WOMEN IN FINANCE
Felicia Ludlum | Fi Plan Partners
FINDING BALANCE
Balance isn’t about perfection, but about being purposeful and present in each moment. Much of how I approach leadership and life was shaped by serving eight years in the military, where I learned discipline, accountability, and the importance of strong systems. Those lessons help me prioritize what matters most by setting clear priorities and leaning on a trusted support team at work and at home. I am grateful to have a career I truly love, while protecting space for the people and moments that matter most to me. Above all, being a wife and mother is at the heart of who I am. Making time for self-care and personal interests allows me to recharge, so I can show up with energy, purpose, and gratitude, both in my career and at home.
At Fi Plan Partners, our commitment to the community is rooted in genuine relationships and a desire to help people live a Better, Richer, Fuller® life. We believe that financial confidence creates stability and opportunity that extends far beyond the numbers. We also believe in supporting the causes and interests that matter most to our clients, which is why our team is proud to support local organizations and events such as BourbonHam, benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Glenwood, which empowers individuals with autism and behavioral health needs, March of Dimes, and much more. Giving back is one way we put our values into action and strengthen the communities we serve.
WOMEN IN LAW
Tabitha Dailey | Bodewell Legal Group
FINDING BALANCE
I try to be really intentional about my time by blocking my calendar, keeping a running priority list, and setting boundaries when I can, so work does not spill into everything. When it is a heavy week, I reset by spending time with my people and my dog, staying active, and getting outside for a bit.
At Bodewell Legal Group, our work is grounded in service—being responsive, communicating clearly, and standing strong for our clients when it matters most. We believe the legal process should feel accessible and transparent, so our clients feel confident and supported every step of the way. We are proud to serve Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi and remain engaged in our communities because the people here aren’t just clients, they’re neighbors.
WOMEN IN MENTAL HEALTH
Crystal Mullen-Johnson, LICSW-S, PIP, RPT™ | Strive Counseling Services & Nurture of Alabama
FINDING BALANCE
I prioritize worklife balance by exercising four mornings a week, practicing meditation, journaling, and intentionally spending quality time with family and friends. I practice strong boundary-setting by limiting television, ending my workday at 6 p.m., and turning on “Do Not Disturb” so I can fully disconnect, recharge, and protect my peace.
Strive Counseling Services, LLC is a therapeutic private practice located in downtown Birmingham, dedicated to meeting clients exactly where they are on their wellness journey. The practice thoughtfully tailors its services to address each individual’s presenting concerns and unique mental health needs, ensuring personalized, clientcentered care. Rooted in evidence-based practices, Strive’s mission is to deliver the highest quality mental health counseling while empowering individuals to build resilience and establish a strong foundation for a healthier, more balanced life.
Nurture of Alabama, Inc. is a mental health nonprofit organization committed to advancing mental wellness, prevention, and education across Alabama. Its mission is to cultivate healthier communities by increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to mental health resources—particularly in underserved populations. Through community events, educational workshops, and collaborative partnerships, Nurture of Alabama provides outreach and supportive programming designed to strengthen resilience and promote emotional well-being.
WOMEN IN AUTOMOTIVES
Ellen Coleman Alexander | Edwards Chevrolet / Honda
FINDING BALANCE
Balancing work and life can definitely get tricky in this industry, but I try to carve out time for myself and not let work get too overwhelming. Staying well-rounded is so important! For me, that means everything from maintaining my prayer life to spending time with family and friends. When you prioritize, it’s amazing how much you can fit into the day!
At Edwards Automotive, we’re passionate about giving back to our community! Each month, we support and donate towards a charitable organization (sometimes even more than one). We kick off the year with cancer-focused events like Art Blink and wrap up the year with our biggest celebration-the Sugar Plum Shop at Children’s Hospital. During this special event, over 300 children in the hospital during Christmas receive bicycles from us. It’s truly magical!
Throughout the year, we support more than a dozen other amazing organizations, including Restoration Academy, United Way, the Reed Foundation, Brother Bryan Mission, and many others. Helping our local community is something we feel deeply called to do, and we are honored to contribute in any way we can.
