My name is Lisa-Sophia (Lisa) Kachalova and I am a sophomore majoring in English Writing (non-fiction) and History with a minor in Economics. Something unique about me is that I am from Kentucky, which gives me a new perspective on Appalachia and Appalachian research and community work. For the ACRI Project this semester we are continuing to build on the work of the previous cohorts to help in Fayette County. Our cohort is working with different local businesses, stakeholders, and organizations in Fayette County. We are particularly working with businesses that are participating in the STEPP FORWARD program. 

The business that I have begun direct communication with and serve as the student outreach to is Parker’s Pantry, an early-stage specialty food business focused on maintaining small-batch quality and community connection. This project is important because it allows us to act and partner very directly with businesses in the region, which helps foster economic growth and development. Through this project we are going to be able to conduct research and get to know the community more, including its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth. I am excited to work hard and create meaningful work that allows for Parker’s Pantry, and other businesses, to grow and develop. Through this project, I hope that I am able to learn a lot about consulting work and what it is like to partner with small businesses because they are really crucial to Fayette County and the Appalachian region. This project feels important also because it gives me a chance to get to know Pennsylvania, Appalachia, and the Fayette County community more. I love being able to have an impact in peoples lives and this project is a really good opportunity for that. 

My current professional goals involve law school and pursue a career in law, writing, government, and public policy specifically working on research, laws, and legislation that benefit communities in Appalachia and the south. The ACRI Project will help me pursue these goals because it offers a chance to do experiential learning and a chance to get involved with communities that I am passionate about. Whether it’s market research, professional presentations, and working in team settings, there is a lot that I am able to learn through this project that will apply and factor into my career goals. 

I decided to join this ACRI project for many reasons. Being from Kentucky, I have a strong connection and love for the Appalachian region. I have many friends and colleagues from eastern Kentucky and I spent the summer there before my senior year working and learning with people from all across the state. I want to be able to apply my skills and make a difference in a community that I am passionate and care deeply about. In my professional future, I want to continue to work with the Appalachian community so the ACRI Project is a great introduction to that. Additionally, I wanted to join because of all the valuable skills that I am able to learn from it. I was drawn to the fact that it is very hands-on and experiential, rather than learning that is just existent on paper. I like that the work that we do is grounded in the real world and is able to have a real impact. I look forward to working in a team setting as well and being able to get to know the ACRI community and all of the different perspectives and views that we all have. I also like that there is opportunity for cross-school and cross-discipline work. Everyone on the team has different majors, interests, skills, and passions and are able to contribute different things to the team and our work. I want to be able to learn more about things such as market research, how to analyze and examine economic indicators, and how to provide helpful research and advice to small businesses, which is an experience I haven’t been able to do before. I want to develop my leadership, team work, writing, and research skills to be able to benefit the group and the community of Fayette County.