Join AWIB for a Happy Hour Networking event at Work Smart Solutions with the owner Renee Price! This in-person gathering is a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals in Birmingham, AL. Come ready to mingle, share ideas, and build meaningful connections. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your network and have a great time doing it. See you there!

Come join us for an inspiring event where you'll hear firsthand from a remarkable woman who turned her struggle with PCOS into a successful wellness business. This luncheon will take place at Helen, 2013 2nd Avenue North, Birmingham, AL. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be motivated by her incredible story of transformation. See you there!

About Jessica Harrison:

Jessica Harrison, RN is a single mom & the proud owner of PolyC's Premium PCOS. She helps women all over the world reach their health goals, naturally. Last year, she helped 500 women conceive despite the struggles of PCOS. PolyC's is an all natural, vegan supplement to help balance hormones so you can feel your best.

AWIB Happy Hour & Networking at The Lumbar

Join us for an exciting evening of networking and fun at The Lumbar in Birmingham, Alabama! This in-person event is a great opportunity to meet new people, make valuable connections, and unwind after a long day. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network or simply enjoy a relaxing happy hour, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and have a great time. See you there!

Event details:

Date: February 27th

Time: 5pm-7.30pm

Location: The Lumbar, 212 29th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA

Join us for Tax Updates and Tips for Small Business Owners in 2024! This in-person event will be held at Helen Restaurant, a great location for networking and learning. Get ready to dive into the latest tax updates and gain valuable tips to navigate the world of taxes as a small business owner. Our expert speaker will cover topics ranging from deductions to compliance, ensuring you stay up-to-date and make the most of your tax strategies. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and gain valuable insights. Register now to secure your spot!

About Darlene Wilson

Darlene Wilson is the Founder and Managing Principal of Relay Accounting Management and Founder and Director of Classic Business Connect. Relay Accounting Management (RAM Firm) specializes in outsourced accounting management services. At Classic Business Connect, we work with businesses that are certified to qualify for opportunities with corporate, government and federal contracts through creating platforms for the businesses and industry contractors, procurement, and supplier diversity leaders to connect.

Darlene received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Montevallo. She is honored for being selected the past 3 years as Birmingham’s Top 60 that features the top 60 influencers across a broad range of industries and Darlene was recognized the past 3 years as Who’s Who in Accounting. In 2019 she was included in the Top 100 National Influential Execs in Finance. Her accounting firm was also nominated for ICIC’s 2019 Inner City 100 Award. The Inner City 100 is a national ranking of America’s fastest-growing urban businesses in inner cities. Darlene is a member of the Class of 2022 – Leadership Birmingham. She completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Babson College in the Fall of 2018 and Emerging Leaders through the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2017. She serves on several boards including the Birmingham Airport Authority and Regions Bank Birmingham Market Board.

Darlene is the mother of one son, Christian who is a Spring 2021 graduate from MSU in Denver, CO with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and works as a Lead Accountant at RAM Firm. Family brings her the most joy! She is a native of Lake Charles, LA and enjoys cooking, wine tasting, traveling the world, flower/vegetable gardening and reading. She simply loves life!

Website: www.RAMFirm.com

Giving Tuesday Nonprofit Networking & AWIB Holiday Party

Join us for an exciting in-person event at Avenue D in Birmingham! This is your chance to connect with fellow nonprofits and celebrate the holiday season with Alabama Women In Business (AWIB). The event will feature networking opportunities, festive activities, and a chance to learn more about AlaQuest Collaborative for Education (ACE) and Bama Wellness Advocacy. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make new connections and spread some holiday cheer. Mark your calendars for this special event!

About Linda Coogan:

Linda Coogan, AKA Nurse Linda Kay, is an author, motivational speaker, and holistic nurse coach who has devoted her life to helping others overcome adversity. Her journey began with the tragic loss of her son, Joshua, who was murdered in their home in 2012. Despite the immense pain and heartache of that experience, Linda found the strength to keep going and to share her story with others through her memoir, The Impact Statement, which chronicles her journey of healing and resilience. Linda integrates her expertise as a nurse with her personal experience of loss and trauma to help others navigate through difficult times. She believes in the power of healing the whole self and supports her clients in finding balance and harmony in all aspects of their lives, recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Linda is committed to helping others on their lifelong journey of healing.

In 2021, Linda was dealt another devastating blow when her older son, Matthew, was killed in a car accident. Despite this unimaginable loss, Linda continues to inspire others with her relentless optimism and unwavering faith. Through her writing and speaking, she encourages people to find hope in the midst of even the darkest moments.

