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I’m incredibly grateful that working at Flourish has opened the door to many wonderful professional growth opportunities. Most recently, I was accepted into the Connect 27 class with Leadership Greater Huntsville. If you haven’t heard of Connect or Leadership Greater Huntsville, they are powerful programs designed to help industry professionals grow as leaders. These programs empower participants with connections to their community and inspire them to give back, strengthening Huntsville through unified efforts.

AUGUST

Day 1: Kicking Off in Downtown Huntsville

We started our journey downtown at the Embassy Suites, where we dove into enriching conversations with alumni of the Leadership Greater Huntsville program. The morning featured an inspiring talk from their new CEO, Christie Finley, and a hands-on DiSC workshop with Flourish friend, Lana Barshinger. We participated in several activities that created fast bonding between our group members, helping us form connections that will be vital throughout the program.

After lunch, we were assigned to small groups to work on service projects for local organizations. My group’s project is with The Caring Link, an organization that provides care closets in schools for children in need. These closets are stocked with donated clothing, snacks, and essential items to help students with disadvantages succeed alongside their peers. Our main task will be helping The Caring Link build a new care closet at Blossomwood Elementary later this month. I can’t wait to see how our team can help them with their mission!

Later, we split into small groups and were handed a mysterious envelope. The clues inside sent us on a downtown scavenger hunt, exploring the historic charm of Huntsville. We took selfies with colorful murals and historic landmarks, learning more about the city we call home.

Day 2: Team Bonding at Shocco Springs

On the second day, we loaded onto a bus and set off to Shocco Springs, a beautiful campground in Talladega, Alabama. The day began with a workshop on handling difficult conversations. It was eye-opening to see how much we share in common, even within such a diverse group, and how much we can grow by embracing our differences.

After lunch, we headed to the lake for some hands-on teamwork. Our challenge was to build a foam board airplane and launch it off a three-story waterslide! Finding out we had two of the four engineers in the program on our team, I thought we had this competition in the bag. However, despite our efforts, our plane flew the second-shortest distance. But the project highlighted something more important: everyone on our team contributed, jumped in when they had ideas and handed over tools when someone else was ready to take a turn. We cheered each other on, and though our plane didn’t win, we had a great time cheering each other on and strengthening our bond as a group.

Advice That Stuck With Me

Before starting my Connect journey, I received two pieces of advice. The first is to be open to everything this program offers. There’s so much to learn, and having an open mind will allow me to grow in ways I never expected. The second is to sit next to someone different on the bus each time. Apparently, there’s going to be a lot of bus riding! Even though I had a few people I knew on the bus I might’ve been more comfortable to sit with, I challenged myself to branch out and meet new people. Knowing they are also here to make these connections and having participated in the bonding exercises (I’ll leave them mysterious, so I don’t spoil the surprise if any reader wants to join Connect in the future) made it easy to reach out and start a conversation with someone I haven’t spoken to yet. I’m looking forward to continuing to build these relationships.

I’m already excited for our next program day, where we’ll be touring locations at Redstone Arsenal for Local Economic Development Day. Stay tuned for more updates from my leadership journey!

SEPTEMBER – LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Starting the Day at Redstone Arsenal

Our first program day! I was so excited to really dive into the learning portion of Leadership. We met early in the morning at the Huntsville Ice Complex. After some mingling in the parking lot, we boarded the bus and traveled to Redstone Arsenal.

Upon arriving at Axient, we were greeted with one of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had (shout out to Shaggy’s!). Command Sergeant Major Dylan Lemasters then explained the history of Redstone Arsenal, its impact on Huntsville’s development, and its importance to our community. It’s wild to see pictures of this area as just empty crop fields!

Next, we hopped back on the bus and traveled to the PIF (Project Integration Facility), where they quickly create prototypes for government contracting companies to fail fast and learn what improvements to make on an accelerated schedule. It was a great tour, showcasing various parts made for helicopters and their process for producing these items quickly and efficiently.

Back on the bus (I’m telling you now, there’s a lot of “bus” time in Leadership! But it’s a great opportunity for one-on-one conversations with new people each time!) we traveled to the HOSC, the Huntsville Operations Support Center. There, we got an inside look at the operations center, where they communicate directly with astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), guiding them through conducting experiments and tests sent to the ISS.

