Alabama Women Leading Government

Today, Alabama Women Leading Government pauses to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their sacrifice protects the freedoms that allow us to lead, serve, and uplift our communities across Alabama.

We are grateful for their courage, their legacy, and the families who carry their memory forward. May we continue to lead with the same commitment to service and integrity they exemplified.

We remember. We honor. We reflect.

It was an Honor to host these shining examples of women in leadership. Thank you for sharing your journey and insight with our membership.

Plan your experience
The Women Leading Government Conference is designed to deliver two powerful days of connection, learning, and leadership.
On May 13, we begin with a sophisticated reception at the Birmingham Museum of Art, an elevated networking experience where leaders, professionals, and changemakers come together in a refined setting to build meaningful connections and set the tone for what’s ahead.
On May 14, the experience transitions to the Boutwell Auditorium for a full-day conference focused on engagement, dialogue, and leadership development. From leadership labs to high-level conversations, the day is designed to inspire action and strengthen the voices shaping our communities.
This is more than an event; it's an experience built for impact.
Register Now
https://womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter/eventRegistration.jsp?event=1&

Meet Christine Roberts
We’re honored to welcome Christine Roberts as a keynote speaker at the Alabama Women Leading Government Conference on May 14.
As the CEO and Founder of Create Your Best Life, Christine brings powerful, actionable strategies designed to help women break barriers and elevate their leadership impact. Her session will inspire attendees to lead with confidence, purpose, and intention while embracing their full potential.
Get ready to be empowered, encouraged, and equipped for your next level of leadership. We can’t wait for you to experience this powerful conversation!

Meet Anna Nash
We’re honored to welcome Anna Nash as a keynote speaker at the Alabama Women Leading Government Conference on May 14.
As the author of Refreshing Hospitality: The Art of Welcoming, Anna brings powerful insight on how intentional hospitality can transform the way we lead, connect, and serve. Her message reminds us that creating meaningful connections isn’t just a skill—it’s a powerful approach to building stronger communities and more impactful leadership.
Get ready to be inspired, encouraged, and empowered through this impactful conversation. We can’t wait for you to meet Anna Nash!

Meet Yolanda Lawson, Mayor of the City of Pleasant Grove.
Mayor Lawson will serve as a panelist at the Alabama Women Leading in Government Conference, contributing her voice to conversations centered on leadership, service, and community impact. Mayor Lawson is the first black Female to hold this position as the mayor of Pleasant Grove. From 2018 to 2022, she served on the Continental Societies board, helping Black girls receive educational resources. From 2019 to 2021, Lawson was president of the neighborhood association.

In 2020, Lawson, who is married to Jefferson County Attorney Theo Lawson, became one of the first Black members elected to the Pleasant Grove city council in which she directed ARPA funds to schools, hosted free events for residents and facilitated clean ups around the city.
Attendees will benefit from her perspective on leading through challenges, building trust within a community, and making decisions that directly affect everyday life. Her experience brings valuable, real-world insight into the responsibilities and impact of local government leadership.

https://womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter/eventRegistration.jsp?event=1

Meet Ciara Smith, Mayor of the City of Anniston. Mayor Smith will serve as a panelist at the Alabama Women Leading in Government Conference, contributing her voice to conversations centered on leadership, service, and community impact. Mayor Smith began her career in public service at the age of 16 in the City of Anniston Finance Department, gaining early insight into local government operations. While in college, she expanded her political and civic experience through internships and programs. In November 2020, she was elected as the youngest-ever Councilmember and Vice Mayor of Anniston.

Building on that experience, she was elected Mayor in 2025, becoming the youngest and first African American to hold the office. Attendees will benefit from her perspective on leading through challenges, building trust within a community, and making decisions that directly affect everyday life. Her experience brings valuable, real-world insight into the responsibilities and impact of local government leadership.

https://womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter/eventRegistration.jsp?event=1&

Meet Graham Smith, Mayor of the City of Mountain Brook.
As a panelist for the Alabama Women Leading in Government Conference, Mayor Smith is the first female mayor of the city of Mountain Brook. Mayor Smith previously worked in the Office of Advancement for The University of Alabama and served as U.S. Senator Richard Shelby’s Legislative Director. She has served on a number of civic boards and, most recently, served on the Mountain Brook City Council prior to her mayoral election.
She brings a strong perspective on what it means to lead with intention at the local level. Through her experience, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how local leadership influences everyday life, from setting priorities to driving meaningful progress. Her insight will help shape conversations about effective leadership and its role in building strong, connected communities.

https://womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/womenleadinggovernmentalabamachapter/eventRegistration.jsp?event=1&

Help us CONGRATULATE one of our AWLG members!

📢 Share Your Good News with AWLG!

We love celebrating the achievements of women in local government! Whether it's a promotion, award, career milestone, or an exciting project, we want to hear about it.

📩 Send your good news to [email protected] or message us on Facebook! Let’s highlight the amazing work happening across our state!

In a unanimous vote, Anniston City Clerk Skyler Bass was appointed interim city manager Tuesday night to fill the vacancy that will be created when current City Manager Steven Folks retires in April. Bass will continue to serve as city clerk while taking on the interim role.

Read story here ---> https://www.annistonstar.com/news/anniston/skyler-bass-appointed-as-anniston-s-interim-city-manager/article_45874598-7394-4825-aed5-f24523a6c871.html