Linda's personal experience of loss and grief has given her a unique perspective on the human experience. Her insights and wisdom have touched countless lives. Linda continues to bring her message of hope and resilience to every person she encounters.

Website: www.alaquest.net

About Jacquie Fazekas:

Jacquie Fazekas is the owner of Bama Health Foods in Birmingham, AL, an independent natural health food store that caters to the under-resourced communities around Birmingham. She runs her nonprofit 501(c)3 Bama Wellness Advocacy which is focused on experiential wellness education for under-resourced communities. She is a certified health coach, speaker, trainer, and best-selling author. She is an alumni from Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and has been certified as a Women-Owned Business through NAWBO.

As a former senior executive and a single mother of 2 boys, Jacquie brings a strong and diverse perspective on how to live and lead well by improving your health & wellness – mind, body and spirit. She knows firsthand the struggles in life -- Work-life balance, mind-set barriers, prioritization, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, health & wellness concerns and much more. Having survived 3 near-death experiences, Jacquie loves to share with others her experiences, tools, and successful techniques for healing, feeling, and discovering your best self. She provides a loving, judgement-free zone wherever she goes. She believes everyone is worthy of good health. This is the core value that she runs her operations under. If you ask her what she does, she simply says, “we nourish lives.”.

Website: www.BamaHealthFoods.com

Join us at Helen for an exciting in-person event that brings together alumni of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. This luncheon offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and get inspired from fellow entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the program.

At this event, you'll have the chance to gain valuable insights and hear inspiring success stories from fellow alumni: Darlene Wilson (Relay Accounting Management), Jessica Watts (House Plant Collective), Autumn Sanders (Quire Consulting), and Jacquie Fazekas (Bama Wellness Advocacy).

Whether you're looking to expand your business, learn new strategies, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this luncheon is the perfect platform to do so.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the best and expand your network. Mark your calendars and join us at the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Alumni Learning and Networking Luncheon at Helen.

About Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is an investment to help small businesses grow and create jobs by providing them with greater access to education, capital, and business support services. To date, more than 12,800 business owners have graduated from the program across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Through the program, participants gain practical skills across topics such as financial statement negotiation, marketing, and employee management, and gain the tools to develop a customized business plan for growth.

Learn more about the program: https://www.10ksbapply.com/

About Autumn Sanders

Since 2010, Autumn Sanders has worked with Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, and nonprofits, helping them grow their businesses by understanding their customers. She launched Quire in 2017 to bring design thinking and human-centered design to leaders working to transform their corners of the world. Quire uses the tools of Design Thinking to guide clients through strategic planning, product and service definition, and leadership development.

Throughout her career, Autumn has worked with social innovators and change makers including the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Chicago Public Education Fund, the YMCA of Greater Birmingham and many others. Autumn serves on the City of Birmingham (AL) Small Business Council. She coaches entrepreneurs with Create Birmingham and the Birmingham Business Alliance. She has served on a number of non-profit boards focusing on the arts and design and was honored by the Birmingham Business Journal as a 2023 Woman to Watch. Autumn holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University (Athens, OH) and a master’s degree in design management from the Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, GA).

Website: www.quireconsulting.com

About Darlene Wilson

She is the Founder and Managing Principal of Relay Accounting Management and Founder and Director of Classic Business Connect. Relay Accounting Management (RAM Firm) specializes in outsourced accounting management services. At Classic Business Connect, we work with businesses that are certified to qualify for opportunities with corporate, government and federal contracts through creating platforms for the businesses and industry contractors, procurement, and supplier diversity leaders to connect.

Darlene received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Montevallo. She is honored for being selected the past 3 years as Birmingham’s Top 60 that features the top 60 influencers across a broad range of industries and Darlene was recognized the past 3 years as Who’s Who in Accounting. In 2019 she was included in the Top 100 National Influential Execs in Finance. Her accounting firm was also nominated for ICIC’s 2019 Inner City 100 Award. The Inner City 100 is a national ranking of America’s fastest-growing urban businesses in inner cities. Darlene is a member of the Class of 2022 – Leadership Birmingham. She completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Babson College in the Fall of 2018 and Emerging Leaders through the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2017. She serves on several boards including the Birmingham Airport Authority and Regions Bank Birmingham Market Board.

Darlene is the mother of one son, Christian who is a Spring 2021 graduate from MSU in Denver, CO with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and works as a Lead Accountant at RAM Firm. Family brings her the most joy! She is a native of Lake Charles, LA and enjoys cooking, wine tasting, traveling the world, flower/vegetable gardening and reading. She simply loves life!

