Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
How you can help local families with MS in Birmingham. Sign up now.
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From a kick-off event at UAB to networking mixers, the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society has some exciting opportunities for upcoming members of their 2024 Leadership Challenge. If you’re a young professional in Birmingham looking to enhance your leadership skills, expand your network and help create a world without MS, read on.
The 2024 Leadership Challenge kicks off Feb. 28—register now.
Behind the 2024 Leadership Challenge in Birmingham
Each year, the National MS Society holds an MS Leadership Challenge for leaders in different cities. Throughout the Challenge, participants interact with top executives, sharpen their business skills and expand their network, all while raising funds to benefit global MS research.
As part of the 2024 Leadership Challenge in Birmingham, you’ll be helping the National MS Society in its mission to help those affected by MS and their families. Striving for a world without MS, this special organization raises funds for research, advocates for policies and provides programs like Ask an MS Expert to connect those affected by MS to the information they need and more.
If you aren’t familiar with MS, here’s what you should know:
- It’s an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues, primarily affecting the central nervous system.
- It causes visual impairment, muscle weakness + trouble with coordination.
- Nearly one million people in the US are living with MS.
While there are treatments available that can help speed recovery and manage systems of MS, there is currently no cure.
“My decision to get involved with the MS Society was influenced by a dear friend and colleague, Kimberly Jackson. She was involved with the MS Society and was also aware of my MS diagnosis.
For me, it was personal in a lot of ways. I was diagnosed with MS in 2011 but was very uncomfortable talking about my diagnosis and my condition in general. Joining the MS Society has helped me embrace this aspect of my life while also helping others learn about the disease and support our strides in finding a cure.”
Ruby Jackson, Honorary Chair, 2023 Birmingham Leadership Class
About the 2024 Leadership Challenge in Birmingham
Now that you know a few important things about the organization behind the 2024 Leadership Challenge, let’s dive in further to learn what this unique program is all about and the opportunities it presents.
Originally called the Leadership Class, the program is sporting a new name for 2024 as the Leadership Challenge.
As part of the 2024 Leadership Challenge, you will:
- Actively contribute to a world free of MS through fundraising
- Expand your network
- Foster meaningful connections
- Sharpen your leadership skills
“The MS Leadership Challenge provided me with a great opportunity to meet new professionals across Birmingham, learn more about the impact MS researchers and care centers in our area are making across the globe, and also serve as an advocate for those near and dear to me who are living with MS.”
Hillary Carnel, Class Member, 2023 Leadership Class
New opportunities for the 2024 Leadership Challenge in Birmingham
This year’s members will also have the chance to take part in some new and exciting opportunities. Here’s what’s new this year:
- The 2024 Leadership Challenge will kick off on February 28 where members can hear from MS researchers + tour a research lab at UAB.
- The Walk MS: Birmingham event will serve as this year’s annual service project, providing volunteer and fundraising opportunities.
- There will be two social mixers featuring top speakers from prominent corporations.
“I am an MS fighter but so are my sister and aunt. We need to learn more about this disease. We need to educate others about the therapies available and the resources that can help make the management of the disease easier. Most importantly, we need to continue to fight to improve equitable, affordable access to healthcare.”
Ruby Jackson, Honorary Chair, 2023 Birmingham Leadership Class
It’s time to be part of something amazing. Register now for the National MS Society’s 2024 Leadership Challenge in Birmingham.
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