Curling, Panels and Roundtables

Then it was back to the Huntsville Ice Complex, where the Huntsville Curling Club taught us to curl! What a fun sport—much more athletic than I first thought when I saw it in the Olympics! We worked up a sweat gliding down the ice.

We followed this with a great panel featuring our tri-county area’s economic developers. They spoke passionately about their commitment to the development of Madison, Limestone, and Morgan counties. Instead of competing heavily against each other, they collaborate to attract industries and businesses to the area, all with the goal of improving the future of our region while preserving its history.

Afterward, we had a roundtable discussion with representatives from the developers of Town Madison, Clift Farm, MidCity District, and Bridge Street. They discussed improvements coming to those areas and listened to our thoughts on how those properties are thriving and where they can improve.

With all of these improvements and thriving industries in the Greater Huntsville area, you might wonder if there are any areas of concern. Our next discussion brought to light the impacts of this rapid growth and the issues that can arise. These challenges are significant, but Huntsville has systems in place to address them as they emerge. Organizations like the Huntsville Housing Authority, Public Transit, Huntsville Port Authority, and TOOTRiS are working hard to solve problems related to housing, bus schedules, airport travel, and childcare. They have excellent plans in place, and I hope we as a community can recognize that with growth comes challenges. We must do our part to help these organizations achieve their goals and be patient with our city leaders as they work to solve these issues.

What I Learned

Over the last several years, I’ve been encouraged and excited by the growth of Huntsville, Alabama! It’s wonderful to see people so interested in our area and to showcase the significant impact this big little town with southern charm can have on the world. We must understand that with great improvement comes great challenges, but we are strong and smart enough to learn from the world around us and provide solutions. As we all work together, we can make this city the best place to live!

OCTOBER – PUBLIC SAFETY DAY

Eager to begin at Hsv. Police & Fire Academy

I was SO EXCITED for Public Safety Day! Seeing my Flourish teammates Megan, Nicole, and Merritt go through this program over the past three years has been inspiring, but what looked like the most fun to me was getting a look inside our public safety system! Seeing the challenges these professionals face daily is truly inspiring. The efforts and planning they put into keeping our community safe are above and beyond, and I’m so grateful for their service every day.

Public Safety Day

We began our day at the Huntsville Police and Fire Academy with a delicious breakfast while catching up with our small groups about our service project (I’ll dive deeper into our small group project with The Caring Link later!). Our education for the day started with the Fire Department. Three firefighter recruiters gave us an overview of the expectations placed on our firefighters and what their day could look like. They took us on a tour of the training facilities, which included two towers of stairs, obstacle courses with joists to crawl over, weights to sledgehammer, weighted ropes to pull, and several types of fires to test their ability to think quickly while conserving energy and oxygen in their tanks. We also toured Pete’s Playhouse—which is not the fun treehouse it might sound like!

Short Trip to the 911 Facility

There was only one bus trip today, and it was a short one! However, I still managed to have some good conversations with new friends. We traveled to the Madison County 911 Center, where we heard from dispatchers about their daily schedules. We toured their facility, where they spend long 12+ hour shifts, complete with a huge kitchen, lounge, exercise room, and a quiet room. It’s wonderful to hear about the attention the facility pays to the mental health of its employees and the precautions and support they provide to the dispatchers. A dispatcher shared some of the calls they’ve received. While some, in retrospect, were funny—like children accidentally calling or other forms of miscommunication—others were extremely sad, hysterical, and involved people in mental crises. I can understand why a dispatcher might need some cool-down time after particularly harrowing calls.

Integrity in All You Do

Back at the Academy, after a much-needed lunch break, we heard from Chairman Mac McCutcheon, who spoke about the integrity a leader must carry at all times. He shared that to live a happy and fulfilling life, one should always strive to make things better, whether that’s for their family, their community, or themselves. Never settle; always strive for improvement.

Leaders from the National Children’s Advocacy Center, Crisis Services of North Alabama, and the Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council shared their commitment to connecting citizens with public safety leaders. These organizations help people experiencing crises reconnect with the community, form better relationships with their families and public servants, and overcome the stigma surrounding their situations.