Website: www.RAMFirm.com

About Jacquie Fazekas

Jacquie Fazekas, owner of Bama Health Foods in Birmingham, AL, an independent natural health food store that caters to the under-resourced communities around Birmingham. She runs her nonprofit 501C3 Bama Wellness Advocacy, focused experiential wellness education for under-resourced communities. She is a certified health coach, speaker, trainer, and best-selling author. She is an alumni from Goldman Sachs small business program and has been certified as a Women-Owned Business through NAWBO.

As a former senior executive and a single mother of 2 boys, Jacquie brings a strong and diverse perspective on how to live and lead well by improving your health & wellness – mind, body and spirit. She knows firsthand the struggles in life -- Work-life balance, mind-set barriers, prioritization, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, health & wellness concerns and much more. Having survived 3 near-death experiences, Jacquie loves to share with others her experiences, tools, and successful techniques for healing, feeling, and discovering your best self. She provides a loving, judgement-free zone wherever she goes. She believes everyone is worthy of good health. This the core value that she runs her operations under. If you ask her what she does, she simply says, “we nourish lives.”.

Website: www.BamaHealthFoods.com

About Jessica Watts

Jessica Watts, owner of House Plant Collective (HPC), has a passion for plants, small business, and all things Birmingham!

With undergraduate degrees in Mathematics & Secondary Education and a Masters degree in Counseling from UAB (Go Blazers!), she began her career as a high school mathematics teacher in Birmingham City Schools then into a position as the Program Manager of UAB's Graduate Biomedical Sciences program.

Jessica started HPC as a home-based passion project in 2020 to share her joy for plants and tap into her creative entrepreneurial side. She had the dream and planned in 2019, and just before launching the business, Covid hit. After starting by selling online, HPC shifted into pop-up events in a converted school bus, which you can still see traveling the state. By the end of 2020, Jessica expanded into HPC's first brick and mortar store in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham where they have been growing and thriving ever since!

Jessica lives in Birmingham with her husband, baby girl Emma, pet cat and dog. When not working, she spends time exploring local events, markets, festivals, attending live concerts, and visiting local breweries.

Website: https://houseplantcollective.com/

Join us for a unique and transformative event that combines the power of yoga and the art of networking!

Our Yoga Night and Networking event is designed to create an environment where women professionals from various fields can come together, connect, and cultivate meaningful relationships while experiencing the benefits of yoga.

During this event, you'll have the opportunity to participate in rejuvenating yoga session led by experienced instructor Jessica Bostany. This yoga session will be tailored to accommodate all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Whether you are new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this event is suitable for everyone.

In addition to the invigorating yoga session, we will also provide networking opportunities. We believe that genuine connections are made when individuals have the chance to interact in a relaxed and authentic setting. Our networking activities will be designed to facilitate conversations, foster connections, and promote a sense of community among participants.

By combining the physical and mental benefits of yoga with the power of networking, this event aims to create a holistic experience that nourishes both body and mind. You will have the opportunity to meet professionals from diverse backgrounds, exchange ideas, and potentially establish mutually beneficial relationships that extend beyond the event.

Whether you are looking to expand your professional network, seek new collaborations, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, our event offers a unique platform for personal growth, connection, and wellness.

Don't miss this opportunity to align your mind, body, and professional aspirations in a supportive and uplifting environment. Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and growth.

Note: Please bring your yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing suitable for yoga practice.

To learn more about yoga instructor Jessica: https://www.jessicabostany.com

We look forward to welcoming you to this transformative event!

Networking can happen anywhere! All that's needed is the venue, people, conversation, food. We're adding a new relaxing activity in the mix.

This month we're taking networking to the plants and adding a pot to decorate to a local Birmingham business, House Plant Collective owned by AWIB member Jessica Watts. Networking should be fun, relaxing, inviting, exciting, easy, and festive. As business owners, we always find ourselves in environments that seems more like an office meeting. Throw on some relaxing clothes, bring business cards/flyers, and let those conversations naturally flow. You never know what can happen when we find new ways to bond

MEET JESSICA WATTS

Jessica started HPC in 2020 as a home-based passion project. She had the dream and planned in 2019, and just before launching the business Covid hit. After starting by selling online HPC shifted into pop-up events in a converted school bus. By the end of 2020, Jessica expanded into a brick and mortar store in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham.

Jessica lives in Birmingham with her husband and pet cat and dog. When not working, she spends time riding her moped around the city, spending time outdoors, attending live concerts, and visiting local breweries.

Marketing vs Public Relations, Tactical plan, Image, Social media, Targeting, a few items from this month's presentation on Marketing.

