Our Board
Katelyn Foote - President
Katelyn is a design researcher passionate about the intersecting institutions and informal interactions that make up the social life of a city. At Quire Consulting, she uses human-centered design to help organizations solve problems, find consensus, and move forward. Katelyn has worked with non-profit organizations in Birmingham and across Alabama providing a range of services, and has also held positions in small local businesses focused on hospitality.
Katelyn holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and social entrepreneurship from Samford University (Birmingham, AL) and a master’s degree in urban strategies and design from The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland).
Liucija Smaizyte Wright - Immediate Past President
Liucija is a First Vice President and Financial Advisor on the SteelCrest Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, she focuses on creating and presenting personalized wealth planning solutions by building long-term relationships with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. She loves people and loves working with clients to help them paint a picture of their financial opportunities and expectations. She first interned with Morgan Stanley in 2014 and returned in 2016 as a Wealth Advisor Associate. She joined the team in August 2018. In 2019, she earned her CFP® designation after successfully completing comprehensive financial planning coursework and having met experience and ethical requirements.
Originally from Lithuania, Liucija came to the United States on a full athletic scholarship to play tennis at the University of Texas at Arlington. She transferred to University of Montevallo in 2013, where she helped the tennis team reach 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 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. In 2022, she earned MBA degree.
When she was 14 years old, she represented the Lithuanian tennis team at the Junior Olympics, and at age 16, she was ranked the number one tennis player in Lithuania. However, having grown up in a family that struggled financially, she had to work very hard to achieve her goals. Thus, she is very passionate about helping her clients to achieve their personal goals and dreams and be financially independent. She focuses on helping clients with financial planning to help them live successful and happier lives by working to increase their comfort level, and helping to preserve things that they treasure in life.
Liucija is on the boards of multiple organizations including Alabama Women in Business, Alabama Economics Club and GirlSpring. She is multilingual, fluent in English, Russian, and Lithuanian. She and her husband, Steven, live in Vestavia Hills with their adopted dog Cooper. Liucija is honored to serve as the 2023 president.
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.
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Beaunca Wade - Secretary
Beaunca Wade is the founder and creative director of Luxury Black Label, the company behind The House of Emma Rose, a luxury home fragrance brand based in Birmingham, Alabama. Inspired by her grandmother’s garden, she designs luxury home fragrances that encourage people to slow down, unplug, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty in everyday moments. She is building a brand that helps people create moments of rest, reflection, and connection through fragrance. At the heart of everything she creates is a simple hope: that every collection gives people a reason to slow down, unplug, reconnect, and just Living Beautifully.
Lizbeth Juarez - Treasurer
Lizbeth Juarez is an accounting professional with a diverse career spanning the banking, higher education, and utilities industries. She began her career in banking before transitioning into accounting and later fundraising, where she supported donor engagement and development efforts. Today, she is part of the Southern Company team, providing accounting support for power plants.
Throughout her career, Lizbeth has valued the relationships, mentorship, and opportunities that have shaped her journey. She is passionate about continued growth, building meaningful connections, and supporting women as they pursue their own professional and personal goals.
Monika Dacia - VP Programs
Monika Dacia is a dedicated entrepreneur and the visionary owner of Dacia Beauty Services a Birmingham, Alabama based firm established in 2008. With a career rooted in the belief that "Self-Image is Everything", Monika Dacia empowers clients to look and feel their through skincare education and artistic makeup services.
Monika Dacia combines extensive business acumen with a deep passion for the beauty industry. She holds a degree in Accounting with a minor in Business Management, bringing over 17 years of management & customer service experience and 16 years of retail expertise to her leadership of Dacia Beauty Services.
Monika Dacia is highly engaged in advocacy and community leadership focusing on hosting self-care events that blend specialized color analysis, beauty education, face painting services for community events and working alongside lobbyist to reform licensing requirements for makeup artist in Alabama to create more flexible paths for entrepreneurs.
Monika Dacia's work is characterized by a blend of business leadership, creative artistry, and a strong commitment to community and faith.
Dr. LaRhonda Aikerson - Board Member At Large, Membership Committee
Dr. LaRhonda Aikerson serves as Director of Teaching and Learning for the Fairfield City Schools District, where she leads district-wide initiatives to enhance instructional practices, foster innovation in teaching, and ensure high-quality educational experiences for all students. With over 27 years of service focused on improving outcomes for students, families, and educators. Throughout her career, she has partnered with schools, community organizations, and
stakeholders to support academic achievement, expand access to learning opportunities, and strengthen connections between schools and the communities they serve. Her service includes mentoring educators and students, supporting college and career readiness initiatives, and contributing to programs that promote equity, leadership development, and lifelong learning.
LaRhonda is deeply committed to service-driven leadership and believes strong communities are built through collaboration, advocacy, and education.
See open board positions below
Join Our Board
We are adding to our board and would love for you to be a part of it! We are looking for dedicated women interested in sharing their skills and contributing to an empowering network of women entrepreneurs and professionals!
Review the roles below and apply today.
Application Process:
Complete the application form.
The board will schedule a zoom call with you for additional questions and conversation.
The board will discuss and follow up with you with a potential board position recommendation. Members will vote on recommended board positions.
You do not need to currently be a member of Alabama Women in Business to apply. If joining the board, you will need to become a member.
All Board Members
As an AWIB Board Member, you'll be at the heart of our mission to empower women in business. Your active participation is key to our success. You'll regularly attend board meetings and events, arriving early to welcome our members and guests. Your insights and dedication will help shape the future of AWIB, ensuring we continue to provide invaluable support and networking opportunities.
VP-Membership
The VP-Membership is dedicated to growing our community and fostering a sense of belonging among our members. You will create opportunities to expand membership, coordinate new member orientations, and develop retention programs. This role involves reaching out to potential members, welcoming new ones, and ensuring our members feel supported and connected within the AWIB network.
VP-Communications
As VP-Communications, you will be the voice of AWIB, shaping our external presence and engaging our community. You will be responsible for notifying members of upcoming meetings and events, responding to inquiries, and promoting AWIB through various media channels. This dynamic role includes managing social media, overseeing logo usage, and potentially developing a monthly newsletter to keep our members informed and connected.
VP-Sponsorship
The VP-Sponsorship drives crucial financial support for AWIB's initiatives. You will identify and cultivate relationships with potential sponsors and corporate partners, ensuring our programs and events are well-funded. This role involves developing sponsorship packages, coordinating fund receipt, and ensuring sponsors receive appropriate recognition for their invaluable contributions. You will be key in expanding our network of supporters.
President-Elect
The President-Elect is a future leader in the making, preparing to assume the highest office within AWIB. You will serve on the Nominating Committee and oversee special projects as assigned by the President. This role provides a unique opportunity to learn the intricacies of the organization and contribute to its strategic initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.