Alison Ritter has been a dedicated monthly donor to Momentum since 2023. With experience spanning higher education and banking, Alison has extensive expertise in the workforce. She has actively participated in our Mentor Matching program, serving as both a mentee and a mentor. Recently, she reflected on her experience in the program, highlighting the importance of investing in leadership and professional development for women, particularly in male-dominated industries.
“I believe investing in leadership and professional development is crucial, especially for women. Having a network to share success stories and support each other is invaluable. In male-dominated fields like banking and IT, it’s important to know how to navigate the room and make your voice heard.”
Alison became involved with Momentum after her sister, Abigail Morrow, presented at our 2020 conference. She considered herself a silent participant at the time but soon became involved with our programs.
Last year, Alison joined the mentoring program after being laid off, a challenging and uncertain time in her career. Seeking guidance, she connected with Embree Deason, who offered a valuable opportunity to expand her network in Birmingham and identify areas for personal growth. This fall, Alison transitioned to the role of mentor, giving back by supporting someone else on their career journey.
“Connecting with people outside of work through mentoring has been invaluable. As a mentee, Embree gave me fresh perspectives and guidance that helped me navigate the job market and make decisions, like choosing between offers.”
Alison deeply appreciates the mentoring program for its accessibility. The tailored program is made available free of charge, thanks to generous partners and donors. She feels it’s an incredible opportunity for Alabama women, and says she views her donation as a small but meaningful way to give back. Alison believes that even a modest contribution can help others experience their own “aha moment.” For her, it’s all about paying it forward—supporting the program in a simple, automatic way, knowing that her gift helps others benefit just as she did.
“To those considering donating, I’d say it’s money and time well invested- not just for yourself, but for others too. One of my mantras this year has been, ‘Invest in myself so I can give to others.’ It might seem trivial at first, but when you look at it, you’re investing in your own growth so you can lead better and create opportunities for others to do the same. It’s truly worth the investment.”
Alison often encourages her network to get involved with Momentum in any way they can. She greatly values events like our Leadership Conference and Impact Day, where women from across the state and beyond come together to learn and celebrate one another’s accomplishments. We are deeply grateful for Alison’s loyal support and look forward to seeing all she achieves as a leader, a mentor, and more.
