August 2026 Leadership Development Meeting
August 2026 Leadership Development Meeting
Thursday, August 13, 2026 (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) (CDT)
Description

Leading the Way: A Conversation with Women in Public Leadership
Join us for a discussion with this dynamic panel of public officials as we move beyond policy and positions to explore identity, resilience, leadership, and more.
This is not a candidate forum or issues debate, it’s a leadership conversation through the lens of public service inspired by WEDC’s theme for the year: “Who we are. How we lead.”
Panelists Include:
- Ranae Bartlett, Madison City Mayor
- Violet Edwards, Madison County Commissioner and AL State Auditor Candidate
- Alice Lessmann, Madison City Council
- Raven Perry-Beach, Attorney and Madison County District Court Judge Candidate
- Tenesha Thomas, WEDC Moderator
Whether you’ve ever held an elected office, lead within an organization, serve your community, or influence from where you are, this discussion will leave you with meaningful moments and tangible insights you can carry into your own leadership journey.
Together, we’ll explore:
- A deeper understanding of how leadership begins with identity and who you are shapes how you lead.
- Practical insights for leading with authenticity in visible or demanding spaces.
- A renewed perspective on influence and recognizing that impact is not limited to elected office or formal titles.
Guests are welcome, please register by noon on August 10th.
Disclaimer: This event is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, promotion, or advertisement of any political candidate by the WEDC.
Thank you to our August Sponsor, Rocket City HR Consulting
Save the Dates for 2026:

Images
6001 Moquin Dr NW
Huntsville, AL 35806 United States
12 See Attendee List