The tips any business can use! It's marketing time!

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

*Marketing vs Public Relations, What is a brand?, Brand elements, Establishing your brand, Tactical plan, and much more

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Rashida Reese is the Founder and CEO of ReBirth Marketing and Consulting, where the approach to marketing is to execute with purpose and focus on measurable and actionable results. She oversees a team of brand and marketing professionals that uses their skills to elevate the brands of their clients.

Rashida's background in sales and sales leadership in the media industry makes her a master in digital marketing and advertising. She specializes in social media marketing, strategic marketing planning, and project management. The ReBirth philosophy is to win but win by knowing their work is a true representation of its core values.

Rashida has had the pleasure of working on many projects in Alabama including leading marketing projects for major business as well as serving as Director of Sponsorship Fulfillment for The World Games 2022 for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and The World Game Plaza.

Rashida is passionate about mentorship and athlete mental health where she serves on the board for Ramsay Touchdown Club and assists several sports entities with fundraising for youth resources. She also sits on the board of Tech Birmingham and The Community Kitchen.

Rashida is a proud graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Communications.

Take some time to unwind with light hors d’oeuvres and a few marketing tips courtesy of Rebirth Marketing and Consulting.

We try our best to make networking easy, fun, and informative. This month's networking tips are courtesy of Rashida Reese, President & CEO of Rebirth Marketing and Consulting. A little teaser before April's luncheon!

Our speaker, Karen McClure, will breakdown the signs of people pleasing. Learn how to recognize the signs before they affect your business.

Thanks to her work as a practicing attorney and certified life coach, Karen McClure is well equipped to break down people pleasing and help us understand how it affects our business! Karen will guide us through how our thoughts create our results, what people pleasing is and how it shows up for professional women, and will share tops and trick for how to stop people pleasing.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Karen is an attorney and certified life coach who works primarily with attorneys who are unhappy. She has been a practicing attorney for 16 years but never actually wanted to be a lawyer. Through coaching, she's found a way to fulfill her goal of helping people create their lives with purpose and intention so that they no longer feel overwhelmed and unsatisfied.

Join us on Giving Tuesday for networking and refreshments at Studio By The Tracks, a studio and gallery for adult artists with autism.

Learn about Studio By The Tracks’ mission, tour the art studio, and shop the gallery. It’s the perfect time to pick up some Christmas gifts for friends and family while supporting an incredible organization!

Studio By The Tracks is a studio and gallery for adult artists with autism. They provide a social network and a career path that enriches artists’ lives and betters the community. Artists receive 60% of any sale of their art works. The studio provides all services and materials to artists free of charge.

Lauren Cushman, Director of Marketing and Partnerships, will share about the organization’s impact and how you can be a part of it!

Uncertainty and change are constants, not exceptions! Stay prepared with Sarah Robinson's "Know, Be, Do Leadership Toolkit".

We are now operating in a world unlike any other in modern history. Uncertainty and change are constants, not exceptions. Many leaders are scrambling just to keep up.

To help equip leaders with the skills and mindset needed to successfully navigate the unpredictable, Sarah Robinson developed what she calls the Know, Be, Do Leadership Toolkit. This toolkit gives leaders much needed clarity around the right actions to confidently guide their organization and their people right now.

Mastering the right things to know, to be and to do allows leaders to focus on what matters most to grow and thrive right now.

ABOUT OUR SPEAKER

Sarah Robinson is the best-selling author of Fierce Loyalty: Unlocking the DNA of Wildly Successful CommunitiesTM. She is a top-rated Leadership speaker with organizations like Microsoft, the National Press Club, Aileron, Nextiva, the Legal Marketing Association and others. Sarah brings her signature energy, wit and style to the stage, always offering and powerful strategies for knowing, doing and being what matters most — all so you can successfully and meaningfully lead your company, organization and community through these ever-changing times .

Whether she is presenting in person or virtually, Sarah engages, educates, entertains, and shares real-world , actionable solutions with you that you can apply right away. She also provides one-on-one consulting and coaching on a wide range of leadership topics that serve her audience.

It is our pleasure to provide an inviting atmosphere for women in business to link together and connect over food and drinks.

The Alabama Women in Business believe in linking, connecting, and supporting our fellow women leaders and women in business. Women leaders and women in business have unique perspective and what better way to add to someone else than over food and drinks. Take a break and join us at El Zun Zun.

The presentation will explore how your story can boost your business, career, and confidence.

This month's guest speaker is Javacia Harris Bowser of See Jane Write.

