Alabama is changing for the better, and 2024′s honorees for Women Who Shape the State are part of the reason why.

This year’s crop of 25 honorees are breaking barriers in their industries while also working to help others to do the same in their own, inspiring future generations to see what dedication to growth and a determination to create lasting change can accomplish.

While their paths greatly vary from education to cyber security to business, philanthropy, medicine, communication and more, all of our 2024 honorees have in common a drive to see their actions have a powerful and positive impact on Alabama and its communities.

This is Alabama will honor the women with a luncheon, presented by Inline Lighting, at The Club in Birmingham on March 7. The keynote speaker will be Alabama native Ashley A. Wheeler Huffman, a certified executive coach, strategist and women’s empowerment advocate.

The 2024 honorees are:

Tracy Bell

Director of Equity Investments Strategies, First Horizon Bank

With 25 years of experience in investment management, Tracy Bell, Dir. of Equity Investments at First Horizon Advisors, uses her broad knowledge of the industry to help families in her community learn more about their financial power. Each year, Bell leads First Horizon’s “Women and Wealth” dinner, an empowering workshop for women offering information and more about how to take charge of their own financial future. She also authors investment publications and is a frequent speaker across the First Horizon footprint and has appeared in the Birmingham Alabama Business Journal’s Table of Experts series. In 2018, she was selected as one of 20 women from IBERIABANK to attend the year-long Women Unlimited, Inc. LEAD leadership development program. Bell serves on the board of directors and as treasurer for Girls, Inc. of Central Alabama, and she has previously served as an industry mentor for student teams from The University of Alabama, Samford University and The University of West Alabama competing in the CFA Institute Research Challenge.

“Complex topics surrounding economics and investing can be made approachable, accessible and understandable to all regardless of background. I speak about these topics often and believe that for women especially, taking charge of their own financial future or being very involved in family finances is important for good socio-economic and family outcomes.”

Adeyela Albury Bennett

President and Chief Engagement Officer, Women in Training, Inc.

Adeyela Bennett is the president and chief engagement officer for Women In Training, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Montgomery working to end poverty and empower girls and young women throughout the state. The organization, which advocates for menstrual education, equality and social justice, spearheaded the passage of legislation in Alabama that allocates $200,000 to providing period products to all girls in Alabama public schools to reduce absenteeism and address the lack of adequate menstrual supplies for underprivileged girls. In addition, the organization also provides leadership classes, a mentorship program and STEM initiatives for girls. “I want my legacy to be that I helped the world be a more joyful place for girls and women,” said Bennett. “I want us to feel healthy, safe and happy in our homes, schools, workplaces and the playground.”

“My advice to young women in Alabama is to love, and love fiercely! I’m not talking about the soppy, romantic kinda love that we often yearn. I’m talking about a fierce love that can truly transform our state and the world into a place of peace, prosperity and joy for all.”

Alka Bhargav

Founder and Executive Director, Aum Foundation

Alka Bhargav has become an integral figure in Huntsville by providing hundreds of women with invaluable resources for their futures through her creation of the Aum Foundation in 2016. The Foundation’s program, Pathway 2 Success, offers enrichment classes, mentorships, tutoring and more, as well as scholarships, to young women in need. In addition to the foundation, Bhargav serves as chair of the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce and volunteers with a variety of organizations, including the North Alabama Society of Human Resources, Madison City Disability Advocacy Board, Habitat for Humanity, American Heart Association and more. She was named a Changemaker by the Women’s Foundation of Alabama in 2022. “I want to create an army of empowered women who in turn empower their families, friends and communities,” Bhargav said of the legacy she hopes to leave through her work.

“Find your voice and use it for yourself and others. You don’t need permission to be empowered; you are empowered.”

Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb (Ret.)

Pro Bono Executive Director, Redemption Earned, Inc.

Judge Sue Bell Cobb has had many accomplishments throughout her career in the field of justice, from being the youngest judge appointed in the history of Alabama to being the first female chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Throughout those successes, she again and again advocated for others. Now, she continues to do so by serving as the executive director at Redemption Earned – a grassroots, nonprofit organization based in Pike Road that provides various services for individuals and addresses fundamental deficiencies in the Alabama parole process – for which she was a driving force behind its creation. Judge Bell said she hopes her legacy to be that she sought to be a “gap filler,” saying “when you see a true need, work to resolve it, and when you have been hugely blessed, you should spend every waking moment trying to be a blessing to others.”

