Event Planning and Community Growth with Sergio Rodriguez

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I talk with Sergio Rodriguez, director of the WVSU Center in downtown Charleston. He explains how the center hosts events ranging from weddings to business meetings and community gatherings. We are on-site during Meet-Up 64, an event bringing together young professionals from Charleston and Huntington. A collaboration of Up Next Charlie West, Putnam CREW, Huntington Young Professionals, and Counsel Connections. Sergio shares that planning for this event involved collaboration with the Charleston Area Alliance and other local partners.

Sergio talks about his journey to West Virginia from Nicaragua in 2018. He describes how the people here made him feel at home and how the sense of community stands out compared to other places he has lived. He emphasizes that West Virginians treat each other like family, offering support and mentorship.

He explains that he has a background in journalism and marketing, which led him to his current role. The WVSU Center is focused on building partnerships and creating a space where the community feels connected. He encourages people to bring their ideas for events, even if they are unsure how to execute them, because the center helps turn those ideas into reality.

As we wrap up, I ask for his top event planning tip. He advises coming in with a vision but being open to collaboration. He assures that the WVSU team can help refine and execute event ideas. Sergio’s commitment to the community and his work at the center reflect the spirit of Charleston.