Ms. Javacia's presentation, "The Power of Your Story" will explore how our story can boost our business, careers, and confidence. Attendees will also learn practical ways to begin unearthing and sharing their stories.

ABOUT JAVACIA HARRIS BOWSER

Javacia Harris Bowser is an award-winning freelance journalist and the author of the essay collection Find Your Way Back: How to Write Your Way Through Anything. In Birmingham, she’s best known as the founder of See Jane Write, which a friend of hers once called “the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pens.” See Jane Write is a website and community for women who write and blog that Javacia founded in 2011 in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Today, See Jane Write serves and brings together women from across the country and around the world. Named one of Birmingham’s Top 40 Under 40, Javacia believes we can all write our way to the life of our dreams – a message she often conveys to the women of See Jane Write. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, she learned how to write her way through her worst nightmare, too.

Javacia was included in Southern Living magazine’s list of Innovators Changing the South, alongside household names like Dolly Parton and Reese Witherspoon and is a recipient of the 2022 Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellowship. With a focus on women’s lifestyle, wealth, and wellness, Javacia has written for a number of local, regional and national media outlets including USA Today, Business Insider, HerMoney.com, Good Grit magazine, and The Birmingham Times. In 2020, her column for Birmingham magazine was awarded Best Magazine Column by the Alabama Press Association.

Javacia is a proud graduate of the journalism programs at the University of Alabama and the University of California at Berkeley.

When she isn’t writing, you can find Javacia reading books, eating tacos, listening to Beyoncé or spending time with her husband Edward.

Click link for more about Javacia See Jane Write

The Alabama Women in Business is teaming up with Sarah Robinson for "Women, Wine, & Business".

Ladies, have you ever attended one of Sarah Robinson's "Women, Wine, & Business" events?

If not, now is the time. This is the perfect indoor summer event away from the office, kids, husbands, family, etc. Grab a glass of wine, enjoy the atmosphere, an interactive game of (it's a surprise), and introduce yourself.

This year our board decided to shake up everything to maximize connection and programs for our members and fellow women in business. What better way to shake things up, than to collaborate with one of Alabama's influential women in business. Sarah is a great host and has some of the best wines in the US.

We're excited to collaborate with Ms. Robinson and we hope to see you there!

A LITTLE ABOUT OUR HOST

Sarah Robinson is an Executive Leadership Strategist working with CEOs and Leadership Teams for global brands. She also advises and mentors women executives & leaders. Sarah is a best-selling author and international keynote speaker.

Sarah brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, dynamic communication and creative leadership experience to the table, helping organizations equip their leaders to navigate challenging, chaotic environments and focus on the people, priorities and goals that matter most.

For more about Sarah Robinson visit www.sarahrobinson.com

As the owner of Elevators on 4th and Grow with Google Digital Coach, Carmen Mays has devoted herself to strengthening businesses.

Carmen has a powerful instinct to discern systemic gaps that too often hinder communities. As a Community & Economic Development Consultant, she seeks out opportunities to "help organizations be good partners in equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem building".

Join us as Carmen arms us with strategies to grow our businesses and walks us through how Grow with Google can help improve your business functions.

Don't tell anyone, but I think she's planning to gives us a little taste of the information she provides in the Google Coaching workshops.

ABOUT CARMEN MAYS

Coupled with a powerful instinct to discern systemic gaps that too often hinder communities, Carmen has vision. She actively seeks out opportunities to expand equity within under-invested legacy neighborhoods and forges ahead with solutions. Carmen has developed blueprints that have been successfully leveraged by community leaders and partners to bridge equitability gaps and promote economic empowerment and transportation access. She brings this intuitive approach and ardency for action to all of her work, including her first foray into entrepreneurship as the founder of Elevators.

She has over a decade of public sector experience engaged with community and economic development with many years in local government. Most recently she served as the Neighborhood Revitalization and Public Safety Administrator for the mayoral transition team for Mayor Randall Woodfin and the City of Birmingham. Carmen also re-launched the Minority Business Development program for the City of Spartanburg in South Carolina, earning Federal Transit Administration approval for the City’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. She has also worked as the Outreach Specialist for Perimeter Transportation and Sustainability Coalition—now known as Perimeter Connects—leading partnership engagement efforts for the organization and working with over 30 companies to establish commuter benefits programs.

Carmen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language, with an emphasis in Spanish, and International Trade from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She continued her education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining a Master of Public Administration with concentrations in Public Management and Planning & Non-Profit Management. Carmen was selected to the 2015 Upstate Class of the Diversity Leadership Institute at Furman University’s Riley Institute and ICMA’s Emerging Leaders Development Program. She also attended Habitat III, the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in Quito, Ecuador.

