Virginia Austin joined NARBW in June 1980. She has not missed a convention since 1983! Virginia has held many positions over the years. At the National level, she has been First Vice President, Third Vice President, Recording Secretary, Convention Chairman, and Welfare. At the District level, Virginia has been District Director (two terms), Nominating, and Publication. Finally, at the chapter level, she has held the offices of President, Second Vice President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Publication, Public Affairs, Nominating, Ways & Means, Telephone Committee, and Hospitality. Virginia retired in 1995 after 38 years of service, having started with Norfolk & Western in August 1957, less than two months after her high school graduation.
She started her career as a steno-clerk, holding various positions before moving into management, the first woman in the marketing department to do so. Virginia also holds a degree in Traffic Transportation Management. Since her retirement, she regularly volunteers at a local Community Center, where she teaches pre-school, Bible Studies, and helps with school work. She has been a member of Riverland Baptist Church for 52 years, volunteering there as a teacher, missionary, and the church’s clerk. She also participates in fundraisers for the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society (Relay for Life), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, and many others.