Training with the HPD

We spent the rest of the afternoon with different factions of the police department. We heard from the SWAT team and got the chance to see the inside of a SWAT vehicle. An officer from STAC (Huntsville’s Strategic Counterdrug Team) discussed legal strategies for catching criminals and deterring their continued crimes. We then entered the VirTra octagon—a simulation system used to practice interactions in real-life crisis scenarios. Finally, we spoke with a patrol officer duo who educated us about “routine” traffic stops (hint: there are no “routine” stops—each one is a new experience for officers). I appreciated this educational moment, which fostered greater understanding between citizens and officers. The officers stressed the importance of cooperation during high-stress situations. As one officer said, “We have days, weeks, months, even years to process how we both reacted to the situation. Let’s all cooperate to make it to those following days.”

Our final stop was the K-9 unit. We learned about the different dogs with specialized abilities—ranging from drug-sniffing and apprehension to bomb detection. My favorite was a bomb-sniffing dog who looked like a black version of my own Lab! These animals are incredibly well-trained, and the officers who work with them are highly skilled in handling them with care and precision.

Exhausted but Exhilarated 

I was exhausted at the end of this jam-packed day, but it was well worth it! Here are a few key takeaways:

  • Integrity: How can I make Huntsville a better place? How can I improve my neighborhood, my community, or myself? I want to always strive to leave things better than I found them.

NOVEMBER – LOCAL GOVERNMENT

I’ve never had much interest in politics. I did well in high school learning the structure of our United States government, but beyond that, my focus has always leaned toward other topics. This day with our Connect class (C-27 Best Class Ever!) gave me a new perspective and lifted my hopes for our local government. It was exciting to hear from local leaders about their daily responsibilities and how the community can play a greater role in shaping our city.

The New City Hall

How gorgeous! The new city hall is stunning—high ceilings, beautiful art, pristine lighting—everything feels so clean and polished. We began in the city council chambers with a quick huddle to set the stage for the day. From mayors to city council members to state representatives, we were in for an incredible lineup of speakers.

We kicked off with the mayors of neighboring cities: Leigh Dollar (Guntersville), Ronnie Marks (Athens), and Jim McCamy (Scottsboro). They shared a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a mayor—the challenges, the rewards, and how even a simple grocery trip can turn into an hour-long conversation. It was a good reminder that leadership comes with both praise and criticism, and we can support our leaders while also holding them accountable to move our communities forward.

Next, Lana Barshinger, a great friend of Flourish, walked us through our DiSC personality results. Lana is an expert in DiSC and other personality-based communication tools, and she gave an engaging presentation on how understanding ourselves can improve how we communicate with teams and communities to achieve better results.

Mayor Paul Finley of Madison City brought his signature energy and enthusiasm to the room. Building on Lana’s discussion, he emphasized the importance of understanding others’ communication styles and how that can lead to stronger leadership and collaboration. Mayor Finley also shared exciting updates about upcoming traffic improvements in Madison, which had all of us intrigued!

Budgeting and State Representation

Huntsville’s City Manager, John Hamilton, and Financial Director, Penny Smith, gave us a behind-the-scenes look at city budgeting. They explained how decisions are made and priorities set to ensure the city’s funds are used effectively. It was eye-opening to see how much careful planning goes into every dollar spent.

After a much-needed stretch and a delicious lunch at Beezr, we returned to hear from State Representatives Anthony Daniels and James Lomax. Despite being from opposing parties, they displayed genuine friendship and shared a commitment to improving Huntsville and Alabama. They discussed the importance of collaboration over conflict and encouraged us to seek unbiased information rather than relying solely on media portrayals. Their message was clear: Do your own research and draw your own conclusions.

City Council Simulation

Back in the council chambers, we participated in a fun and insightful city council simulation led by David Little and Dr. Jennie Robinson of the Huntsville City Council. Each group received a proposed city budget, elected a “mayor,” and debated funding priorities. Our group’s spirited discussions about Arts and Entertainment versus services for children and the homeless underscored the complexity of leadership decisions. Presenting our choices to the “townspeople” (played hilariously by our council leaders) highlighted just how hard it is to please everyone while striving for what’s best for the community.