WOMEN IN LAW
Sara Williams | Singleton Schreiber
FINDING BALANCE
I let go of the pressure to achieve work/life balance because I realized it is a myth and an unrealistic goal for the profession I have chosen. The reality is there are going to be times as a busy professional wife and mother that my family needs more of my time, the reverse is true as well. I have been a lot happier after releasing myself from the expectation of being on a constant journey to achieve the unachievable.
At its core, Singleton Schreiber is driven by the belief that communities are strongest when people feel protected, empowered and supported. This core value was a huge motivating factor when I decided to join the firm in September of 2025. We are committed to providing fearless advocacy in the courtroom for people who have found themselves in their most vulnerable circumstances. Beyond the courtroom, our lawyers are active in various organizations including serving organizations that serve those who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries and supporting organizations that provide assistance and resources to women and children who are victims of abuse and trafficking. As our firm continues to grow, we are excited to continue expanding our support of local organizations.
WOMEN IN TRAVEL
MaryDee Snow | MaryDee Travel
FINDING BALANCE
I had a passion for travel before it became my business, so talking travel never really feels like work! I have developed an outstanding support team, and dedicated supplier network, that gives me the ability to shut my laptop, but still have my clients served. The biggest challenge is having clients who are friends, and we all text. I try to move work conversations to email to avoid losing travel directives through text.
Each year MaryDee Travel donates to outstanding local charity events like the Robert Reed Foundation, The Hope Gala and other worthy causes. MaryDee enjoys speaking to local groups about international travel and has been an active voice in the Birmingham Airport Travel Advisory meetings.
WOMEN IN PHOTOGRAPHY
Olivia Jones | Olivia Jones Photography
Olivia Jones | I am a local wedding and portrait photographer, born and raised in Birmingham, who absolutely loves making authentic connections within this community to provide a sense of peace and trust when working alongside my clients as co-creators. I believe when my clients truly trust me as their photographer with the telling of their perfectly imperfect life story, it allows them to fully embrace the moments we are documenting with arms wide open.
Whether it’s celebrating their dream wedding day, welcoming their newborn baby, or photographing a growing extended family, it genuinely fills my empathic heart with joy to capture each unique love story. One of my favorite parts of my job and my commitment to our community is the building of real, authentic, lasting relationships with my clients who I have the pleasure of serving year after year. When we started out photographing their wedding celebration, and now their growing children not only recognize me, but run to give me hugs… that is priceless to me.
FINDING BALANCE
Whew! That’s an ongoing challenge as a single mom to 3 young girls. I have found being a meticulous planner, knowing my worth, setting strict boundaries, and being very intentional with my time to ensure my family is cared for and my clients are satisfied is the best way to make the most of being both a mother and business owner! Sometimes we have to say “no” to good things in order to say “yes” to the right things, even for just a season.
WOMEN IN LAW
Lisha Graham | Graham Neal Seal & Bell, Law Partners
FINDING BALANCE
I’ve learned that work–life balance isn’t about splitting time evenly. It’s about understanding that some days work will win, and other days life will—and trusting yourself enough to offer grace instead of guilt.
Community involvement is integral to who we are at GNSB. As a law firm, we are committed to service beyond the courtroom and are proud to support local nonprofit organizations, including Libby’s Friends. Our attorneys also give back individually by serving on boards such as the YWCA and Legal Aid of Birmingham. In addition, they volunteer their time coaching local youth sports and supporting children’s ministries. We believe meaningful community engagement is an essential part of strengthening the community we proudly call home.
WOMEN IN FAMILY LAW
Julia Williams, Candace (Candi) Peeples, Sydney Hicks and Lauren Lock | Peeples Law
Peeples Law is a boutique practice dedicated to family law and assisted reproductive technology, areas that directly impact the foundation of our community… the family. Beyond our legal work, our attorneys are actively involved in civic, philanthropic, and professional organizations throughout Birmingham. We believe serving our community extends beyond the courtroom, and we are committed to using our time, talents, and resources to make a meaningful difference where we live and work.