“Writing a daily journal is well worth our time, and becoming disciplined enough to do it on a regular basis will transcend to other areas of your life.”

Tametria Conner Dantzler

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move (D.A.T.S.M.O.M.)

Through Disability as an Ability Toward Success: Moms on the Move in Montgomery, Tametria Conner Dantzler works to prepare, educate and inspire families with children on the autism spectrum by providing valuable and necessary resources. This includes leadership training, safety training, early intervention services, enrichment activities and more. Since creating D.A.T.S.M.O.M. in 2018, Dantzler has helped hundreds of families and created dozens of community programs. Her advice to others looking to do the same? Just start. “Even if you have the written vision, but not the provision, just start,” said Dantzler. Even if all the pieces are not together, just start! Things will come together as you begin to do the work.” In addition, Dantzler also serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Council on Children with Disabilities Autism Subcommittee and was appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to the state’s autism coordinating council as well as the state’s early intervention coordinating council.

“My advice is to consistently reflect and evaluate internally, as what’s inside exudes externally, shaping who you are. Instead of thinking outside the box, ask yourself, ‘Why is there a box? Have I seen the box or am I just going by what everyone has said?’”

Judy Darwin

Cybersecurity RMF Analyst, Colsa Corporation

Judy Darwin has become a leader in cyber security in Alabama and on a national scale through her current role as a Cybersecurity RMF Analyst with Colsa Corporation as well as her previous work as a cybersecurity business specialist with NASA and more. Darwin, who served as the first female executive director and was the head of marketing in 2023, played an instrumental role in growing the National Cyber Summit, an annual cyber conference, from a Huntsville-centric event into one of the top-attended defense and security conferences in the nation. “I saw the growth from North Alabama Cyber Conference to Southeastern Cybersecurity Summit to what is now trademarked as the National Cyber Summit,” Darwin said of the project. “We went from 253 attendees in 2013 to 3,000 this past year! Over the years, we have developed a great team that supports the goals and missions of both hosting organizations.”

“Fill the gap. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist, nor do you need to have a title to be effective. People get caught up in having a title. If you see something that needs attention, do it. If there is a problem, bring a solution, then just be kind.”

Elizabeth N Dawson, MD FAAP

Pediatrician, Troy Pediatric Clinic and Collegiate Health

President/Founder, Troy Resilience Project

For 15 years, Dr. Elizabeth Dawson has provided high-quality medical and mental health care to the Troy community as well as the surrounding areas through her work at Troy Pediatric Clinic and Collegiate Health. Dr. Dawson, certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, is also the founder of the Troy Resiliency Project, a multi-faceted resource center that has helped thousands by offering mental health services, workforce development, foster and adoption care, parenting courses and support groups, trauma therapy and more in addition to a food pantry. Dr. Dawson also serves on the executive board as the secretary/treasurer of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, where she assisted in acquiring grants to work on domestic violence and child abuse prevention and will lead a state-wide quality improvement learning collaborative to teach pediatricians early relational skills.

“It is essential to play and find joy in what you do every day. As you determine what direction your career should take, remember to do more of what you love and less of what you don’t!”

Kesshia Davis

Communications Lead, Outokumpu BA Americas

Kesshia Davis is working to shape Alabama by helping companies and communities recognize and celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion. Davis completed the nationally acclaimed St. Louis Business Diversity Fellowship Experience, a year-long program that enhances leadership skills through professional development, relationship building and civic engagement, and now uses what she learned to advocate for fairness and equality in her professional role as Communications Lead at Outokumpu BA Americas in Calvert. She is also on the Board of Directors for the new chapter of Impact100 Mobile, a female-led organization that aims to fund transformational grants to eligible nonprofits in Mobile County. “My hope is that people will share that I made people feel like they were the only person in the room,” said Davis. “I was their advocate in the workplace, and I would dim my light so I could create opportunities for everyone to shine.”

“The advice I would give to young women in Alabama is that it is perfectly fine to take the road less traveled. There is nothing wrong with wanting to stand out and not blend in with everyone else. In fact, I wholeheartedly encourage it. I personally have found that most of my success has come as a result of doing the opposite of what everyone expected me to do. It is easy to follow what everyone is doing because you already know what the outcome will be. The real challenge or reward is carving out your own path because you can create your own desired outcome.”

