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Libby Bish came to Virginia Tech with an interest in business but was unsure of which major she truly wanted to pursue. After gaining brief exposure to the marketing industry through an introductory marketing course, she became obsessed. Now, as a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year candidate, Libby plans to leverage her vast experience and immense passion for marketing in an effort to help raise $200,000 for cancer research during a 10-week campaign.

After graduating from Virginia Tech in 2012 with her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Libby dove head-first into the real world with a passion for people and a desire to contribute positively to her community. She spent her early post-grad years involved with different projects at a number of different companies while also leading Young Life at Langley High School in Mclean. “The most rewarding thing you can do, way more than making money, is give your time to something that you are passionate about. For me, it helps me keep perspective.”

Libby began her career in management consulting, then transitioned to a role with a large insurance agency, and did a large marketing plan for a tech start-up. Like many young professionals, Libby tried many different careers before she found her calling. One day, while catching up with a friend who is also a Hokie, Libby was asked how she felt about a career in real estate. She hadn’t really thought about it before, but decided it would be an incredible opportunity to pursue. When asked what her favorite part is about being a real estate agent, Libby said, “You have the opportunity to help people make one of the biggest decisions in their lives, and get to know them on a personal level which creates lasting relationships beyond the transaction. To see their excitement and experience their gratitude at the closing table, that is the best feeling in the whole world.”

With her passion for serving her community paired with her bright and bubbly personality, Libby was nominated by her boss, Keri Shull, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) Woman of the Year campaign. While honored for the nomination, Libby took some time to weigh her ability to run. “There are many incredible causes to get behind, and as I get older I have to realize that I don’t have all the time in the world. It is important to me that I do everything with complete dedication and purpose.”

Although it’s a tremendous cause, Libby wanted to make sure she was the right fit, and wasn’t doing this just to check a box. Libby’s decision was made after holding her newborn nephew for the first time. “Childhood is a time to play and have fun, a time to be careless, innocent and free. To have your childhood spent in a hospital bed, doing chemotherapy, and all the implications that go with that, absolutely breaks my heart. If I can do even the smallest thing to help, then I owe it to myself and those suffering to do so.”

While it’s important to Libby to raise as much money as possible for blood cancer research, she’s also adamant that she wants her contribution to be more than just a big check. She’s hosting multiple events, including a golf tournament, concerts, and exercise classes to bring people together and celebrate the lives of those who have been affected.

I asked Libby what advice she has for her fellow Hokies, and she spoke about the importance of community. “Relationships. Relationships are the number one thing that matters in life. The reason I am successful is because I had people that believed in me when I couldn’t give them anything in return, and that has stuck with me. It encourages me to try and do the same. Hold tight to those who show up for you, and make sure that you show up for others.”

She said that we always need to remember: circumstances are out of our control, but choosing to love and build relationships, even when it’s hard, is a choice worth making everyday. She hopes she can offer that to those fighting blood cancer during her campaign and hopes you will join her in doing that.

To donate, visit www.cancerisabish.com and follow us on social media #cancerisabish for more details and updates on events.

For inquiries on how to get involved, email Kristie@kerishullteam.com.

 

 

Article by Alana Clark