Lydia Higgs

Lydia attended and graduated from The College of William & Mary with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She taught chemistry, biology, and AP biology at Jamestown High School in Williamsburg for three years. She then attended graduate school at Arcadia University, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Genetic Counseling, with distinction, then earned Board Certification in genetic counseling.  

Lydia developed a set of visual aids that are now used nationally to explain multi-gene hereditary breast cancer to patients and delivered a professional poster presentation to the National Society of Genetic Counselors. In her work as an oncology genetic counselor for Carilion Clinic, she meets many clients at very difficult times in their lives. She strives to learn what their unique concerns are and ensures that she addresses those questions. Lydia often says that every day in her job is unique because she gets to do her job differently for each client. Lydia's professional goal is to provide personalized care for every client and ongoing support for those who need it. Lydia's work has been recognized by her peers and she currently serves as the Chair of the Virginia Department of Health Advisory Board for Genetic Counseling, is a past-President of the Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors, has served in various volunteer roles for the National Society of Genetic Counselors including currently serving as Chair of the Annual Education Conference.  

In addition to her professional endeavors, Lydia is very involved with the Junior League of Roanoke Valley, VA, currently serving as chair of the Road to 100 Committee and being an involved Sustainer and immediate Past President. She is the type of Junior Leaguer who, if needed, will always rise to the occasion. Lydia makes a point to prioritize the League and its Members.  She lives the JL Mission through her volunteer engagement, dedicating her professional expertise to the community she serves, and developing those that she meets along the way. Lydia values The Junior League for all the ways that it has molded and shaped her into a leader outside of the League. From being tapped to chair a Board because of her understanding of Robert’s Rules of Order, to helping another organization develop a strategic plan, to championing business-related change in her professional healthcare role, Lydia continues to use the League’s experiences and lessons in all she pursues.