Closing Discussions

We wrapped up the day with roundtable discussions featuring leaders from parks and recreation, the city attorney’s office, and county commissioners. They covered everything from road maintenance to park improvements to city legal matters. It was fascinating to learn how many moving pieces it takes to keep our community running smoothly.

This day was truly eye-opening. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the teamwork and dedication required to lead a city. Seeing our leaders approach their work with so much passion and care left me inspired and hopeful. This day sparked a new interest in government decisions—one I’ve never experienced before.

 

DECEMBER – HEALTH AND WELLNESS DAY

Starting the Day Strong

My favorite way to start my day is with a 6:15 am class at OrangeTheory Fitness in Madison (shout-out to OTF Madtown!). This invigorating workout always sets the tone for my day. As someone who’s pretty into fitness, I was especially excited for Health and Wellness Day with Leadership. Typically, I skip my OTF class on Leadership days because these days are a workout themselves—I’m completely wiped out by the end! On this day, we had the option to choose from a few activities including light yoga, meditation, recovery, or pickleball. I chose “light circuit training,” which turned out to be a session at Regymen Fitness. This circuit training gym offered far more equipment than I’m used to, and our group of six went all in. By the end, I was sweaty but thrilled. I loved it!

Food as Medicine

From there, we headed to the Regions Center in downtown Huntsville, where Radhika Kakani spoke to us about food as medicine. She highlighted the nutritious properties of different foods and how consistency in our diet impacts our overall wellness. Her personal anecdotes and research connections made the presentation engaging and practical.

A Visit to Wellstone

Next, we visited Wellstone, Inc., where Daelyn Houser, a former Connect participant, gave us a historical overview of the organization. She shared the origins of Wellstone, its name inspired by the Hotel Monte Sano’s history as a health retreat in the 1800s, and the evolution of mental health care in Alabama. While the beginnings were bleak, Wellstone has become a beacon of hope, providing critical services for children and adults in our community.

Terre Stewart and Paula Steele, both directors within Wellstone, expanded on the services offered. Terre, overseeing the Adult Division, shared various programs designed to help adults overcome a range of challenges. She also provided practical self-care tips for managing stress in the moment. Paula, who leads emergency services, gave us a virtual tour of the new Pediatric Crisis Center. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to helping youth in crisis, offering professional care to support them through difficult times.

Healthcare Panel Discussion

After a quick and delicious lunch provided by Hound and Harvest, we were back on the bus and headed to Huntsville Hospital. Here, we participated in a panel discussion featuring Dr. Caleb Mason (Osteopathic Physician, Premier Family Care), Dr. Tiffany Kennedy (CEO, Nesin Physical Therapy), and Ann Hatfield (Physician Assistant, Clearview Cancer Institute). These professionals shared their frustrations with the current healthcare system while emphasizing their commitment to patient care. They discussed navigating costs and insurance while striving to provide the best treatments. They also stressed the importance of regular wellness visits to establish a health baseline, rather than only visiting doctors when sick.

Touring Huntsville Hospital

Next, we toured the hospital, and I was fortunate to join the group exploring the NICU and Pediatric Hospital. It was inspiring to see the extraordinary care provided to the tiniest patients. We sanitized our hands and quietly observed the NICU, where each unit was designed to resemble a home, symbolizing the hope that these babies would soon join their families. Our final stop was to view the NICU Miracle Tree wall display dedicated to the babies who’ve passed through the unit, a leaf for “in honor of” and a butterfly for “in memory.”

On our way to the new Pediatric ER, we had the opportunity to explore the Pediatric Ambulance, a vital resource that transports children to receive the best possible care. The ER itself was thoughtfully designed to comfort children during frightening moments.

A highlight of the tour was meeting Asteroid, a golden retriever in the Coping Canines program. Asteroid visits children’s rooms, demonstrating how to wear oxygen masks and taking “medicine” to help calm nervous patients. Along with her brother Orbit, she’s a beloved part of the hospital’s care team.

We also saw the ER’s operating room, equipped with tools and machines ready for any emergency. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable, making the tour both informative and reassuring. Seeing the NICU, Milk Lab, Pediatric Ambulance, and Canines for Coping program left me confident that our children are in excellent hands at this hospital.

