About Us
APWAN—Putting Appalachian Voices at the Table
APWAN began with a simple idea: bridging the gap between the holler and the international arena. We saw a need for Appalachian perspectives to move beyond local silos and into global conversations—so we created APWAN as a space where those voices matter.
Our mission is rooted in giving Appalachians a seat at the table—to ensure our stories and insights are heard, not overlooked. We know the region brings rich cultural resilience and thoughtful perspectives that can shape international and local policy alike. APWAN steps into that space with opportunity, clarity, and a conviction that global awareness thrives when we center diverse, often unheard experiences.
We are non-partisan by design. The best solutions come from bringing all perspectives to the table, and our work focuses on facts, identifying policy gaps, and fostering collaboration—not promoting any political agenda. By creating space for people of all political backgrounds to contribute, we strengthen the conversation and the solutions it produces.
Through volunteer-led efforts, virtual gatherings, writing challenges, and mentorship, we empower Eastern Kentucky’s young people—students and early-career professionals—with the tools to think globally and act locally. In doing so, we're building a network of Appalachian changemakers whose ideas can resonate beyond our mountains.
Founder | Tanner Willis
Tanner Willis is from Greenup County, Kentucky, with a passion for connecting Appalachia to the world. He first gained international experience in high school through the People to People Ambassador Program founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, traveling to England, France, Australia, and Cuba. A 2012 graduate of Greenup County High School, Tanner went on to build a career at the intersection of operations management, international affairs, and policy engagement.
He obtained his undergraduate degree in 2020 from Marshall University (Huntington, WV) in international business with minors in international affairs and economics. He graduated with a master’s degree in 2024 from the United Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) in international affairs and diplomacy. During his time at UNITAR, he participated in two fellowships—one with Al Fusaic as an Information and Communication Technology and International Affairs Fellow, and another with the United Nations Association–National Capital Area (UNA-NCA).
Also in 2024, he was selected through a highly competitive nomination process to join the 7th cohort of the Emerging as a Global Leader Experience (EaGLE) program by Globally. EaGLE empowers young professionals in national security and public service to confront challenges with innovative strategies, apply advanced professional development tools, and prepare for leadership roles in government, business, academia, and civil society over the next decade.
Previously, he served as an Operations Officer for Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS), an organization with consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). In this role, he worked with members of the academic community, NGOs, governmental bodies, and other subject matter experts to advance policy and advocacy efforts.
He currently works for Inclined Advanced Analytics, an Arlington, Virginia based firm in the federal contracting space, where he oversees compliance programs and manages cross-functional projects. His role includes developing and implementing internal audit processes, ensuring adherence to multi-state and federal regulations, and coordinating initiatives that improve efficiency and accountability across technical and executive teams.
His research focuses on how information and communications technology influences social and political dynamics in civil society and its relationship with governments. Tanner’s work has been published by outlets including The Hill, Courier Journal, Al Fusaic, The Lexington Herald-Leader, The Daily Independent, The Lane Report, and the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and he is listed on Muck Rack, the PR industry’s leading journalist database. Most recently, his debut book Smoke and Silence: The Lives of Ol’ Mort was published by the Jesse Stuart Foundation.
Co-Founder | Langley Sebastian
Langley is currently finishing her master's degree in Global Security Studies at King's College London while living in her hometown of Ashland, Kentucky. Langley is a 2020 graduate of Ashland High School and a 2023 graduate of Transylvania University. After earning her undergraduate degree in international affairs from Transylvania, she served as a Peace Corps agriculture volunteer in rural Cameroon. Her work there deepened her commitment to global equity, food security, and human rights.
Langley has lived in Cameroon and Italy and has traveled to nearly thirty countries. These experiences have strengthened her interest in the legal and ethical intersections of global development.
In early 2026, she will begin law school at the University of Melbourne, where she plans to specialize in international human rights law.
Outside of her academic work, Langley is happiest when she's baking or cooking for her family and friends, golfing, skiing, scuba diving, or going on long walks when the weather is nice.
Langley is excited to be part of the Appalachian Policy & World Affairs Network because she loves working with students, advocating for Appalachia, and exchanging knowledge and experiences.