WVCADV Awards

Shanté Ellis is a Brooklyn, New York, native who moved to West Virginia in 2016. She is an accomplished educator, trainer, and facilitator who is no stranger to being a community thought leader.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Shanté continued her schooling and received her Master’s degree in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. Shanté is a certified diversity professional who works locally and nationally to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Shanté develops, implements, and facilitates curricula to guide learning experiences for all. She has educated and facilitated discussions for hundreds of leaders, educators, and administrators across several states in a variety of venues, laying the path for fruitful, constructive dialogue.

Cathy Durr worked at the Family Crisis Center in Petersburg. The care she took to advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence had no match.

Cathy graduated from Lake Braddock High School in Burke, VA. She recently passed after a long illness. She will be remembered not only for her tireless work at FCC, but also for her work at Petersburg High School as an aide and custodian.

She enjoyed every opportunity to be involved with her church, to cook for family and friends, and cheer on her favorite team, the Steelers.

Cathy left a legacy of love, not only for survivors who desperately needed someone on their side, but also for her family, and especially her grandchildren. She will be missed.

Alexia Jennings currently serves as the Executive Director at the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center serving Monongalia, Taylor, and Preston Counties.

Their mission is to provide community-based comprehensive services that advocate for the equal rights of all individuals to have control of their lives without violence or threat of violence.

Alexia is most known for her commitment and advocacy to the mission of reducing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking in the community, She has over ten years of dedication to survivors of violence in the state of West Virginia through her non-profit, volunteer, and work experience.

Edwin Bennett is a 28-year employee of the WVDoHS and currently serves as the Social Services Manager for the Mercer District.

He’s served in a variety of organizations including the WVCADV Survivors with Children Work Group, Mercer County Adult and Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Teams, and more.

Throughout Edwin’s career, he’s advocated for victims of Domestic Violence in individual casework, student and worker development, organizational programming, and community engagements. While at WVDoHS, he’s been a Social Services Coordinator, a Child Welfare Consultant, a Regional Homefinding Supervisor, a Child Protective Services Worker, and more.

Edwin earned his Bachelor of Social Work from Concord University, and his Master of Social Work from WVU.

When not serving others at work, he serves as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Youth Leader. Edwin also loves spending time with his wife and his three daughters.

State Sen. Ryan Weld is an accomplished leader with an impressive track record of service to his state and country. As the Majority Whip in the West Virginia State Senate, he skillfully manages legislative priorities and effectively advances the state’s interests.

In addition, Ryan’s extensive experience as Chair of the Military Committee and Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee reflects his exceptional ability to handle complex policy issues.

Ryan has served in the West Virginia Legislature since 2014, but his commitment to public service began in 2005, when he commissioned into the Air Force Reserve. In 2010 and 2011, he served as the Staff Intelligence Officer to the Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Zabul Province of Afghanistan.

Ryan’s legal career began as an assistant prosecutor in Brooke County. He currently practices law with the firm of Spilman, Thomas & Battle in their Wheeling office.

Ryan is a devoted husband to his wife, Alex. They live in Wellsburg with their three dogs.

Marty Hatfield was born and raised in Wyoming County, West Virginia. He spent 3 years in the U.S. Army before moving home in 2014 and being hired with the Division of Administrative Services’ Justice and Community Services (JCS) Section.

Marty has served in various roles at JCS since 2015 and is currently the Assistant Director, responsible for the management and oversight of several federal and state grants provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the State of West Virginia.

Notable grants administered by JCS include the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program, STOP Violence Against Women Grant Program, and Sexual Assault Services Program.