Dinner Series: Bridging divisions in Congress and at the family dinner table

March 19th, 2025

Please join us for an intimate conversation with Senator Joe Manchin III and his granddaughter, Kelsey Kirby (CTL Student Leader and M.A. Candidate, Conflict Resolution) to discuss leadership in challenging environments, the role of personal values, and navigating family with political differences. 

Senator Joe Manchin grew up working in small family businesses before joining the West Virginia State Legislature in 1982. He was elected to two terms as WV Governor and then US Senator in 2010, a position he held until his retirement in 2025. The 117^th Congress was a rare 50/50 split Senate. Senator Manchin often found himself uniquely untied to a party line vote, giving him one of the most powerful and consequential voices in the Senate. 

Kelsey Kirby grew up surrounded by big family meals and WV Politics. In 2019, she opened Mama K’s Kitchen, a restaurant committed to amplifying the connecting power of a shared table and great food.