To maintain balance, Carmen enjoys the arts, outdoors, and southern rap music. While she has received many awards and recognitions, Carmen's most prized accolade is "Bestest Auntie in the World."

The invisible "I" on your "Team" is "You".

Without the direction of a leader, how far can a team go. Every leader needs downtime. Sometimes it’s by yourself and sometimes it's with other leaders. As an organization, we realize how important the informal socials, the grab a drink & hors d'oeuvres networking, and the wind down chats are to every leader. It's the time after-work away from work, employees, customers, family, and your professional self to relax and enjoy an atmosphere of like-minded and like-hearted leaders.

Get out of the office, leave your work bag in the car, come link with us, Kim Lee (founder of Forge), and other professionals.

CHAT WITH KIM

After years of being a stay-at-home mom, Kim Lee re-entered the workforce and soon learned about the concept of co-working. She quickly realized that Birmingham-area entrepreneurs, small business owners and creative freelancers needed a coworking space, a place where they could grow their businesses by working and collaborating with others. Thus, the idea for Forge was born.

"It really is the perfect blend of my background. My undergrad is in business, and I have a master’s in counseling. After I got my master’s, I worked in business operations and development for a service industry company, and that company was very hospitality centered, which really gave me the love of serving people well, treating people well, doing everything that you do with excellence. This concept of co-working is the perfect blend of what I love. I love people, I love hospitality as a business, and I love the idea of creating and growing jobs in Birmingham.

The presentation will highlight workforce issues common among employers and how a registered apprenticeship can assist employers in addressing these issues regarding recruitment, training, and retention of employees. We will review the specific components of a registered apprenticeship program and how a company can utilize the model to build their own talent pipeline and diversify their workforce.

OUR GUEST PRESENTER

Kristen Holder serves as the Project Manager for the Central and East Alabama regions for the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship (AOA). As Project Manager, Holder works to expand the use of apprenticeship programs in diverse industries, helping employers address their workforce needs by developing innovative work-based learning models. She collaborates with partners throughout the state to create new apprenticeship programs, as well as provide support, resources, and best practices to current apprenticeship sponsors. Holder’s focus is to assist companies in growing and retaining their own skilled talent, while providing apprentices a higher quality of life potential.

Holder graduated summa cum laude from the Florida State University with a B.A. in Political Science. Holder is a graduate of the Auburn University Intensive Economic Development Training Course and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Talent Pipeline Management Academy. She was an honoree of Birmingham Business Journal’s 2020 Top 40 Under 40 and a mentor for Birmingham Business Journal’s 2021 Mentoring Monday. In addition to her work, Holder is a local choreographer for Pinson Valley High School’s theatre department.

Hello and Happy New Year to you!

The AWIB Happy Hour has been postponed from it’s original date of January 28th and rescheduled for February 24th.

Oh how we missed you all and your wonderful faces. We are gearing up for an exciting and marvelous 2022. COVID is still here but that does not mean we can not safely get together and get back to enjoying luncheons and other events.

In lieu of a luncheon, we decided to start our 2022 with a night of networking and fun. But that's not all! The new 2022 board members will be in attendance and are looking forward to greeting all of you. By the way, if you are interested in being apart of the board there are still a few positions available. We hope you all will join us and please bring a business friend or two.

*FOLLOW ALABAMA WOMEN IN BUSINESS ON FB, IG, AND LINKEDIN!

Upcoming Events (Keep those calendars open):

The 1st luncheon of the year will be held Tuesday, March 22nd, 11:30am-1pm. We are looking forward to hearing from our guest speaker, Ms. Kristen Holder of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. She may hold a few keys that can help your business.

Connecting Small Businesses with a Finance Specialist from the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network

About the presenter:

Suzanne Darden is the Capital Access Team - Finance Specialist with the statewide Alabama Small Business Development Center Network, based at The University of Alabama. The SBDC provides technical assistance to help small businesses secure capital for start-up and growth. Suzanne is a key leader with the SBDC’s Capital Access Program, a position she has held since 2013. In the last three years, the SBDC has helped secure over $318 million in capital projects for manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, hotel, multi-use residential/retail complexes, and other business projects throughout the state. Suzanne was awarded the 2018 SBDC state star for outstanding performance among the nationwide SBDC program and is the ‘go to’ person for Alabama businesses seeking to access capital. Her previous experience has included serving as general manager and CFO for a refrigeration and ice manufacturing business; and commercial lending with banks in Georgia and Virginia. She is a graduate of Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary and is from Williamsburg, Virginia.

