At Momentum, leadership is more than a personal goal—it’s a call to action. Across Alabama, women who have completed Momentum’s transformative leadership programs are stepping into elected office, serving on city councils, and even running for mayor. Momentum’s purpose and mission is to empower a diverse group of women to develop leadership skills that positively impact business, culture, and politics in Alabama, and we’re excited to highlight some of our alumnae who are putting that mission into action through public service.
Their stories reveal a deep passion for their communities, and the powerful influence of leadership development. By empowering women with tools, confidence, and networks, Momentum is actively changing the face of political leadership in Alabama. The women featured in this piece are a few of the many powerful voices among our alumnae. Momentum is proud to have many graduates serving in public office and civic leadership roles across Alabama, each making a lasting impact in their communities.
Inclusive Innovation and Fearless Leadership in Public Life: Tanveer Patel’s Bold Vision and Purpose
Tanveer Patel graduated from Momentum’s Birmingham Executive Class 7. Earlier this year, she announced her candidacy for Hoover’s City Council. She calls her Momentum experience the “game-changer” that helped influence her decision to run for office.
“Momentum’s leadership program was a game-changer. It forged me into a fearless leader, equipping me with the skills, confidence, and network to take on any challenge. Surrounded by trailblazing women, I learned that true leadership means listening fiercely, acting decisively, and uplifting others. Momentum’s focus on impact fueled my resolve to run for office. It taught me to lead not for applause but for purpose—to serve as a voice for the voiceless and a force for progress. That’s the energy I bring to this campaign and to Hoover’s future.”
Tanveer’s journey is rooted in her deep love for Hoover and a desire to create opportunity for all. As a tech entrepreneur and community advocate, she brings a dynamic, solutions-focused approach to public service—one driven by inclusivity, impact, and legacy-building. She encourages other women to move past self-limiting beliefs and seize the opportunity to serve:
“To every woman hesitating: you are unstoppable. Public service needs your courage, your vision, your heart. Don’t wait for permission—seize your moment. Start small: join a board, attend city meetings, or volunteer to understand the issues. Surround yourself with mentors who lift you up and push you forward. Leadership isn’t easy—it’s a battlefield of ideas and grit—but it’s where you’ll make history. Run toward the challenge, lead with authenticity, and never dim your light. The world is waiting for women like you to rewrite the rules and redefine power.”
Building a Stronger Community- Tracie Threadford’s Decision to Run For Mayor
Tracie Threadford is taking the next step in her public service journey by running for Mayor of Tarrant, Alabama. For nearly five years, she’s served as a city councilor there.
“I was inspired to pursue a leadership role in my community for various reasons. The desire to make a difference and improve the lives of those around me really drove me to step up. Passion for economic development, education, and the desire to provide resources to my neighborhood were powerful motivators. Community leadership provided opportunities for personal and professional growth, causing me to stretch and utilize my skills while at the same time helping me build new skills and gain confidence. A deep sense of belonging and connection to Tarrant inspired me to take on a leadership role. Additionally, seeing effective community leaders, such as my mother, encouraged me to follow in their footsteps and contribute in similar ways.”
Tracie shared that her experience in Momentum’s Upward program helped influence her decision to run for Mayor:
“My experiences with Momentum have played a significant role in shaping my decision to run for Mayor. Momentum’s leadership development programs for executive women and early-career women provided invaluable resources and support, creating a safe space of like-minded women who truly want to see each other succeed. The Upward program helped me increase my confidence, present my value, and learn essential leadership skills such as strategic thinking, effective communication, and community engagement. Additionally, Momentum’s network of mentors and peers offers a supportive environment where I can share ideas, gain insights, and receive encouragement. This combination of personal growth, skill development, and community support has inspired me to step up and serve my community in a leadership capacity, confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact.”
The Power of Servant Leadership and Confidence from Within – Khristi Driver’s City Council Experience
Khristi’s leadership story is one of long-term community investment and personal growth. From legal and civic boards to her current role on Hoover City Council, she has navigated the challenges of leadership with grit and grace. Momentum helped her grow the courage to lead authentically, especially in the face of criticism.
“I believe deeply in the responsibility of servant leadership as a core value, and as a result, I’ve been an engaged member of the local community for the past 25 years. As a lawyer in my early career, I began by taking on leadership roles in various committees of the local bar association for lawyers, including the Women Lawyers’ Section and the Entertainment Committee, and I was elected to the Birmingham Bar Association Executive Committee. I then had the opportunity to focus locally and serve on the Hoover City Schools Foundation board of directors, and as its President. I was a member of the Hoover Chamber Board of Directors and the President of the Hoover Downtown Redevelopment Authority before becoming a member of the Hoover City Council.”
As a member of our Birmingham Executive Class 22, Khristi said that Momentum came along at just the right time, when she had some big decisions to make. She shared that she stands ready to support any woman seeking public service or leadership roles through mentorship. In addition, she hopes more women will feel encouraged and empowered to seek office:
“You are more qualified that you realize, and others will bring you along in areas where you need help. Nobody is a perfect candidate or knows everything. It’s much more about having a good decision-making process and being inquisitive than any particular subject matter expertise.”
Answering the Call to Serve, One Step at a Time – Connie Spears’s Public Service Journey
Connie Spears, a Madison City Councilor, is an alumna of Huntsville Executive Class 1. She shared that her public service journey started with a simple suggestion from a teacher at the school where she was serving as PTA President. She suggested that Connie run for school board.
“When that teacher suggested that I apply for school board, I laughed and thought, ‘Who would appoint me? What qualifications do I have?’ It turns out I had quite a few qualifications and worked hard to learn the skills I didn’t have. There is no real training for becoming a school board member or city council member. It’s about learning on the job and being willing to put in the time and to do the best you can for the people you serve. From that one suggestion I began my 10 years of service on the City of Madison Board of Education and am now in my fifth year on the Madison City Council. Starting a new chapter is always scary, but you can do it.
Most people don’t grow up dreaming of serving on a school board or a city council, but if good people don’t step up, we are left with the people who are not serving for the right reason. Don’t ask, ‘Why me?,’ ask, ‘Why not me?’.”
Connie shared that while public service can be difficult, it’s also full of meaningful reward and lasting impact.
“Helping the citizens of our city is the most rewarding part of my job. Whether it is helping get a road improved, which helps with their daily commute or getting their garbage picked up, when it was missed or getting a pothole fixed, these things all improve the quality of life in our city. I enjoy being a part of that process.”
As we continue to invest in developing diverse women leaders, we’re not only transforming individuals—we’re transforming communities. Because when women lead, Alabama thrives.
If you’ve ever considered running for office, joining a board, or leading change in your community, let these women be your inspiration. The path to leadership may not always be easy—but you don’t have to walk it alone. At Momentum, we’re building that path together.
