2025 Leadership Luncheon Showcases Women Driving Innovation and Leadership Across Sectors

 

Montgomery, AL — On August 26, the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, in partnership with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and TechMGM, hosted a Leadership Luncheon, held alongside the 2025 Department of the Air Force Information Technology & Cyberpower (DAFITC) Training and Education Event. The gathering brought together trailblazers from defense, technology, government, and academia for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and leadership.

 

The luncheon featured an inspiring panel of women leaders: Ellen McNair, Alabama Secretary of Commerce; Col. Stephanie Wilson, Commander of the Air Command and Staff College; and Monica Livingston, Americas AI Platform Leader for Red Hat. The discussion was moderated by Chandra Donelson, Deputy Chief Data & AI Officer for the U.S. Space and Air Force.

 

Over the course of the luncheon, panelists shared pivotal experiences that highlighted the qualities required to lead with impact in a rapidly changing environment. McNair reflected on Alabama’s bold approach to economic development and how decisions made decades ago continue to shape the state’s growth and opportunities today.

 

Col. Stephanie Wilson offered a personal testimony of resilience and purpose, describing how overcoming adversity deepened her commitment to service and leadership. She also spoke candidly about sustaining both career and life, noting: “I don’t believe in balance. I believe in rhythm. Sometimes I dance more toward work, sometimes toward family—but the rhythm has to be there. And I always start the day by creating space for myself, spiritually and mentally, before I give to others.” Monica Livingston shared her journey of choosing passion over predictability, recounting how taking a risk on artificial intelligence, long before it was popular, became the most rewarding decision of her career.

 

A unifying theme of the discussion was the power of inclusivity and mentorship. Each leader highlighted the vital role of lifting others, opening doors for emerging talent, and promoting opportunities that allow individuals to reach their full potential. They emphasized how intentional guidance, supportive networks, and equitable access can create pathways that drive innovation, strengthen industries, and cultivate a culture of collaboration across sectors.

 

In closing remarks, Stacia Robinson, Director of the Alabama Office of Minority Affairs & 2025 Montgomery Chamber Chairman, emphasized the importance of elevating women’s voices in leadership. “It is our charge to encourage and amplify voices that too often go unheard. Today’s dialogue was a powerful reminder of what is possible when women lead with courage, collaboration, and vision.”

 

The Leadership Luncheon showcased women leaders from across the state and nation, reinforcing the impact of collaboration across sectors and elevating Montgomery as a platform for conversations that drive innovation, security, and growth.
 

Media Resources: Photography: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCs6Xc
 

ABOUT THE ALABAMA OFFICE OF MINORITY AFFAIRS: The Alabama Office of Minority Affairs (AOMA) empowers underserved communities and fosters a more inclusive, prosperous Alabama. With a mission to promote economic development, educational excellence, and social well-being, AOMA works to expand small business growth, strengthen workforce development, enhance community engagement, and build strategic partnerships. Guided by its vision of an Alabama where every citizen can thrive and contribute, AOMA is committed to advancing equity, opportunity, and sustainable growth across the state.

ABOUT TECHMGM: An initiative of the Montgomery Area Chamber, TechMGM coordinates the efforts of many diverse partners around developing the tech and innovation ecosystem in Montgomery. TECHMGM is working to connect resources to cultivate the local talent base, utilize Montgomery’s existing assets to attract large and small businesses to Montgomery, and maximize existing infrastructure to fuel development, including facilitating Air Force innovation, pushing for greater engagement, and driving investment.  

ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:

With a mission to drive economic prosperity and build a greater life for all in the capital region, the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce is a full-spectrum economic development public/private partnership representing 1,400 businesses and organizations with over 90,000 employees throughout Central Alabama.

###

Media Contact:

Greta Locke

Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce

(C): 205-862-9307