Lori McKinney is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the RiffRaff Arts Collective in Mercer County, which aims to inspire and empower creativity in Southern West Virginia and the Appalachian region. Under her leadership, the Collective has organized various cultural events, ranging from small art shows and concerts to large-scale festivals such as the Culturefest World Music and Arts Festival. Thanks to her efforts, Lori has been instrumental in fostering a creative renaissance in her hometown, bringing people from all over the world to the small community of Princeton, West Virginia.

Check out one of her latest projects, 'We need to Talk', a movement using music videos and docushorts to build bridges and catalyze community healing. Catch the first episode of the series, 'The Time is Now.'

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The Mountaineer Media Podcast is C.J. Harvey and Cooper Simmerman Special thanks to our bloggers and live events members: Andrew Montes, Joslyn Barnhart, Logan Garrison, Joe Justice, Jessica Riggins and Amanda Larch. Know someone we should have on the podcast? Send us a note!

The Almost Heaven Classic's title sponsor is Star USA Federal Credit Union. You can learn more about them here.