SheBoss with Megan Nivens-Tannett

In this episode of She Boss, Megan sits down with Christy Dunn, Founder & CEO of Awaken Professional Development, for a real conversation about career pivots, confidence, and what it looks like to build a life (and work) that actually fits.Christy shares her journey from corporate accounting to 20+ years in Mary Kay, and how a 2020 reset helped her reconnect with what mattered most — coaching, mentoring, and helping women step into who they already are. They also dig into tools like CliftonStrengths and Working Genius, why fear is often fear of success (not failure), and how routines + accountability can change everything.If you’ve been feeling stuck, burnt out, or like you’re due for a next chapter… this one’s for you.In this episode, we cover:Christy’s career journey and the pivot that led to AwakenWhy confidence-building is a skill (and how to strengthen it)CliftonStrengths + Working Genius and what they revealCareer clarity vs. personal clarity (and how they overlap)The power of routine, reflection, and accountabilityBuilding community through mastermind-style collaboration

In this episode of SheBoss, Megan sits down with Donna Pearson, Founder and VP of Safety at Pearson Safety Solutions, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of purpose.Donna shares her journey from accountant to nationally recognized safety expert, opening up about the life events that shaped her career, including starting her own business after personal tragedy. With warmth and wit, she reflects on breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, what it means to truly serve your clients, and how she built a company rooted in people-first values.Whether you're a small business owner, a woman navigating leadership, or someone who loves a story about grit and growth, this episode is for you.“Bigger isn’t always better. Focus on the people, and the rest will follow.”

In this episode of SheBoss, Megan sits down with Ranae Bartlett, the newly sworn‑in mayor of Madison, Alabama, to talk leadership, community, and what it takes to serve a rapidly growing city. Ranae shares her journey from law and volunteer work to starting a citywide chess program and nonprofit, leading national initiatives, and ultimately answering the call to run for mayor.Together they explore growth and opportunity in Madison, the challenges that don’t always make the headlines, and the importance of collaboration, innovation, and intentional leadership. Whether you’re a longtime resident or simply passionate about community impact, Ranae’s story and vision are sure to inspire.

In this episode, Megan sits down with Dana Stone—entrepreneur, coach, storyteller, and energy powerhouse—for a deep dive into how resilience, reinvention, and community have shaped her journey from corporate life to launching multiple impactful ventures.From starting a sleep consulting business out of sheer exhaustion (literally) to building a media company that spotlights Huntsville’s boldest entrepreneurs, Dana shares how she’s carved her own path, one pivot at a time.They talk candidly about:What it really takes to leave corporate and bet on yourselfThe role of BNI in building business momentumThe spark behind Rocket City MomentumHow storybranding, profitability, and delegation are game changers for small businessesWhy summer is not the ideal time to film a business reality seriesWhether you're in a season of “What’s next?” or just need a dose of motivation, this episode reminds you that you can evolve, shift, and thrive—with strategy, support, and a little sass.📍 Want to connect with Dana? Visit rocketcitymomentum.com or email her at dana@rocketcitymomentum.com

In this episode of SheBoss, we sit down with Alisa Clark, founder of Welcome Home Huntsville, a newcomer-focused publication that’s reshaping how people plug into the Rocket City. With a fascinating background in psychology, journalism, and academic publishing, Alisa shares what led her to pivot from high-pressure DEI work in Boston to building a mission-driven business here in Huntsville. We talk about burnout, bold moves, and how Welcome Home Huntsville is helping new residents feel seen, supported, and connected—one mailbox at a time.Whether you're new to town, building something of your own, or just love a story about starting fresh, this one's for you.📬 Learn more about Welcome Home Huntsville: https://welcomehomehuntsville.pub/🎧 Subscribe for more SheBoss stories of women making moves.

Bobby Bradley is a powerhouse of perseverance, vision, and community impact. In this SheBoss episode, she shares her extraordinary story. From growing up in a tight-knit Huntsville neighborhood during segregation to becoming one of the region’s most respected business leaders and changemakers, Bobby’s journey is marked by grit, grace, and generational influence. She opens up about being one of the first Black students at Vanderbilt, co-founding a successful tech company, and later launching Village of Promise, a nonprofit working to break the cycle of poverty through education and family support.This conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and the kind of insight that only comes from a life well lived and generously shared.Don’t miss this moving and powerful episode with one of Huntsville’s most inspiring voices! Tune in now and be sure to follow for more stories of women who lead with purpose. 