Wellness is the key element to any successful business woman. Join the discussion with Jacquie Fazekas-Essentials for Your Wellness.

Jacquie Fazekas, owner of Bama Health Foods in Birmingham, AL, is a certified health coach, speaker, trainer, and best-selling author. As a former senior executive and a single mother of 2 boys, Jacquie brings a strong and diverse perspective on how to live and lead well by improving your health & wellness– mind, body and spirit.

She knows firsthand the struggles in life -- Work-life balance, mind-set barriers, prioritization, self-esteem issues, relationship struggles, health & wellness concerns and much more. Having survived 3 near-death experiences, Jacquie loves to share with others her experiences, tools, and successful techniques for healing, feeling, and discovering your true self. She provides a loving, judgement-free zone wherever she goes. She believes a person is at their best when they show up as their “true self”.

Everyone is worthy of good health!

Sometimes there's not enough time in the day to accomplish all the task our business requires. Look to the virtual world for assistance.

“With the help of a Virtual Assistant, you can delegate tasks from anywhere at anytime.” In today’s world, there’s no need for our businesses to lack. Listen to tips and ways a virtual assistant might be helpful to you and your business.

OUR GUEST PRESENTER

For 14 years LaKesha Moore has worked in the Administration industry and has been in the Virtual Assistant business for a total of 6 years. She specializes in business processes, personal organization, administrative technology and educating others on systems and applications that can streamline their workflow. She utilizes tools to include but not limited to project management, client relationship management, scheduling, and email/business suite. She entered the Virtual Assistant industry to help others, and carry out her daily functions in a unique way, that would bring joy and excitement to her everyday life. Her children and family are her daily inspiration. Waking up every morning knowing that she can make a difference is her drive. In her free time, she loves to learn new skills, shop, spend time with family, and relax.

The journey of hope and solace isn't easy but Carolyn Potter is using her business skills to serve the unmeet needs of the community.

OUR GUEST SPEAKER

For most of Carolyn's adult career, she worked as an advocate for children deemed abused and/or neglected. For many years, she served as the Coordinator for the Greenville County, SC Guardian ad Litem program in this role. After moving to Alabama in 2012, Carolyn served as the Director of the Alabama State CASA Network in a similar role. While serving in these roles, she began learning about children being trafficked. As she dug further to secure a speaker for our CASA State Conference, she found The WellHouse and eventually was interviewed for the Executive Director position. Carolyn says, "While operating a non-profit organization is a bit different from a for-profit business, the principles of business and operations are the same". She is, with business skills, serving the community meeting unmet needs.

Have you started thinking about your Summer travel plans? Whether you are staying around town or traveling abroad our speakers have a wealth of knowledge to share.

OUR GUEST PRESENTERS

Kristy Mosolino  As owner of and Concierge Specialist for Wishes Travel, Kristy sets the vision and the high-bar of excellence that has come to be expected from her clients.  With a focus on family travel, she assists Moms, Dads, and grandparents in building dream getaways with their children and grandchildren.

While her passion for travel can be traced back to her high school years living in Southern Italy, her attention to detail and planning comes from her past work with the Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management where she was responsible for developing and implementing Disaster preparedness plans.

When she’s not on the phone or in a zoom room, Kristy loves to explore and find new favorite places to send clients (and travel to).  Some of her favorite destinations are  London, England; Naples, Italy; Oaxaca Mexico; Colombia (South America) and the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. 

She works in tandem with her husband, Sam who manages the romance and adults-only side of the business and loves nothing better than taking her family with her on a her next adventure!  Her 3 Basset hounds, however, do stay at home! 

Verna Gates is the author of 100 Things to Do in Birmingham Before You Die. She has worked as a travel writer for 20 years, circling the globe. She also worked for five years with Alabama Tourism to bring journalists to Alabama as a tour guide who crafted itineraries with the goal of getting our state good publicity. For outdoor lovers, she founded and serves as executive director of Fresh Air Family. She has led hikes, cave adventures, canoe trips, and many other adventures throughout Alabama. From Mardi Gras to the Walls of Jericho, Verna has explored Alabama, along with other Southeastern attractions.

A career journalist, Verna was on the founding crew of CNN that launched the network. She also worked for TIME Magazine, Reuters, The Guardian and NPR. She has written travel for Desoto Magazine and the now-shuttered Birmingham Magazine, among others. She has a radio show on Troy Public Radio called the Wacky Tacky Traveler.

