Reviewed by: Sharron Swain
NEW: Momentum names impressive 21st executive leadership class—see the list
Reading time: 4 minutes
Momentum, a statewide nonprofit that’s been offering leadership development programs for women since 2002, announced the roster for its 21st executive leadership class in Birmingham. The list includes rockstar women leaders from many different industries and roles. Plus, it’s the most diverse Momentum class yet, with 30% of the women identifying as non-white. Read on for more.
Empowering local women
Momentum is Alabama’s premier women’s leadership program which empowers a diverse group of promising women to develop leadership skills that will positively impact business, culture and politics in Alabama.
“Momentum has always placed importance on diversity in our class selection. That includes diversity in every aspect: thought, background, ethnicity, professional experience and industry. For the last 10 years we have more intentionally encouraged women from under-represented groups to apply. As the pipeline has grown, so has their participation in the class.”
Andrea McCaskey, Statewide Director of Programs, Momentum
P.S.—Since 2019, more than 220 women have graduated from Momentum’s Upward Early-Career Program, and they’re taking applications now-August 31 for their 2024 class.
How the executive leadership program works
The class will follow a nine-month program of personal and professional development, led by experts from around the country. The curriculum is a combination of soft skills and business skills required of leaders, presented through the female lens.
Here’s a look at what they’ll practice:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Leveraging Strengths and Talents
- Successful Negotiation
- Stress Management and Resilience
- Leading with Influence
- Leadership Branding, Presentations, and Social Media
- Healthy Conflict, Healthy Teams
- Organizational and Community Impact
- Advocacy Skills and Mentoring
- Board Service and Personal Philanthropy
New class members will meet for orientation at the opening retreat in September.
Meet the 35 local women leaders
Momentum’s CEO, April Benetello, is excited to see how this group of women leaders make their mark in Alabama.
“With our 20 plus years of experience, we know how to give women the tools, resources, and connections to grow confidently into
April Benetollo, CEO, Momentum
their leadership potential and develop an intentional plan for reaching their goals. More than 70% of graduates report one or more promotions after completing the program, and 93% go on to mentor or sponsor other women after their Momentum experience.”
Now, here are the amazing women who’ve been named part of the 2023 class:
- Ruqayyah Abdullah, Trillion Communications Corporation
- Karin Allen, Regions
- Chandler Bibb, Children’s of Alabama
- Mildred Black, People Optimum Consulting
- Kitty Brown, White Arnold & Dowd P. C.
- Beth Carter, Protective Life
- Mishelle Coronado, SCA Health
- Ember Deason, Bridgeworth Wealth Management
- Adriene Crane, UAB
- Cara Davis, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals
- Laura Donald, BLOX
- April Dowling, RxBenefits
- Karen Dykes, Altec Capital Services
- Amanda Ford, America’s Thrift
- Kayla Henderson, Encompass Health
- Cindy Irwin, Cobbs Allen/CAC Specialty
- Yvonne Jackson, Honda Alabama Auto Plant
- Julie Kendrick, Synovus
- Karla Khodanian, Birmingham Business Alliance
- Katie Kimbrell, Balch & Bingham
- Katie Lewis, Brasfield & Gorrie
- Tami Long, UAB Employee Assistance & Counseling Center
- LaRhonda Magras, YWCA Central Alabama
- Lindsey McCurdy, Harbert Management Corporation
- Ann Marie Moore, VIVA Health
- April Pearson, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company
- Megan Randolph, Warren Averett
- LaVinia Ray, Southern Research
- Abbey Roy, Alabama Power Company
- Circe Starks, Southern Power Company
- Stacey Stevens, Vulcan Materials Company
- Leticia Tatum, Valent Group
- Susan Warren, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
- Kary Wolfe, Jones Walker LLP
- Farrah Woodley, Milo’s Tea Company
We can’t wait to see what these women accomplish this year.
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