Montgomery, Alabama — The Alabama Women’s Commission will host Rise & Thrive: Celebrating Women’s Mentorship on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Alley Station in downtown Montgomery. The event will bring together women leaders, mentors, and professionals from across Alabama for a morning focused on leadership, mentorship, and connection.
Rise & Thrive celebrates women who are rising and thriving in their communities and professions, often working behind the scenes to mentor others and strengthen the next generation of leaders. The gathering will highlight the impact of women across multiple sectors, including education, government, business, nonprofit leadership, and rural communities.
The program will feature a panel discussion with distinguished Alabama women leaders, followed by a keynote address from Joyce Brooks, who will speak on “Stepping Into a New Season: Non-Negotiable Peace.” Her message will explore leadership, resilience, and how women continue to grow, mentor, and thrive through the transitions of life and career.
Panelists include:
● Natalie Kelly, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility, Brasfield & Gorrie
● Natasha McCrary, Founder of 1818 Farms and Amazon’s 2019 Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
● Alka Bhargav, Founder of the AUM Foundation and social entrepreneur active in Huntsville’s business and nonprofit communities
● Beth Chapman, former Alabama Secretary of State and State Auditor
“Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways women support and uplift one another,” said Rep. Barbara Drummond, Chair of the Alabama Women’s Commission. “Rise & Thrive celebrates the women across Alabama who are investing their time, wisdom, and leadership into the next generation. When women encourage and mentor one another, it strengthens our communities and expands opportunities for future leaders.”
The Alabama Women’s Commission also extends its appreciation to the North Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, the Keynote Sponsor for the event, for supporting this effort to highlight women’s leadership and mentorship across the state. In addition to the program, the event will provide time for networking and relationship building, encouraging attendees to bring a mentor or mentee and connect with women leaders from across Alabama.
Event Details
What: Rise & Thrive: Celebrating Women’s Mentorship
When: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 10 AM – 1 PM
Where: Alley Station, Montgomery, Alabama
Tickets are available for purchase at: https://alwomenscommission.com/rise-thrive/
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 about the Alabama Women’s Commission or the Rise & Thrive event, please contact [email protected].
If you have exciting news to share with the Central Alabama business community, send your press releases (and high-quality images) to [email protected].