The time for just surviving is past. Now is the time to position your business for the year ahead. Join us as Bethany Meadows, president of Vertical Solutions Media, presents a hands-on workshop on brainstorming for business owners. Using these skills and techniques, you will learn how to identify growth opportunities for your business, and effectively plan for your way forward.

Come to the workshop with an obstacle or idea for growth identified for your business. Make sure it’s one you would be willing to share with the group. This is an interactive workshop so you will be actively finding ways to overcome the obstacle or expand on that idea. It’s your TIME TO THRIVE! Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step in your company’s growth.

OUR GUEST PRESENTER

Bethany Meadows started Vertical Solutions Media with one goal in mind: to develop a long-term relationship with her clients. With almost 30 years of marketing experience under her belt, Bethany worked in the insurance industry for the first part of her career and with dozens of companies in a wide variety of industries since she opened her firm. "We do things differently from what many other marketing firms do," she explains. "I am passionate about helping a company incorporate their brand into everything they do, not just their logo. It's important to help a company see the value of building a company culture that exercises their brand values in every part of the customer's experience."

In addition to Vertical Solutions Media, Bethany owns Get a Little Hot, an online hot sauce store and subscription boxes. She is also a licensed Realtor and team leader for Team Meadows brokered by eXp Realty.

Bethany is married to Jeff and between them have seven children and four grandchildren. Family time is a priority in their lives, as is boating, kayaking and playing on the lake where they live. 

Join us for a Q&A session with our guests Darlnene Wilson, owner of Relay Accounting Management, and Luicija Smaizyte Wright, Associate with Morgan Stanley . This is a great opportunity to learn about tax changes, round two of PPP, and finance market updates.

OUR GUEST PRESENTERS

Darlene Wilson is the founder and Managing Principal of Relay Accounting Management and founder and Director of Classic Business Connect. Darlene received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Montevallo. She is honored for being recently selected to the Top 100 Influential Execs in Finance. Her accounting firm was also nominated for ICIC’s 2019 Inner City 100 Award. The Inner City 100 is a national ranking of America’s fastest-growing urban businesses in inner cities. She completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Babson College in the Fall of 2018 and Emerging Leaders through the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2017.

Darlene was selected to serve on Legacy Prep Charter School Board and the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Board of Directors in 2020. She serves on Regions Bank Advisory Board for the Birmingham market and is also a member of the Inaugural Small Business Council for the City of Birmingham where she serves as the chair of the City Services Committee. Darlene was appointed by Mayor Randall Woodfin to Birmingham Airport Authority Board of Directors in 2018 where she serves as Treasurer and the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee. Darlene also serves as Treasurer of The WellHouse and Alabama Women in Business. She is Immediate Past Board Chair of REV Birmingham and a member of Foundation Capital where she serves on the Loan Review Committee.

Relay Accounting Management (RAM) specializes in relationships with entrepreneurs through business growth and development opportunities by providing virtual CFO services, business consulting, and accounting management services. We can also train and develop internal staff on the use of accounting software for bookkeeping, payroll processing and tax payment requirements. We are Accountants Turning Our Clients Vision Into Value!

Liucija Smaizyte Wright focuses on creating and presenting wealth planning solutions by building long-term relationships with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. She first interned with Morgan Stanley in 2014 and returned in 2016 as an Associate.

Originally from Lithuania, Liucija came to the United States on a full athletic tennis scholarship at the University of Texas at Arlington. She transferred to University of Montevallo in 2013, where she helped the tennis team reach the Peach Belt Conference championship for the first time in the school’s history. Liucija graduated magna cum laude, and first in her class, at the University of Montevallo earning her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, and minors in MIS and Pre-Law.

While at Montevallo, she earned the Academic Achievement Award, was on the President’s List, a Gold Scholar, and one of twelve students selected as a Montevallo Master two years in a row. Liucija is multilingual; fluent in English, Russian and Lithuanian.

Liucija serves on multiple boards including the Alabama Women in Business, The United Nations Association USA-Greater Birmingham Chapter, The Southern Environmental Center and Girl Spring junior board. Liucija is also a tennis instructor at Life Time Fitness. She and her husband, Steven, live in Vestavia Hills.

WHO NEEDS A HAPPY HOUR WITH AWIB?

Come on and get connected with your AWIB sisters in a virtual happy hour happening Thursday, February 11th starting at 6:00pm. We would love to see you!

AWIB provides women entrepreneurs in diverse sectors with opportunities to interact and develop strategic alliances. There is no cost to attend but please let us know your coming via the Register Now button above.

If you are interested in learning more about our organization, we encourage you to come and see what we are all about!