2020 has brought unprecedented challenges across every aspect of life and work worldwide. Incredible people have risen to the challenge—pivoting, reinventing, reimagining and working harder than ever before. Birmingham’s non-profit leaders transformed annual galas into virtual gatherings, transitioned runs into races for runners to complete on their own time, and innovated new ways to raise funds and provide services to those in need throughout the Magic City. We asked our nonprofit partners to nominate the volunteers who helped them get through this year. We are proud to spotlight some of the individuals who played integral roles as Birmingham’s 2020 Trailblazers.
Name: Brian Edwards
Work: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
Charity: The American Cancer Society (Central Alabama Board of Directors)
Motivation: I had a friend and mentor at work who helped me through a difficult time in my personal life. Later, he was diagnosed with cancer and eventually lost his battle. Just after his memorial, our company was contacted about an opening on the American Cancer Society’s Central Alabama Board of Directors and I volunteered.
What I Gained from 2020: Our organization raises money primarily through live events. When the pademic hit, our board members and staff partners immediately started working on alternatives to continue our mission in a challenging environment. The results exceeded our expectations. What struck me is how fortunate we are to have a diverse, creative, resourceful, and generous group of community leaders on our board of directors.
Check out all of our 2020 Trailblazers here!
