CHRISTIANSBURG, VA – Angela Gargano, a 6x American Ninja Warrior, former biochemist, Miss Fitness America, and internationally recognized speaker, will provide the keynote at the 2026 Agent of Hope Awards, presented by New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS).

The event is planned for Thursday, May 7 at Belmont Christian Church in Christiansburg (1500 Peppers Ferry Blvd. NW), with the program and dinner beginning promptly at 6:00 PM.

While attendance is free, reservations are required.
Click here to reserve your seat before April 30.

NRVCS’ annual Agent of Hope Awards honor five community members from across the New River Valley region who embody the spirit of the agency’s ongoing “HOPE” campaign. This is the second year the awards have been presented. The event is held in conjunction with the national observance of Mental Health Month (May) as well as Resilience Week in Virginia (May 1 – 7).

After tearing her ACL live on national television, Angela rebuilt not just her body but her identity, proving that setbacks can become the launchpad for breakthrough leadership. She went on to found a six-figure coaching business and global movement that has helped thousands of women conquer their first pull-up—an achievement that became a symbol of courage, resilience, and choosing to start.

Today, Angela speaks on stages across the globe, empowering individuals and teams to stop waiting for permission, challenge their limits, and lead with confidence. Blending science, strategy, and storytelling, she equips audiences with her What if it all Goes RIGHT™ Framework and Be the FIRST mindset—a proven system to navigate uncertainty, break through fear, and boldly ask: What if it all goes right?

“We are thrilled to have Angela join us for this year’s Agent of Hope Awards,” shared NRVCS Executive Director Chris Taylor. “This is truly a special evening for not just our honorees but really the entire community. Our focus on the word ‘hope’ has resonated with so many people – and it is certainly at the heart of everything we do as an agency.”

“I’m excited to hear Angela share her personal perspective on hope, resilience, and the importance of being well – both mentally and physically,” adds Taylor.

Gargano will be available for a ‘meet and greet’ with fans immediately following the awards ceremony. Each attendee will receive a complimentary promotional photo to have autographed during the ‘meet and greet.’

Questions or media requests should be directed to Mike Wade at mwade@nrvcs.org.