FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Beasley, Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association
PHONE: 256.350.3500 / 800.648.5381
EMAIL: karen@northalabama.org
Alabama Women’s Commission Honors North Alabama Women of Impact at “Rise & Thrive: Celebrating Women’s Mentorship” Event
Montgomery, Ala. (April 7, 2026) – The Alabama Women’s Commission successfully hosted Rise & Thrive: Celebrating Women’s Mentorship on Tuesday at Alley Station in downtown Montgomery, bringing together women leaders, mentors and professionals from across the state for a morning of inspiration, connection and recognition.
As part of the program, two outstanding North Alabama leaders were honored as Women of Impact for their dedication to mentorship and community leadership. Pammie Jimmar, president/CEO of Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce, and Teresa Taylor of Good Culture Foundation were recognized for their meaningful contributions to empowering others and strengthening their communities through mentorship and service. Additional honorees were Cathy Wright, retired, board chair of Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham; Dr. Tonya Chestnut with the Alabama State Board of Education and Aaleia Freeman, resource development and marketing director for River Region United Way.
The event highlighted the importance of women supporting women across industries, including education, government, business, nonprofit leadership and rural communities. Attendees heard from a distinguished panel of Alabama leaders, including Natalie Kelly of Brasfield & Gorrie, Natasha McCrary of 1818 Farms, Alka Bhargav of the AUM Foundation and former Alabama Secretary of State Beth Chapman.
Keynote speaker Joyce Brooks delivered an inspiring address titled “Stepping Into a New Season: Non-Negotiable Peace,” encouraging attendees to embrace growth, resilience and leadership through every stage of life and career.
“Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways women support and uplift one another,” said Tami Reist, president/CEO of the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA). “Rise & Thrive celebrates the women across Alabama who are investing their time, wisdom and leadership into the next generation. Recognizing North Alabama leaders like Pammie Jimmar and Teresa Taylor reminds us of the lasting impact mentorship has on our communities.” AMLA was the keynote sponsor for the event.
About the Alabama Women’s Commission
The Alabama Women’s Commission works to advance the economic, civic, and social well-being of women across the state by identifying challenges, promoting opportunities and fostering collaboration among communities, organizations and policymakers. For more information, visit https://alwomenscommission.com/.
About Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association (AMLA)
The official destination marketing organization for Visit North Alabama, AMLA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and development of the $4.9 billion North Alabama travel industry within the 16 northernmost counties of the state. It is supported by 500-plus members consisting of chambers of commerce, convention & visitors bureaus, attractions, campgrounds, festivals, communities, golf courses, restaurants, accommodations and vendors. Counties included within the AMLA region are Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston. Additional information on North Alabama destinations, accommodations and special events is available by calling 800.648.5381, by visiting www.NorthAlabama.org and by following us on social media @VisitNorthAL.
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