Jill V. Deer

Chief Administrative Officer, Brasfield & Gorrie

Despite working in an industry where women are often underrepresented, Jill Deer has set an example of progress. In her role as chief administrative officer at Brasfield & Gorrie in Birmingham, Deer has made substantial impacts that stretch throughout her communities, including expanding the company’s employee benefits, increased diversity and inclusion in the workforce and the creation of new jobs. Deer has played a monumental part in Brasfield & Gorrie’s growth over the last several years, which has shaped Alabama’s economy in a meaningful way. She has reached remarkable heights in her own fundraising efforts as well. Among her work with a variety of nonprofits and other organizations geared towards helping the community, Deer was co-chair of the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs’ Capital Campaign, for which she brought in more than $9.2 million in 2018, in addition to raising more than $13 million in 2019 as the first female chair of United Way’s Pacesetter Committee.

“There are a few guiding principles that I’ve found to be helpful throughout my career. First, be someone who others can count on and trust. Be intentional in building relationships, and then be willing to help those in your network when you can. Finally, be your genuine self and know that you have talents to share.”

Jenice Fountain

Executive Director, The Yellowhammer Fund

Jenice Fountain, executive director at The Yellowhammer Fund and Margins: Women Helping Black Women in Birmingham, has become a powerful voice and leader not only in Alabama but throughout the deep South in the fight for reproductive justice. Fountain also works to advocate for and provide support as well as tangible resources, including housing, food and healthcare, to women and children in need throughout the community. “I want my legacy to be that I created what my community needed and moved with and out of love and intention,” Fountain said. “I want my legacy to be that I was on a constant journey towards self-actualization and genuine community care. I want my legacy to be that I advocated for self-advocacy and determination.”

“My journey is fueled by rage, radical imagination and fierce love for my community. I am grounded in the belief that we can create what we need.”

Devon Frazier

Founder/CEO, I See Me, Inc.

In only five years, Devon Frazier has made a monumental impact on children of color in Central and South Alabama as the founder of I See Me, Inc., a program that emphasizes the importance of reading and provides books to students in need in hopes of increasing Alabama’s literacy rate. Frazier, who has a dual degree in early childhood and elementary education from Miles College as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership from Samford University, was motivated to create the nonprofit organization after witnessing the connection between literacy and the “school–to-prison pipeline” firsthand during her career as a teacher. “Once I understood the direct correlation between illiteracy and the school-to-prison pipeline, I decided to pour all of my energy into ensuring that illiteracy was not a stumbling block towards success for our children,” Frazier said. The program has already impacted more than 9,000 children throughout the state.

“The legacy I would like to leave my state is an improved literacy rate for our children. Improved literacy rates are very effective long term in reducing crime and improving economic outcomes, resulting in safer environments for all families. My ultimate goal is to leave a beneficial environment for future generations to come.”

Candace Grice

Lighting Specialist and Showroom Purchaser, Inline Lighting

For more than 20 years, Candace Grice has used her career in the light industry to serve her customers and connect with her community throughout the River Region. She served as the Greater Montgomery Homebuilders Association Professional Women in Building President in 2022 and 2023 in addition to being on the organization’s board of directors and is a member of the Homebuilders of Alabama Association. She also assisted in raising funds for the Professional Women in Business Scholarship fund through the National Association of Home Builders. Grice said that it has been her role as a mother that keeps her motivated to go the extra mile and “own [a] place at the table,” in hopes of inspiring her daughter to do the same.

“I would encourage young women to always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, who will? Take every opportunity that’s given to you even if you’re not sure you’re capable at the time. Say yes; you’ll figure it out as you go. Trust your ambition and never allow others to make you question your potential. Lastly, talent may get your foot in the door, but it is your work ethic that will keep it there.”

Judy Haner

Coastal Programs Director, The Nature Conservancy

Through her work with The Nature Conservancy, Judy Haner has been a driving force behind many initiatives aimed at preserving, enhancing and adding to the natural beauty of Alabama and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. One of Judy’s many notable achievements is the conceptualization and initiation of the “100-1,000: Restore Coastal Alabama” project, which is the collaboration of several organizations along the Gulf Coast to build 100 miles of oyster reefs and enhance 1,000 acres of coastal marsh and seagrass to rejuvenate the state’s coastline, support its diverse ecosystems and create jobs as well as community involvement. “While competition can breed success, partnerships lead to success,” said Haner. “There is enough work needed to be done that every agency, organization and individual can have a role. Figure out how the pieces fit together, and success will happen. Focus on elevating everyone instead of searching for the spotlight.”