Key Takeaway: Prevention

The theme of the day was clear: Prevention is the cornerstone of health and wellness. By consistently treating our bodies well, we can avoid many health issues. However, it was also comforting to know that if the need arises, our local healthcare providers are prepared, compassionate, and top-notch.

JANUARY – DEI DAY

Our January Connect Day centered on the theme of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the added idea of Belonging. Hosted at Parry Labs, the day was thoughtfully designed to be engaging and impactful, changing my initial thoughts that staying in one room might lead to monotony. Instead, the Leadership Greater Huntsville (LGH) team curated an incredible experience full of meaningful learning, lively discussion, and heartfelt connection.

Starting the Day with Purpose

We began the morning with breakfast and connecting with our small groups. Our group discussed final touches to our project for The Caring Link, reflecting on the joy of building a foster closet at Blossomwood Elementary and organizing medical kits and snack packs for classrooms. These moments reminded me why this program holds such value—not just for us as participants but for the communities we serve.

Framing the day was Flourish’s friend and my bestie, Nicole Boonin. She and the LGH day team guided us with intention, giving us a preview of the topics we’d tackle and a promise of some fun surprises. From the outset, the day felt both purposeful and filled with anticipation.

Understanding Bias with Dr. Electa Gilchrist-Petty

Dr. Electa Gilchrist-Petty from UAH delivered the day’s first lecture, opening our eyes to the presence of biases in all of us. She skillfully explained how biases form and offered tools for recognizing and moving beyond them. Her thoughtful presentation set the tone for the day, emphasizing the importance of fostering respect and uplifting one another in our shared spaces.

Exploring Legislation with Zach Roberson

Zach Roberson of Bishop Colvin Law Firm provided a look into the 2024 Alabama Act 34 Law, sharing its implications and the varied reactions it has prompted across the state. His expertise brought clarity to complex legal frameworks and laid the groundwork for further conversations on Education Day in February.

A Sweet Midday Treat

Lunch took an unexpectedly delightful turn with the arrival of A Little Something Extra ice cream truck. While we indulged in sweet treats like ice cream sandwiches and rocket pops, we heard from Mark and Jake York, the inspiring duo behind the truck. Their mission to provide training, employment, and social opportunities for individuals with disabilities was both heartwarming and empowering.

Panels That Made an Impact

The afternoon featured two powerful panels, each bringing unique perspectives on DEI:

  • Perspectives in DEI Panel: Moderated by Flourish friend Taralyn Caudle, this panel tackled practical applications of DEI in the workplace. Topics ranged from crafting inclusive job descriptions to local government initiatives supporting DEI efforts. The discussions were rich with actionable insights.
  • How Can I Get Involved in DEI? This panel was my personal favorite. The speakers weren’t specialists in government or policy but individuals who had embraced inclusion in everyday life. Their heartfelt stories resonated deeply, offering laughter, inspiration, and even a few tears. The emotional authenticity of this session left a lasting impression on me and my classmates.

A Focus on Persons with Disabilities

The day concluded with an interactive session centered on understanding the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. Representatives from the blind, deaf, and autistic communities, along with those addressing mobility disabilities, shared their experiences and perspectives. We were given tools like learning shades, canes, and communication aids, and immersed in scenarios that illuminated the everyday hurdles they navigate.

One powerful exercise had us imagine dining out with a nonverbal friend who has food allergies, highlighting the barriers in communication. Another simulated moving through a crowded concert venue with limited mobility. Through these activities, we gained practical insights and empathy, along with actionable ways to make our community more inclusive and accessible.

Reflecting and Moving Forward

We ended the day with a debrief, reflecting on what we learned and discussing how to apply these lessons as leaders in Huntsville. For me, this day was a reminder to treat everyone with dignity, respect, and kindness. I left inspired to build a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, inclusion, and safety.

I’m grateful for this day and the tools it gave me to be a better leader and neighbor. As I move forward, I’m committed to uplifting those around me and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

FEBRUARY – EDUCATION DAY

Our Education Program Day challenged us to “explore the challenges and successes within our educational systems, fostering a deeper understanding of how to support and advance equitable and innovative learning opportunities for all students.” While the morning began with unexpected snowfall and canceled school tours, the rest of the day—and the rescheduled visit—proved just how resilient and inspiring our local education system truly is.