Meet Sonia Robinson, APR — a powerhouse communicator, breast cancer survivor, and founder of Mamie Ruth & Co., a movement born from the belief that the pause in your story isn’t the end, it’s the turning point.After leading multimillion-dollar organizations and shaping brands across healthcare, education, and biotech, Sonia did something bold: she stopped. That pause became her greatest act of power, the moment she learned that thriving doesn’t always mean pushing harder, but sometimes means stepping back, remembering who you are, and beginning again.Through Mamie Ruth & Co., Sonia now helps high-performing women reflect, reset, and reclaim their path forward, using her voice as a speaker, advocate, and brand strategist to redefine what success looks like for women in leadership.In this SheBoss episode, Sonia joins Megan with Flourish to explore the power of rest, resilience, and rising again. Her story is a masterclass in courage, and a reminder that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is pause.In this episode:How to rebuild after life interrupts your momentumThe truth about “thriving” and why it’s not always hustleHow legacy and leadership can coexist beautifullyThis conversation will make you laugh, reflect, and breathe deeper, because your pause has power, too.Learn more about Sonia and Mamie Ruth & Co.:🌐 www.mamieruthco.com🔗 Sonia Robinson, APR on LinkedIn

Meet Amanda Gunville, author of Finding Hope & Joy in Cancer, founder of the Hope & Joy Fund, and a serial entrepreneur who has spent her career building teams, companies, and communities. Amanda’s life reads like a masterclass in hustle: she’s been a COO/CMO at a fast-growing wine startup (and is a certified Level 2 sommelier), worked with professional athletes, and balanced leadership roles with motherhood,  all before a stage-2 cancer diagnosis flipped the script. When cancer arrived, Amanda chose a different kind of fight: one rooted in humor, honesty, and small moments of joy. In Finding Hope & Joy in Cancer, she blends memoir with practical guidance,  treatment decisions, day-to-day chemo survival tips, emotional work (making amends, asking for help), and mindset practices that helped her move from fear to fierce purpose. Purchases of the book also support the Hope & Joy Fund, which helps cover expenses for women facing gaps insurance won’t fill. Amanda also founded the Hope & Joy Fund to provide immediate, practical support: childcare, travel, mortgage help, and other needs, for women navigating treatment. Her mission is simple but powerful: remind people they’re not alone, and prove that even in the hardest seasons, joy finds a way in. A SheBoss in every sense, Amanda shows up with grit, grace, and a wicked sense of humor;  and yes, she’d happily share a glass of wine and a laugh with you.To learn more about Amanda Gunville: 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-gunville-0823b16/ 🛜 https://www.hopeandjoy.net/

Meet Deborah McGee, a purpose-driven speaker, coach, and advocate who has turned her personal journey into a mission to help women and men reclaim their identity, voice, and power. With a background spanning ministry, leadership, and business, Deborah’s work is deeply rooted in faith, resilience, and the belief that every individual can rise from adversity into alignment with their true calling.As the founder of D. McGee Enterprises, she empowers leaders, organizations, and communities through workshops, keynote speaking, and one-on-one coaching. Her expertise lies in guiding people through transitions, whether personal, professional, or spiritual, by equipping them with practical strategies and transformative mindsets. Her signature focus: helping people walk boldly into the future they were designed for.Deborah is also the host of Her Voice, Her Story, Her Strength, a platform where she amplifies women’s stories of triumph, resilience, and leadership. Beyond her entrepreneurial work, she serves as a mentor and faith leader, encouraging others to pursue purpose with clarity and courage.A SheBoss through and through, Deborah embodies perseverance, impact, and influence, not only teaching transformation but living it every day.To learn more about Deborah McGee, visit:🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahemcgee/🛜 http://deborahemcgee.com/

Meet Amber James, the founder and managing member of New Beginnings Family Law, a boutique firm based in Huntsville, Alabama. Amber didn’t take the typical legal route; she started her academic journey in music and earned both a B.A. in Music and an MBA from UAB before pursuing her true calling: law. After earning her J.D. in 2006, she began her legal career clerking in domestic relations, where she discovered her passion for family law and the profound impact it can have.In 2006, Amber launched her own firm, New Beginnings, a family law practice fueled by compassion and intention. Her expertise spans a wide range of family law—from divorce and adoption to surrogacy, estate planning, and special-needs advocacy. She’s also a board-certified trial advocate and licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, a testament to her commitment to excellence. Beyond her legal credentials, Amber is deeply focused on minimizing the emotional fallout for children caught in the crossfire. She leads her team with empathetic realness—handpicking staff who’ve personally experienced family law challenges. For her, empathy isn’t just policy, it’s lived experience. Amber is also a deeply community-minded leader, teaching CLE classes, serving as co-chair for the Women’s Business Council at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber, and mentoring women lawyers with spirit and meaningful feedback. And because she’s a SheBoss in every sense, she still makes time for music, singing in her church choir, and nurturing joy outside the courtroom.To learn more about Amber James, visit:   / amberjamesesq  🛜 https://newbeginningsfamilylaw.com/