“Find something you love and strive to make a difference. Early in my career as a marine scientist, I never would have imagined I would be using nature to help strengthen communities against climate impacts. I opened every door along my career path to find partnerships, and those doors led me to where I am today — striving to make a difference in the communities I live and work in.”

Dr. Linda J. M. Holloway

Associate Professor, Instructional Support Programs — Counseling Education, Alabama State University

Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway is an educator with 30 years of teaching experience, an award-winning children’s book author and a retired Colonel from the Army Reserves, who is dedicated to serving her community in and outside of the classroom. Dr. Holloway’s award-winning children’s book, “Little Miss Linda Speaks About Rape,” garnered local and national recognition. She serves and volunteers with many local organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club and Alabama Counseling Association, in addition to being on the Board of Directors of the Family Sunshine Center. Dr. Holloway said she hopes to encourage younger generations of women to pursue their dreams without self-doubt, saying “oftentimes as women, we are told by society what we should and should not do. However, I desire that when people look over my life, they are able to see that I accomplished many things because I was willing to establish and lay the foundation for my dreams and radically pursue them.”

“As Black and a woman, I have faced many barriers during my leadership experiences. These barriers include people not willing to give me an opportunity, putting stumbling blocks in my way, or simply having the perception that I was not the person for the job. Such barriers made me continue to strive for excellence and overcome everything they thought I could not accomplish. It molded me into being a better leader who showed concern, compassion and courage for the people I was working with. Therefore, when I mentor other people, I stress being the leader you want leading you.”

Jacqueline Campos Johnson

Mental Health Services Coordinator, Sheffield City Schools

As a bilingual social worker and the mental health services coordinator for the Sheffield City Schools district, Jacqueline Campos Johnson serves as a bridge to much-needed resources for many of her students and their families. Through her work, Johnson has made it her mission to connect with the most vulnerable members of her community by providing the support they need, from information on how to continue their education to creating self-care classes for teachers and students to even securing funding for utility bills and everything in between. Johnson also uses her experience of more than a decade in social work to mentor students from the University of North Alabama Social Work program to help foster the next generation of community servants. In addition, Johnson serves as the board president of the Shoals chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, regional representative for the School Social Work Association of Alabama and a Girl Scout volunteer.

“As a Mexican-American social worker, I encourage the women of Alabama to draw strength from their own cultural identity and recognize the value of community, family and traditions. We must also recognize that which does not serve us and acknowledge that trauma — if not faced head-on — is passed on. We must break down stigmas surrounding mental health by being vocal advocates and foster inclusive environments. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to do the work.”

Andi M. Kent

Executive Vice President and Provost, University of South Alabama

Dr. Andrea (Andi) Kent has served the University of South Alabama since 2006 and is known for using her attention to detail, strong sense of collaboration and more in supporting faculty, staff and students achieve their success. Among her many accomplishments at the university is playing a pivotal role in helping to stop a six-year enrollment slide by visiting dozens of high schools in Alabama and Mississippi as well as working to expand scholarships to reach new students and their families. “Though it may sound simple, I truly want to leave a legacy of doing my best to make a difference in the lives of those around me,” Kent said. “I hope I leave a legacy of servant leadership, passionately committed to giving my all in embracing every opportunity to have a positive impact on the lives I was honored to come in contact with, both directly and through my professional career at the University of South Alabama.”

“I would advise young women in Alabama to stay true to yourself and who you are, and dream big… bigger than you know how to dream because with hard work, dedication and commitment, dreams really do come true! In addition to hard work, dedication and commitment, it is important to always treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their position, and regardless of how they treat you. People also recognize sincerity, so doing so from the bottom of your heart matters.”

T. Marie King

Director of Youth Pathways & Experiences, Jones Valley Teaching Farm

T. Marie King has left her mark on Alabama through an unwavering commitment to education, inclusivity and community outreach. King aims to empower younger generations through her work as the Director of Youth Pathways and Experiences at Jones Valley Teaching Farm in Birmingham in addition to her position as Chair of the Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative and advisory roles with the Community Care Development Network and McWane. In December 2022, T. Marie co-produced her first full-length documentary focusing on the life and legacy of civil rights icon, the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, which she considers to be the pinnacle of her many accomplishments. “The recognition it garnered in the form of an Emmy nomination marked the realization of a lifelong aspiration, one that had ignited within me since I was an 8-year-old, finally brought to fruition,” King said of the film.