We kicked off the day at Calhoun Community College, a campus that holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I started my own college journey (just a few wink years ago), so returning there was like stepping back in time. President Dr. Jimmy Hodges welcomed us and spoke passionately about Calhoun’s support for Leadership Greater Huntsville. He even led us in a lively chant of “Go Warhawks!”—which brought me right back to my days as a campus ambassador, leading tours for prospective students and their families.

Making Cents of School District Finances

Our first panel, moderated by Christie Finley (L-35), gave us a crash course in school funding—an essential but complex topic. We heard from:

  • Dr. Brandon Payne, Executive Director, National Council of School Facilities
  • Andy Craig, Retired CFO, Huntsville City Schools
  • LaVerne Williams (L-37), CFO, Madison City Schools

They painted a clear picture of the roadblocks school districts face when trying to do what’s best for students. It was eye-opening to learn how many hoops our schools must jump through just to secure the resources students deserve. Despite these obstacles, it’s inspiring to see the commitment and creativity these leaders use to meet their schools’ needs.

We also carved out time to meet with our project groups—ours is nearly complete! We’ve finished most of our service work and are now putting together our presentation. Things are coming together beautifully.

Understanding the Desegregation Order

Next up, we dove into one of the most sobering topics of the day: Alabama’s still-active school desegregation orders. Attorneys Zach Roberson (C-25) and Chris Pape (L-35, C-18) from Bishop Brooks Law Firm helped us unpack what “unitary status” means and why so many school systems are still working toward it in 2025.

It was eye-opening to realize that the challenges today don’t stem from resistance to equality, but rather the logistical, financial, and legal hurdles involved in meeting the necessary standards. From balancing student demographics and transportation to ensuring equal access to extracurriculars, the task is monumental—and often underfunded. COVID also created setbacks in some of the data schools must present to prove progress. These attorneys are doing meaningful work behind the scenes to advocate for fair and equitable education.

Getting Involved: Roundtable Conversations

Our final panel, “How Can I Get Involved in our Education System?” gave us the chance to hear directly from leaders of local education-based organizations:

  • Alison Kling (L-36), Free2Teach
  • Caroline King (C-26), Huntsville City Schools
  • Jeanne Greer (L-38), The Schools Foundation
  • Kate O’Neal, The Caring Link

Each of these groups plays a vital role in closing the gaps for our students and teachers—from providing free classroom supplies to supporting students in poverty. I especially loved hearing from Kate, since our class project supports The Caring Link! We’re building a foster closet at Blossomwood Elementary and creating snack boxes for teachers to hand out to students in need. It’s been such a joy to work with Kate and see firsthand how small efforts can make a big impact.

Snow Day Bonus: Rescheduled School Tours

After Education Day ended, many of us expressed interest in rescheduling the canceled school tours—and thanks to the wonderful Christie Finley ( a SheBoss of course!), we did just that!

We visited Grissom High School and Jones Valley Elementary School, and both experiences blew me away.

Grissom felt more like a junior college or tech institute than a typical high school. Students there can begin specialized training as early as their sophomore year in fields like nursing, manufacturing, 3D printing, theater, and more. The school even accommodates students from other campuses via bus routes—a testament to their commitment to accessible, high-quality education. We also learned that many of these programs will be centralized soon in a citywide technical center, making them even more accessible across the district. I couldn’t help but think—where was this when I was in high school?!

Jones Valley Elementary was just as heartwarming. Nestled in the mountains, it had a stunning view and an even more beautiful energy. The principal knew each child by name and had special handshakes and waves with different grades. It was obvious how deeply she cared for her students and how safe and supported they felt walking those halls. Watching them light up as they passed her was a highlight of the entire experience.

Final Reflections

Education Day was one of the most impactful Connect sessions yet. I walked away with a greater understanding of how our schools function, how our leaders fight for equity, and—most importantly—how we can help. From policy to pencil boxes, there are so many ways to support the future leaders sitting in our local classrooms. I’m grateful for this inside look at our education system and inspired to do my part to keep it moving forward.

