Yellowhammer News honors 2025 Class of Alabama ‘Women of Impact’

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July 30, 2025

YHN Media Group is proud to honor Alabama changemakers once again through the 2025 Women of Impact Awards.

Now in its seventh year, Women of Impact has become one of Alabama’s most anticipated celebrations of leadership, service, and transformative influence.

The award recognizes twenty extraordinary women from across business, government, nonprofit, and civic life. These women aren’t simply successful in their fields – they are reshaping them and bringing others along for the journey.

The AlabamaWomen.org website is dedicated solely to the awards. This “Hall of Fame” celebrates each year of the Women of Impact Awards and highlights each unique story for posterity.

Each honoree will be featured in a complete profile published throughout August and September, culminating in a formal ceremony in Birmingham that brings together leaders from every corner of the state.

YHN Media Group is also proud to present the Momma B Award once again: a lifetime achievement honor named in memory of Joann Bashinsky, celebrating one woman whose legacy has changed Alabama for generations to come.

The 2025 Momma B Award recognizes Governor Kay Ivey, a previous Woman of Impact honoree, for her service as the 54th Governor of Alabama.

Honorees in the 2025 Women of Impact class have been selected for their individual achievements and measurable impact to the businesses and communities they serve.

Congratulations to the 2025 Women of Impact:

Wendi Boyen: EVP, Community Development Lending & Investment, Regions Bank

Staci Brown Brooks: VP, Charitable Giving, Alabama Power Company

Beth Chapman: Beth Chapman & Associates, Former Alabama Secretary of State

Anusha Davis: VP, Retail, Crunkleton Commercial Real Estate

Caroleene Dobson: Shareholder, Maynard Nexsen, Candidate for Secretary of State

Susan Dubose: Alabama State Representative

Cindy Harris: VP, Emerging & Disruptive Technologies, Radiance Technologies

Erin Hollis: Attorney, Bradley

Betsy Holloway: VP, Advancement & Marketing, Samford University

Alice Lessmann: Veteran, Cepeda Systems CEO, City Council elect

Lee Marshall: Founder, Kids to Love

Melinda McGahee: Executive Director, Lovelady Center

Anna Laurie McKibbens: Corporate Counsel & Assistant Secretary, Bryant Bank

Eliza Maxwell: Founder, HomeRN

Alicia Ryan: CEO, LSINC Corporation & President, Foundation Board ASCTE

Margot Shaw: Editor-in-Chief, Flower Magazine

Charisse Stokes: President, Tidal IT Solutions & Executive Director, TechMGM

Sherry Sullivan: Mayor of Fairhope, President, Alabama League of Municipalities

Pam Swanner: President, Alabama Black Belt Adventures

Sara Beth Wilcox: VP, Division Manager, North Alabama, Brasfield & Gorrie

To our honorees: Congratulations. We are excited to honor you for your outstanding work and significant contributions to the state of Alabama.

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