I am, officially, a Roanoker.

Four years ago I had dreams of being a small town girl in a big city. With two older sisters living in New York City and Charlotte, NC, metropolitan lifestyles seemed to be something in our DNA. Or so I thought… A natural philanthropist, I knew my heart’s greatest desire was to change the world! That may not have happened quite yet, but over the past four years I have made my mark by changing and saving lives through Children’s Miracle Network, a national non-profit that provides equipment and services for local hospitalized kids. Literally starting work the Monday after graduating from Radford University I knew Roanoke needed the services this wonderful organization offered, so I made it my mission to open the first ever Southwest CMN office, and now as Director, the rest is history.

A Kiwanian, YMCA member, and new Southwest home-owner, I have found all that Roanoke has to offer more than just “satisfying”. My daily routine is relatively similar…a morning stop at the Crystal Springs 7-11 where I never fail to exchange smiles and stories about the weather with Luke, the head cashier, followed by interactions with individuals who impact me more than they probably realize…and it is these daily habits that I am not able to live without.

Yes, Roanoke is home to the Star, Center in the Square, “cheesy in a bowl“, and the Roanoke River…but I believe it’s TRUE claim to fame are the people. While every attraction and venue compliments and completes the city, the people and their southern hospitality are what truly make Roanoke home for me. I have graced the October 2006 cover of The Roanoker magazine, been voted Roanoke’s most eligible bachelorette by The Roanoke Times, and placed in the top 3 in Miss Virginia USA representing Roanoke, but no experience triumps a smile from a stranger or a warm handshake from an old acquaintance…Roanoke’s citizens have truly stolen my heart!

• Erin’s Occupation: Director, Children’s Miracle Network, Southwest Virginia