MARCH – HUMAN SERVICES DAY

Program Day Purpose

Facilitate the opportunity to understand the community through the lens of nonprofit offerings and access to the underserved population — while considering what these services mean to those facing barriers to employment, education, and physical, mental, and financial wellness.

Where We Started

We kicked off the day at Downtown Rescue Mission (DRM) — a fitting and powerful setting for Human Services Day.

Our day team framed up the experience ahead: we’d spend time learning from nonprofits doing critical work in our community, getting our hands a little dirty in service with them, and walking away with a better understanding of the daily challenges they face.

Nonprofit Panel: Serving Our Community

We started the morning with a panel featuring three powerhouse nonprofit leaders:

  • Lisa Mays, CEO, The Catalyst Center
  • Robin Soprano, Vice President, Space Camp
  • Lee Marshall, Founder/CEO, Kids to Love

Each of them shared about their organization’s mission, their audience, and the unique challenges they face when serving people in need.

→ Lisa shared how The Catalyst Center supports entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them navigate and grow their ventures.

→ Robin reminded us that Space Camp is more than just rockets — it’s a place that builds leadership skills, teamwork, and lifelong confidence in kids from all over the world.

→ And of course, Lee Marshall (the only person to be featured twice on SheBoss — making her a certified SheBoss Hall of Famer) shared the heart of the Kids to Love Foundation, providing foster children with love, resources, and a chance at a better future.

Getting to Work: Three Tails Resale

After our panel, we split up to volunteer with nonprofits across the city. I had the privilege of spending the morning at Three Tails Resale, the thrift store benefiting the Greater Huntsville Humane Society.

We sorted clothing donations, hung items for the sales floor, and learned how even items beyond repair are repurposed through partnerships with Christmas Charities Year Round. Nothing goes to waste — every donation finds a home or purpose.

Every sale at Three Tails helps provide care for animals waiting for their forever homes. It felt good to be a tiny part of that mission for a morning.

Touring the Downtown Rescue Mission

We regrouped at Downtown Rescue Mission for lunch (and some catch-up about our upcoming project presentations — how is it already almost over?!).

Afterwards, we toured their facilities and learned just how much this organization provides beyond shelter. Thanks to their donors and partners, DRM offers:

  • Daily meals
  • Emergency services
  • Life transformation programs
  • Medical clinics
  • Community outreach

Walking the halls of DRM, hearing the stories of those who had completed their programs and were now employed there helping others — it was incredibly humbling. This is a place built on second chances.

The Power of Partnership

We met back in the gym after our tours with the rest of the class and heart from Daniel Kasambira, President & CEO, United Way of Madison County, L-27 as he spoke on our community needs. How the united way helps all the charitable organizations in our community to find the resources they need and help our residents provide for their families and have a chance at a new future.

Community Action Poverty Simulation

One of the most impactful moments of the day came during our Community Action Poverty Simulation.

Grouped into “families,” we were tasked with surviving four simulated weeks (in 15-minute increments) — navigating transportation issues, low wages, surprise expenses, childcare challenges, and limited resources.

I played “William,” a grandfather with a disability check, trying to help my wife Wilma and our grandkids survive. It was stressful. It was overwhelming. It felt impossible at times.

By Week 3, we’d missed work, the kids had been suspended from school, and we were trying desperately to avoid eviction. And despite our best efforts — we still didn’t make it.

It was sobering. And while this was just a simulation for us — for many, it’s daily reality.

Finding Hope in Hard Places

We closed the day with a debrief that got emotional quickly. Many shared their own personal connections to the struggles we simulated — childhood poverty, single-parent homes, or seasons where ends just didn’t meet.

But we also found comfort in the fact that Huntsville is full of organizations doing the hard, messy, and beautiful work of helping people find hope and stability again.

We’re lucky to have them. And it’s on all of us to support them however we can — with our time, our resources, or just our compassion.

Final Thoughts

This day was heavier than some of our other program days. But necessary.

Leadership means understanding the whole community — not just the shiny parts. It means seeing the challenges, sitting with the discomfort, and figuring out where we fit into the solution.

I’m so grateful for my Connect 27 crew — we’ve navigated hard conversations, laughed through the chaos, and grown closer because of it. And I’m leaving Human Services Day with a full heart — and a reminder that even small actions can create real change.

Author: flourish