“The moment that has had the biggest impact on my life as well as shifted how I viewed servant leadership was being a marcher for the Commemorative 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March. Myself and 299 people marched over five days from Brown Chapel in Selma to the steps of the Montgomery Capitol building. It was the most educational and loving experience I’ve ever had, yet it challenged me to be more intentional not only in my work but also my life.”

Bridget T McCaleb

Catalyst/CEO, Sentar, Inc.

Bridget McCaleb, CEO of Huntsville-based cyber intelligence company Sentar, has made a significant impact in shaping Alabama by working to provide support, encouragement and opportunities to future leaders in cyber. Under Bridget’s leadership, in 2018 Sentar pledged to be a founding sponsor of the US Space & Rocket Center’s Cyber Camp program and donated $100,000 to the Alabama School of Cyber Technology & Engineering Foundation. Sentar has made also made other significant investments to the Huntsville community under McCaleb’s guidance, including Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Still Serving Veterans and many more. “Growing up in rural South Mississippi, college was not something that was a foregone conclusion,” said McCaleb. “My mother looking at me and telling me as a teenager, ‘You will go to college’ and ‘Take a computer class, that is the future’ set my life on a course vastly different than the norm.”

“The multitude of roles we occupy as women (leader, wife, mother, daughter, etc.) and society’s view that we must master all roles at all times, presents the largest barrier we have to overcome as leaders. Many women do not move into leadership positions because of the lack of support in juggling so many, often conflicting, roles. Learning to give yourself permission to focus on what is most important at that point in time and not apologizing for it provides a path to success.”

Stephanie Mitchell

Midwife, Executive Director

Birth Sanctuary Gainesville

As the Founder of Birth Sanctuary – the first midwifery-owned, led and operated free-standing birth center in Alabama – in Gainesville, Dr. Stephanie Mitchell has changed Alabama for the better by providing access to prenatal care for BIPOC communities while also working to eradicate the inequalities that often contribute to poor birth outcomes. Her success has inspired others in the medical field to examine Black women’s health, its present struggles and what can be done to change its trajectory. “The clients that I care for have inspired me,” said Dr. Mitchell. “They teach me that life is short, and what I do every day has to ability to make impactful positive change in their lives. I have learned that it does not have to be earth-shattering, or monumental, but being with them as they traverse through the journey of pregnancy labor and birth has shown me and taught me what it means to remain present in the moment.”

“Don’t be afraid to give up. And not in the traditional sense. That means if the solutions you have tried are not working, then be creative when looking for new solutions. Try something else! I hear people say all the time, ‘Don’t give up’ but, what does that really mean? To me, it is less about giving up, and more about finding new and innovative ways to get what you need, and understanding that finding the pathway to what you want may not always be the fastest way to get to the solution.”

Dr. Valda Harris Montgomery

Retired Associate Professor of Physical Therapy & Civil Rights Activist, Alabama State University

Dr. Valda Harris Montgomery is a civil rights activist and retired professor who has dedicated her life to education and social change. She was recognized as the Montgomery Advertiser 2023 Community Hero and is involved with the Freedom Rides Museum, Harris House Montgomery and Council of the Aging. The daughter of Tuskegee Airman Richard Harris, Dr. Montgomery wrote “Just A Neighbor: A Child’s Memoir of the Civil Rights Movement” about her family’s relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., while he lived in their Montgomery neighborhood in the 1950s. In the book and through her work, Dr. Montgomery has shared her story in hopes of inspiring peace and harmony as well as reminding new generations of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today.

“In 1954, when I was 6 years old, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his wife, Coretta, moved to Montgomery and into my neighborhood. They became very close friends of my parents before moving to Atlanta in 1960. During that 6-year period I watched the courageous activism of my parents, which caused me to be an eyewitness and, ultimately, an active participant during the years of the Modern Civil Rights Movement and beyond.”

Summer Patterson

Acting Manager/Supervisor and WIOA Youth and Dislocated Worker Specialist at the Gadsden Career Center , Alabama Department of Labor

Summer Patterson has impacted the lives of many Alabamians thanks to her work with the Department of Labor. In her role at the Gadsden Community Center, Patterson is a driving force behind providing dislocated workers opportunities to improve their way of life by assisting in finding training and securing new employment. In addition, she also works with at-risk youth to encourage them to return to school and continue their education. “The professional legacy that I hope to leave behind is one of personal growth and a commitment to positive change in our community,” said Patterson. “It is my sincere hope that I am remembered for fostering a positive work environment and for being a leader who inspires my co-workers to be the best version of themselves.”

