Speakers & Topics

Liz Huntley, Keynote Speaker

Elizabeth “Liz” Huntley is an accomplished litigation attorney, and dedicated child advocate, author and lecturer. She practices law at Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC in Birmingham, Alabama. She is the recipient of many professional honors and awards, including membership in The National Black Lawyers–Top 100 organization and selected by Super Lawyers as a 2018 Mid-South Super Lawyer. more…

LaKami Baker, “Leading From The Heart”

Dr. Baker serves as the Interim Executive Director of the Government & Economic Development Institute (GEDI) in University Outreach and holds the Russell Foundation Professorship in Entrepreneurial Studies. In this role, she helps drive and support economic development and entrepreneurship growth initiatives across the state of Alabama and provides training to civic and elected officials and economic developers. more…

Dr. Eliza Belle, “The Tightrope Performer”

Dr. Eliza Belle, also referred to as “The Village Psychologist”, is a respected leader, speaker, and community advocate with over 17 years of experience in the field of mental health. As a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Forensic Examiner, she currently serves as the state Director of Psychology and Behavior Services for Alabama’s Department of Mental Health. more…

Gretchen L. DiFante, “Say What?”

Gretchen DiFante, City Manager, City of Pelham, was recently selected as a finalist for the 2019 Leadership Trailblazer Award.  The Leadership Trailblazer Award recognizes leaders in local government who have championed and inspired other women to achieve as well. Gretchen joined the City of Pelham in August of 2017 and is the city’s first professional city manager and at the time the state’s only female city manager. more…