Martina Winston

Servant Leadership: working community involvement into your work/life goals

Servant leadership hinges on leading with influence over leading with authority. One great way to train your servant leadership muscle is through community involvement. Join one of Birmingham’s most highly-scheduled professionals to learn how servant leadership and community involvement are related, and how you too can work service into your hectic schedule.

About Martina

Martina Winston is an energetic, passionate people and community leader with over 20 years of experience. As Vice President and Head of Talent and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Protective Life for almost 10 years, Martina spends her time leading the talent acquisition team seeking to find the best, diverse talent for Protective to help deliver on strategic goals and initiatives. In addition, Martina leads the diversity, equity and inclusion work efforts committing to create an inclusive environment where all teammates can be successful and thrive. While also managing global talent programs in partnership with Protective’s parent, Dai-ichi Life based in Tokyo, Japan.

Not only is Martina passionate about her work, but she is also extremely engaged with her community. She has volunteered with organizations like the Junior League of Birmingham and is currently the Immediate Past 101st President, Childcare Resources, Collat Jewish Family Services, Baptist Health Foundation, 2020 United Way of Central AL Shelby County Community Chair, Past Pelham High School Cheer & Basketball Booster Vice President, Past Pelham Parks & Rec Football and Cheer Board, City of Pelham Personnel Board Committee Member, Leadership Shelby County Class of 2020, Member of the Leadership Shelby County Alumni Board and the Shelby County Arts Council Board of Directors. Serving others gives Martina energy and she believes this is a part of her purpose.

Martina has been recognized for her servant leadership and community efforts over the years – 2015 Junior League of Birmingham Women to Watch, 2020 Birmingham Business Journal Women to Watch, 2021 Shelby County Citizen of the Year, 2022 Dai-ichi Life Way Award Recipient, the 2022 Alabama Parks and Recreation District III and State of Alabama Community Service Award Recipient and most recently named a 2023 BADD Women of Birmingham.

Martina is a Southside of Chicago native living in Pelham, AL with her husband Corey and two children Jada (19) college freshman and cheerleader at the University of North Alabama and Jordan (16) high school Sophomore at Pelham High School with their dog Barkley Snow and cat Mittens Tide. When Martina isn’t working or serving her community, she enjoys cheering on her Pelham Panthers, The Alabama Crimson Tide, now the UNA Lions and exploring the world with her family and friends.