Remarkable Woman Dawna Griffith is known for putting her people first

Dawna Griffith helped found the Leavisy People's Place and has volunteered there for decades. She is a finalist for the 2026 WOWK Remarkable Woman.

Leavisy, West Virginia, is a town of fewer than 500 people where Dawna Griffith has volunteered for decades. She helped found the Leavisy People's Place, a nonprofit community center housed in the former Leavisy Grade School. The center provides food, water, emergency supplies, rents office space, and hosts local gatherings. Griffith is a finalist for the 2026 WOWK Remarkable Woman and plans to step down from her leadership role because of her age. Key details: - Dawna Griffith is a founding member of the Leavisy People's Place and is reported to be at the center nearly every day. - Leavisy People's Place is a registered nonprofit that offers food, water, emergency materials and rents space for events and small businesses. - The center has operated since 1995 in the building that was once the Leavisy Grade School. - Griffith is known in the community for organizing the annual Ramp Dinner and for preparing meals during events. - She has also been active in her church, served as a foster mom, and hosted exchange students, and is named a finalist for the 2026 WOWK Remarkable Woman. Summary: Leavisy People's Place has served as a local support hub since 1995 and benefited from Dawna Griffith's daily volunteer work and event planning. Griffith will step down from her leadership role because of her age. Undetermined at this time.