“In my opinion, striking the right balance between confidence and humility is key. You should acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments, but also be open to feedback and continuous improvement. A humble and approachable demeanor fosters positive relationships and vastly improves the overall morale and productivity of the team.”

Susan Yvette Price

Sr. Vice Chancellor for System Development & Chief of Staff , The Alabama Community College System

“As women, I’m sure we’ve all faced similar external (racism, sexism, marginalization) and internal (self-limiting beliefs, lack of confidence) barriers. Sometimes, these challenges occur daily. The key is to find creative ways to jump over, crawl under, scoot around or blast through those walls. If the goal is worth it, do not back down.”

Through her role at Alabama Community College System in Montgomery, Susan Price has spearheaded efforts to give more residents access to education and resources at the state’s 24 community and technical colleges. Price was instrumental in maximizing the impact of rapid training in workforce development through the System’s newly formed Innovation Center, which has trained more than 2,000 residents for in-demand jobs in Alabama in less than a year. Price is also known for making herself available to help guide future generations and has said she is hopeful her legacy will be that “she opened doors and windows and left a seat at the table for other women.” She is involved with several other organizations like The Links, Inc., and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in addition to serving on the board of numerous associations, including the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.

Michelle McClinton Smart

Vice President, Director of Marketing and Communications, Bryant Bank

Michelle McClinton Smart has been leading and guiding others throughout Alabama on how to pursue and achieve their goals for years through her position as Vice President, Director of Marketing and Communications with Bryant Bank as well as her volunteer work in the Tuscaloosa community. Smart is involved in multiple nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Reading Allies, Arc of Tuscaloosa and more. She has also provided mentorship through her position at Bryant Bank to many nonprofits. In addition, Smart has organized blood drives at multiple Bryant Bank branches, put on neighborhood socials and more to create a sense of community while inspiring others to give. “I want to leave a legacy of action,” said Smart. “We have so much potential as a state and as people. Whether it’s self-doubt or second-guessing or perfection paralysis, we have what we need, let’s do this!”

“When a leader gives you that gut feeling of ‘Wow, there’s really something here,’ grab onto that and learn every single thing you can from that person. Be vulnerable with them in a way that allows you to truly learn.”

Tangee S. Souders

Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration, All In Credit Union

Tangee Souders has demonstrated true servant leadership in a variety of civic and professional organizations, all while mentoring other women throughout the state on how to grow and achieve success in the process. With more than 30 years of experience in her industry and now the Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at All In Credit Union in Dothan, Souders is known for her strategic vision as a leader, willingness to assist others in achieving their own goals and compassionate nature. Some of her community service projects including volunteering with the Wired Ministries, Coffee County Family Services and The Ark Dothan. In addition, Souders has also worked with Corporate One and is a board member of the Alabama Automated Clearing House Association (ACH).

“Looking back on my career, the one thing that I wish I could tell my younger self is that when the tough times come just breathe. It is inevitable, mistakes will be made, adversity and setbacks will happen. Just stay focused on the tasks at hand and remain confident in your abilities to find resolutions. You will find growth in these experiences and will often come out the other side a stronger individual.”

Lori Madison Stinson

Attorney General/Chief Legal Officer, Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Lori Madison Stinson, a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has served her Tribe as Attorney General and Chief Legal Officer since January 2014, and in that time, she has led a team of in-house attorneys in providing legal services and representation to the Tribe, the Tribal Council, Tribal Government, PCI Gaming Authority and Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority. She has had many accomplishments in this role, including protecting the Tribe’s lands and sovereignty. Stinson also serves on Gov. Kay Ivey’s Alabama Anti Human Trafficking Alliance. She is also a member of the Atmore Planning Commission, the Atmore Historical Preservation Commission, the Alabama Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance Task Force, Main Street Atmore’s Economic Vitality Committee and United Bank’s Escambia County Advisory Board.

“I would tell young women today to embrace every opportunity that they are presented. Looking back, I was given many opportunities in high school, college, law school and my early career that I did not fully appreciate and embrace at the time. Don’t let your fears or your insecurities hold you back from taking advantage of opportunities in your path.”