Momentum is proud to announce the selection of Upward Huntsville Class One, with class sessions to begin next month. The inaugural Upward class for North Alabama consists of a diverse group of professionals representing various industries, including technology, health care, education, manufacturing and nonprofit organizations.
Upward Birmingham, Class Six
Since 2019, Momentum has successfully hosted six Upward classes in the Birmingham area, establishing a solid foundation for the program’s success with more than 360 graduates. Building on this achievement, Momentum is proud to expand into North Alabama. With two Huntsville Executive Classes completed, a third currently underway, and the inaugural Upward class on the horizon, Momentum has made a significant impact investment in North Alabama in just three years along with our partners.
The Upward program is designed to guide participants through a process of self-discovery, vision casting, action planning and access to a vast network of women leaders. The program year runs from February to October and is comprised of two cohorts of approximately 30 women each: one for early career and one for mid-career.
“Learning leadership skills early in their careers enables women to better negotiate, communicate, delegate and navigate the confluence of upward mobility with increasing life responsibilities.”- April Benetollo, CEO, Momentum
A survey of our last Upward class in Birmingham showed that 40% of participants experienced a promotion or upward mobility while they were still in the program and reported salary increases typically range between $15,000 to $20,000.
“The Upward program is not just about professional skills; it combines deep exploration of personal experiences, values and strengths to create alignment with professional goals and aspirations. The result is a ripple effect of leadership and innovation that will benefit organizations and communities.”- Amy Gandy, Director of Programs, North Alabama, Momentum
This diverse cohort of North Alabama women, selected through a rigorous application process, has showcased their determination, commitment to leadership excellence, and passion for paving the way for future generations of women in the workforce. Our team is already proud of these remarkable leaders, and we cannot wait to walk alongside them as they embark on this transformational journey.
The following participants make up the Upward Huntsville Class One:
- Ali Breland, Senior Property Manager, Colliers International
- Abigail Christopher, Project Engineer, Schoel
- Bhagyesha Darji, Commercial Real Estate Agent, NAI Chase
- Megan Dye, Client Service Associate, Longview Financial Advisors
- Sarah Katherine Edwards, Cyber Security Consultant, Deloitte
- Elizabeth Feick, Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banking Officer, ServisFirst Bank
- Erica Gattis, Manager of Annual Giving & Major Events, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology
- Sarah Hammond, Software Engineer, Torch Technologies
- Amanda Hicks, VP Sales Officer, Bank Independent
- Alisha Holman, Program Coordinator & Event Curator, United Women of Color
- Danielle Jordan, Seeking New Opportunities
- Sallie Keene Denton, Marketing Specialist, Wilson Lumber
- Alison Kniepkamp, Team Member Relations Specialist, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
- Anna Manning, Director of Events and Volunteers, Huntsville Hospital Foundation
- Anna Mitchell, Landscape Architect, Schoel
- Larissa Reich, Procurement Manager, Blue Halo
- Amy Roark, Team Lead Contracting Officer, Missile Defense Agency
- Elizabeth Salgado, Business Manager of Operations, Huntsville Hospital Heart Center
- Katelyn Sides Baker, Program Director, Leadership Greater Huntsville
- Shelby Smith, Senior Property Manager, COPT Defense Properties
- Whitney Swinney, Real Estate Partnerships Lead, Google Fiber
- Alex Williams, Tax Supervisor, Warren Averett, LLC
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