Yellowhammer News held its 6th annual Women of Impact Awards event at Florentine in Birmingham last month, honoring the extraordinary impact they have had on Alabama and its people in the government, business and nonprofit sectors. The 20 most influential women in Alabama were recognized.
This award recognizes Alabama women who have gained authority and power to transform their industries. They are respected leaders, advisors, mentors, servants, and advocates who empower others through the time they invest and the paths they blaze.
In addition to the 20 award recipients, we will present the 2024 Mama B Award, named in memory of Joan Basinski, a truly influential woman who left a legacy in community and business development in Alabama and beyond. This year's award was given to Eva Robertson. Receiver.
Robertson, vice president of community relations for the Protective Life Corporation and executive director of the Protective Life Foundation, is now retired from that position but remains committed to serving the state and those who are fortunate enough to meet her. He has never retired. She delivered a moving speech to the audience, summarizing the spirit of the award and the character of the Women of Impact campaign as a whole.
“This is very offensive to the people who laugh here. They know me and they know that I'm not afraid of public speaking. So I'm not alone. And I'm really uncomfortable here.
Robertson shared her deep gratitude to those closest to her and those who have invested in her and served alongside her along the way. She listed the names of people including her husband and her colleagues who are now taking over the reins at Protective Life.
“So this is a really awkward moment because I'm standing here alone. I have to say on behalf of the 4,000 people who imagine themselves here with me. What an honor. And to have you recognize the work. To have you recognize the impact. Thank you. And personally, I would like to come here and stand awkwardly alone and say that… I am humbled to have the opportunity to express my gratitude on behalf of my work.”
The 2024 winners included women from dynamic and influential industries and backgrounds. We published unique profiles of each honoree in advance of the event, which detail just a portion of the scope and scale of their influence, and the spirituality they bring to their careers of service. I hope I can get a glimpse of it.
From energy and education to health, law, media, politics, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and more, the group that gathered in Birmingham last month is a collection of the Yellowhammer State's outstanding figures and those who continue to make the state what it is today. did. The 2024 list included:
- Ashley Robinett: Vice President of Shared Services, Alabama Power Company
- Caroline Aderholt: Auburn University Board of Trustees
- Cynthia Crutchfield: Innovate Alabama CEO
- Janice Pride: SVP, Independent Bank
- Karen Brooks: University of Alabama Trustee, Pfeiffer Vice President and Treasurer
- LaFrieda Jordan: Chief External Affairs Officer, University of Alabama, Huntsville
- Linda Maynor: Managing Partner, Maynor and Stiers LLC
- Lisa Devine: Vice President, Weapon Systems Operations, Leidos Dynetics, Inc.
- Liz Fillmore: Chief of Staff to Governor Kay Ivey
- Liz Faro: Divorce.com Founder
- Liz Reed: Clearlee Inc. CEO and Founder
- Lora McClendon: PowerSouth Government Spokesperson
- Maeci Walker: Vice President, Chrisie Strategy Group
- Mary Andrews Carlisle: Vice President and CFO, Vulcan Materials
- Mary Pat Lawrence: Vice President of Government Affairs, Sheltered Living
- Laura Hall: State Representative
- Lee Halsey: State Representative
- Rocilyn Houston: BBVA Senior Vice President and Chief People and Culture Executive
- Sandy Hollinger: Tribal Council Member, Poarch Band of Creek Indians
- Tara Plimpton: Regional Chief Legal Officer
YHN Media Group, LLC is especially grateful to our event sponsors.
- Alabama Business Council
- Congressman Palmer
- Great Southern Wood Preservation
- Protective Life Co., Ltd.
- Creek Indians Porch Band
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
- University of Alabama System
- Alabama Women's Foundation
- Regional financial corporation
- kendra scott
- Alabama Association of Realtors
- spire energy
- independent from banks
Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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