FINDING BALANCE
Balancing work and home life in a litigation-focused family law practice requires intentionality. Family law is an inherently intense and emotional area of law. At Peeples Law, we are deeply committed to our clients, but we are equally committed to protecting time for our own families. I have learned over the years that balance is less about equal hours and more about clear priorities, strong systems, and protecting meaningful time outside the office. By building a team that shares our values and by being disciplined about boundaries, we are able to deliver exceptional representation while still being present at the moments that matter most.
WOMEN IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Kimberly Reynolds, Beth Moody, Greta Sandy, Isabella Blount, Callie Waldrop | The Welch Group
FINDING BALANCE
We balance work and life by leaning on each other as a team, sharing responsibilities, communicating early, and planning ahead. That support helps us stay fully present for clients and for each other, while also protecting our time outside the office.
The Welch Group’s commitment to the Birmingham community is personal because this is our home. It’s where our firm was founded, where we have built lasting relationships, and where we’ve had the privilege of serving our neighbors for more than forty years. Staying true to our founding mission, our team remains dedicated to helping individuals and families throughout the community navigate meaningful financial decisions with clarity, care, and steady guidance. We will also continue to prioritize serving and supporting local non-profit organizations whose work strengthens our community, expands opportunity, and meets real needs across our city, helping Birmingham thrive.
WOMEN IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Krista Conlin Robinson | KC Projects Public Relations
FINDING BALANCE
Balance is a moving target that’s rarely hit. Some days work takes more, some days life does. The key is being fully present where you are, enjoying the ride, and accepting the tradeoffs along the way.
At KC Projects Public Relations, our commitment to the community is at the heart of everything we do. We partner with a wide range of industries from hospitality and retail to healthcare and construction helping our clients not only tell their stories but also make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve.
We actively support charitable initiatives and communityfocused efforts, from organizing and promoting giveback,s to amplifying service campaigns and philanthropic projects. For us, community engagement isn’t just part of the work, it’s part of our mission. By combining strategic communications with a dedication to giving back, KC Projects ensures every campaign strengthens both the businesses we serve and the communities they call home.
WOMEN IN BEAUTY
Beth Doyle | The Collective
FINDING BALANCE
As a single parent and business owner, finding balance can be challenging. Building a strong leadership team has been invaluable. Having people I can rely on when I’m on mom duty is a relief.
The Collective Salon Salons are often a conduit in a community. I say we were social media before social media. Celebrating Birmingham and supporting local organizations has been a part of our mission from the beginning.
WOMEN IN INNOVATIVE HEALTHCARE
Lauren Akemon, Nichittha Pannala, Katherine Whitson, Chloe Byers, Bianca Crittenden, Casey Denson, Mary Elizabeth McCaffrey, Sandra Hobson, Lisa Bodiford | LLH Healthcare
LLH Healthcare is committed to supporting the Birmingham community and the State of Alabama by empowering companies with affordable, accessible healthcare resources. We partner locally with respected institutions such as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, UAB, and Children’s Hospital to advance health equity and provide educational initiatives that strengthen organizations and the broader community. Through these efforts, we aim to create lasting, positive impact and expand access to quality healthcare across the region.
WOMEN IN LAW
Jessica Kirk Drennan | Kirk Drennan Law
FINDING BALANCE
It really varies day-to-day based upon my obligations at home and at work. I calendar everything-even my personal time like working out, hair appointments, nail appointments, travel etc. and I do it all on the same calendar. I have learned that for me, if it isn’t on the calendar then it isn’t going to happen. I also have a hard stop each day and I do my best to protect that stop because it gives me a space to enjoy a nice dinner or relax with my family at the end of each day.
Kirk Drennan Law is actively involved in the Birmingham community. We frequently use other local businesses to dine, receive medical care, shop for special gifts or just go to the grocery store or pharmacy. We also make referrals to other professionals when needed. Recently, we had a lot of fun collecting children’s books for Better Basics. This is a giving community and we are proud to be a part of it.
