Please consider investing in the future of Alabama by sponsoring a high school student. You can sponsor a student from Holt High School in Tuscaloosa and Washington County Youth Leadership Program using the add-on option on our Eventbrite.

Meet our 2024 Keynote Speaker:

Kristin Scroggin, GenWHY Communications

Kristin Scroggin can’t do math or bake a pie, but she knows her stuff when it comes to Generational Diversity and Communication! Kristin has a Master’s degree in Communication Studies, a Bachelor’s in Communication Arts, and has been a Communications Professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for 15 years. In 2017 she launched her company, genWHY Communications, and has been a Keynote Speaker at more than 100 conferences and 250+ organizations across the United States, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to tiny non-profits. Her research has been published in magazines, and she’s been a guest on multiple podcasts. Kristin consults on attracting, developing, and retaining Rockstar Millennial and GenZ talent. Obsessed with travel, and desperate to see the world, she and her husband try to keep their four children alive while trying to keep their heads above water.

• Nourishing Hope: Illuminating the Struggle for Food Security

Gain insights into the root causes of food insecurity and engage in a meaningful conversation on how we can work together to ensure every Alabamian has access to nutritious food, featuring speakers from Sweet Grown Alabama, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, Auburn University, and more.

• Rooted in Health: A Roadmap to Public Wellness

Discuss actionable steps toward a healthier Alabama as expert voices explore the intricacies of public health challenges and innovations specific to building resilient, thriving communities in our state. This session invites you to exchange ideas with speakers representing the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama, the Alabama Department of Public Health, the UAB School of Public Health, and more.

• Hidden Gems, Big Adventures: Unveiling the Magic of Small Town Treasures

Including speakers from the Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Jasper Main Street, the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development, and Chef Scott Peacock, explore the untapped potential, hidden gems, and community-driven initiatives that add to the unique allure of Alabama's small towns.

• Elevating Excellence: Empowering Women in Leadership & the Workplace

Be a part of the conversation that aims to inspire, connect, and catalyze meaningful change for women's advancement in Alabama. From breaking barriers to fostering inclusivity, our panelists, including speakers from Prosper Bham, Momentum, WBHM, and more, will share their experiences, insights, and strategies for driving positive change.

• Place Matters: Designing Spaces, Shaping Lives

With speakers from DesignAlabama, Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center, Your Town, and more, embark on a transformative exploration of community identity as visionary voices share their experiences and insights into the art and science of placemaking, tailored specifically to the landscapes of Alabama.

• Healthy Horizons: Cultivating Wellbeing in Rural Communities

This panel brings together healthcare professionals and community leaders, from Project Horseshoe Farm, Auburn Rural Health Initiative, the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative, and more, to address the unique challenges faced by rural communities. From access to healthcare services to the impact of socio-economic factors, our panelists will shed light on the complexities and discuss innovative solutions.

• Voices of Change: Transforming Communities Through Civic Advocacy

Discover the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of those at the forefront of advocating for positive change in our communities. Ignite your passion for advocacy by discovering how individuals and organizations, from Levitate Legal, Alabama League of Municipalities, National Issues Forum Institute, and more, are shaping the narrative, driving change, and inspiring civic action.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Panel Discussions: