IALR serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, applied research, economic development, and the Institute Conference Center. It brings together many diverse resources of both public and private entities at the regional and statewide levels. 

Mantiply, a project manager, joined Dewberry in 2014 with a focus on helping communities and private industry plan, fund, and build infrastructure that advances economic development. She earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech (2014) and is a member of the Water Environment Federation. Mantiply is a candidate for the 2021 ENR Mid-Atlantic Top Young Professionals program and was awarded the 2017 Professional and Community Engagement Award by the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce.