.”
Back in West Virginia years later, Walls electrified the audience in Colonial Hall, uniting with hundreds of female leaders from diverse backgrounds.
“I think that what is so powerful about all these people, all these women coming together, is that we all bring our stories … perhaps more importantly, we break down barriers.”
From the shame of dumpster-diving with her parents to the pinnacle of literary success, Walls illustrated that all things are possible, underscoring the pivotal role of education.
“To me, education is the great equalizer,” she said.
She fondly recalled her teacher Mrs. Owens, who once posed a simple yet profound question: “What do poor kids want?” The answer, as Mrs. Owens succinctly put it, mirrors the desires of any child.
“She answered, ‘They want the same things other kids do,’” Walls said.
Walls emphasized the transformative power of access to knowledge, love and respect for all children, whether from parents or educators.
The day became an even more touching moment for Walls as students from McDowell County — participants in the Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates program overseen by the Chamber Foundation — filled the audience. Transported back to her own school days, Walls seized the opportunity to inspire students who mirrored her past self.
During her speech, Walls recollected the visit of Chuck Yeager to McDowell County.
“I’ll never forget the day this world-famous pilot took the time to speak to us ‘nobodies,’” she said. “Of course, we weren’t nobodies, but we felt like it. If I can ignite a spark in these kids as Chuck Yeager did in me, then life is indeed good.”
Audience members were immersed into the presentation as Walls participated in an in-depth and candid Q&A session. Students took the opportunity to ask Walls how retelling her personal stories affects her relationship with those memories.
“I think that it is confronting them and owning them … Secrets are like vampires: They suck the life out of you, but they can exist only in the darkness. Once they are exposed to light, there’s a moment of horror, but then, poof, they lose their power over you,” she said.
No sooner had Walls stepped off stage than a large line formed to greet her, with each attendee eager to get face time with the bestselling author.
With honesty and humility, Walls engaged with her fans, fostering connections and empowering others — a core focus of the Women’s Leadership Summit.
“We learn from one another, and that’s where empathy comes from, and that’s where growing and becoming a better community comes from — it’s just sharing what we know,” Walls said. “[It’s] holding hands, opening up our hearts to say, ‘Let’s do this together.’”
Following her presentation, Walls participated in a private meet-and-greet, offering even more time to attendees and students.
The West Virginia Chamber expresses great gratitude for Walls’ generosity, noting her dedication to connecting with attendees on a personal level. It’s an evening the students from McDowell — and indeed, all in attendance — will never forget.