NEW: Momentum selects 22nd executive leadership class — see the list

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leadership class
Members of Momentum’s 21st executive leadership class. (Momentum)

Momentum has selected its 22nd executive leadership class in Birmingham.

Alabama’s premier leadership organization dedicated to advancing women leaders in the state released the 35-member roster last week.

Read on to learn more about this amazing organization’s leadership programs.

Most diverse class ever

According to the group, this year’s 2024-25 class is its most diverse ever with 54% of the women identifying as African American or Latina. 

Of the 35 organizations represented in the new class, 10 are new to the program. 

They include:

  • Cahaba Medical Care
  • Dent Moses LLP
  • Varian Interventional Systems
  • One Roof
  • AmFirst
  • Forge Breast Cancer Center
  • Element Health, 
  • University of Montevallo
  • ITAC Solutions
  • HICA

“With our 20-plus years of experience, we know how to give women the tools, resources, and connections to grow confidently into their leadership potential and develop an intentional plan for reaching their goals.”

 Momentum CEO, April Benetollo

How the program works

leadership
Members of Momentum’s 21st executive leadership class. (Momentum)

A nine-month program of personal and professional development, Momentum’s executive leadership program is led by experts from around the country. The curriculum is a combination of personal and professional training, focusing on the leader at work, at home and in the community. 

Below are the members of Momentum’s Birmingham Executive Class:

  • LC Ashburner, EBSCO Industries
  • Brittnie Bodonaro, Protective Life
  • Cindy Bryan, Dent Moses LLP
  • Katie Burnett, Altec
  • Meg Burton, Brasfield & Gorrie
  • Jennifer Byrd, AMERICAN Cast Iron Pipe Company
  • Theresa Caridi, Varian Interventional Systems
  • April Corey, Southern Company
  • Khristi Driver, Southern Nuclear
  • Michelle Farley, One Roof
  • Jennifer Hardin, Warren Averett
  • Reneta Johnson, Legacy Schools
  • Alicia Johnson Williams, City of Birmingham
  • Nikki Jones, Milo’s Tea Company
  • Stephanie Lee, Harbert Management Company 
  • Kelly Lewis, Jones Walker LLP
  • Jody Mattson, AmFirst
  • Trisha Maxwell, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
  • Amy McArdle, Regions Bank
  • Angie Noel, Alabama Power
  • Nichole Oliver, Vulcan Materials Company
  • Brandy Reeve, Children’s of Alabama
  • Randretta Rincher, Spire
  • Lauren Roberts, Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center
  • Emily Ruzic, Bradley
  • Jennifer Samuelson, BLOX
  • Kristie Smith, Element Health
  • Cricket Snyder, Jefferson County Commission
  • Jenna Taylor, Encompass Health (Nashville)
  • Kim Thees, Encompass Health (Birmingham)
  • Kira Thomas, University of Montevallo
  • Raquel Vasquez, Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama
  • Andreia White, Cahaba Medical Care
  • Christy Williams, ITAC Solutions
  • Samantha Young, VIVA Health

Momentum Works cohort is making a difference

Momentum
Momentum Works participants (Momentum)

In addition to the new leadership class announcement, this coming Saturday, September 14, Momentum will graduate its first Momentum Works cohort. 

This innovative program is designed for underserved women who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend Momentum’s tuition-based Executive or Upward programs. 

Wildly successful, 64% of the participants have experienced upward mobility or a promotion.

Initially serving Birmingham residents, the program is going statewide in 2025.

Want to learn how YOU can be a part of Momentum? Reach out to them at https://momentumleaders.org/contact-us/

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Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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