Leading an Evolution Board chair Mike Warren traces the rise of Leadership Birmingham Mike Warren (’86) has sat at many desks in the past 35 years. And on each one, he has proudly displayed his Leadership Birmingham pyramid, a treasured reminder of his class year.
LEADING AN EVOLUTION Page 3
WHAT HAPPENS NOW? Page 3
What Happens Now? Advice for building our post-COVID economy Birmingham’s future looks brighter now that the threat of COVID-19 is subsiding. But the pandemic left deep holes in our community, from lost jobs and income to shuttered businesses—many of them small and minority-owned companies.
FROM A.G. GASTON TO WILLIE NELSON Page 3
From A.G. Gaston to Willie Nelson Discover the books, shows, and podcasts that are informing and inspiring alumni
PAGING THROUGH THE PAST Page 3
Paging Through the Past What were hot topics of discussion 27 years ago? Where did members visit, and whom did they meet? Let’s look back at a few memorable moments from the 1993-1994 directory: October 14: Education Day A session dedicated to education reform featured five school system superintendents; members of the city, county, and state boards of education; the president of the Alabama Education Association; principals; teachers; and a high school student. During dinner, Samuetta Nesbitt (’92), director of communication for the Birmingham Board of Education, presented the Principal of the Year award.
A PIVOT AND A PREVIEW Page 3
A Pivot and a Preview What does 2020-2021 hold for Leadership Birmingham? Of course, Leadership Birmingham isn’t immune to the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like every other organization, we have redirected our path forward to help protect health and safety.
IMPACT OF YLF Page 3
“I Can Wholeheartedly Say That Day Changed My Life” Elise Turner Stockman illuminates the impact of Youth Leadership Forum on her career and classroom Then: Sophomore, Leeds High School; Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) Class of 2013 Now: Third-grade teacher, Leeds Elementary School “I prepared for my YLF interview for weeks. My school counselor told me how great the program was and that it was selective.
FINDING HER VOICE Page 3
Finding Her Voice Andrea Smith reflects on the gift of perspective Andrea Smith (’12) recalls that her Leadership Birmingham group project was “all about preserving perspectives.” She and fellow members created a presentation in which they narrated stories from Birmingham’s civil rights movement. But many of the voices they featured weren’t the familiar ones from history books.
COVID’S CRITICAL DECISIONS Page 3
COVID’s Critical Decisions The unprecedented challenges of a pandemic have led to tough choices for many alumni. Mark Wilson (’13), Jefferson County’s health officer, and Bobbie Knight (’06), Miles College president, walk us through their most consequential decisions.
WISDOM AND LAUGHTER Page 3
Wisdom and Laughter Remembering Elise Penfield When Leadership Birmingham’s second executive director passed away in July, alumni recalled her passionate energy, high expectations, and ability to command a room and connect people. They also celebrated her warm smile, kindness and openness, and her quick wit.
WORDS WITH FRIENDS Page 3
Words with Friends Alumni continue a conversation about Birmingham’s challenges and opportunities A judge, a priest, a provost, a president, and a management consultant walk into a room. It sounds like the beginning of a funny story.