Community Builder, Creative Visionary & Market Maven Lindsey Pattillo Keane is a powerhouse behind some of the most vibrant, community-driven spaces in Huntsville. As Executive Director of the MidCity District Association, Lindsey leads a dynamic team that activates, markets, and amplifies one of the city’s fastest-growing cultural hubs. A founding member of The Camp, Lindsey helped shape its early identity through creative programming, events, and community engagement.But one of her most impactful contributions? Launching The Market at MidCity in 2019. What began as a grassroots gathering of a dozen local vendors has grown into one of Alabama’s largest farmers markets—welcoming nearly 50 vendors every Sunday. Lindsey’s leadership centers on inclusivity, empowerment, and cultivating a space where small businesses thrive and community connection flourishes.Whether she’s organizing large-scale events, supporting local makers, or building strong relationships with tenants and patrons, Lindsey brings heart, hustle, and creativity to everything she touches.Follow MidCity Projects:📍 Instagram: @midcitydistrict | @marketatmidcity | @thecamphuntsville🌐 Website: www.midcitydistrict.com | www.marketatmidcity.com

In this episode of SheBoss, we sit down with Ashley Engles-Ross, Vice President of Small Business at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. With a background in social work, nonprofit leadership, and military family advocacy, Ashley brings a unique perspective to the table—rooted in resilience, purpose-driven work, and a deep commitment to community.From organizing environmental summits on the U.S./Mexico border to leading efforts for small business growth in Huntsville, Ashley’s journey is anything but conventional. She opens up about the challenges of career transitions as a military spouse, overcoming guilt as a working mom, and how she found clarity and confidence in carving out her own path.Ashley is a Leadership Greater Huntsville graduate, marathon runner, and mom of three, who recently completed a four-year nonprofit management certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Her story is one of discipline, curiosity, and a drive to uplift others—especially women navigating change.✨ Listen now to hear how Ashley is helping shape one of the fastest-growing regions in the country—and why she believes small businesses are at the heart of it all.

Education Advocate, Nonprofit Leader & Champion for Teachers EverywhereAlison Kling is the passionate and visionary CEO of Free 2 Teach, a nonprofit that equips public school teachers and students with essential classroom supplies—at no cost. A former educator herself, Alison began her career teaching second and third grade in the New York City Public School System through Teach For America. Her experiences in underserved classrooms, combined with early exposure to global humanitarian work in refugee camps, ignited a lifelong commitment to service and education equity.Originally from the West Coast of Canada and the U.S., Alison holds a Master's in Education from Hunter College, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a certificate in Forced Migration Studies from Oxford University. Under her leadership, Free 2 Teach has flourished—expanding its reach across school districts, launching programs like Free to Learn to provide period products for students, and becoming a trusted, joyful hub for educators across North Alabama.Alison lives in Huntsville with her husband David and their four children—George, Teddy, Jack, and Lucy. Whether she’s advocating for teachers, packing curriculum kits, or chatting with educators in the aisles of the Free 2 Teach store, Alison’s leadership style is grounded in community, joy, and radical hospitality.Follow Alison & Free 2 Teach:📚 Instagram: @free2teach💻 Website: www.free2teach.org📘 Facebook: Free 2 Teach

Keri Woodall is a visionary marketer, storyteller, and co-owner of The Library Of, a creative video production company she runs alongside her husband, Phil. With 15 years of marketing experience under her belt, Keri has found her sweet spot at the intersection of entrepreneurship, strategy, and storytelling—bringing brands to life through intentional, cinematic content.Outside of her work behind the camera, Keri’s passions run wide: she’s a health nut at heart, an aspiring golfer, a proud gym-goer, and a devoted aunt (FaceTime sessions included). Though she once dreamed of attending film school, life had a different plan—and she’s now living her creative dream as a business owner helping others tell their stories.A believer in choosing joy and lifting others up, Keri is inspired by people who turn pain into purpose and faith into action. She’s candid about the challenges she’s faced—including imposter syndrome—and leads with transparency, heart, and hustle. Whether she’s launching a brand campaign or trying out the newest local restaurant, Keri brings passion, purpose, and a people-first mindset to everything she does. Follow Keri and The Library Of below: The Library Of: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-library-of/The Library Of: https://www.instagram.com/thelibraryof_/Keri Woodall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-woodall-3b103b23/

Toni Eberhart is the definition of a SheBoss—making moves, building communities, and championing big ideas that actually do something. As a Strategic Communications Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, Toni helps turn complex government innovation into clear, impactful storytelling that moves the needle.But her superpower? Rallying people around a mission. From leading Urban Engine to supporting entrepreneurs with Launch, TechBirmingham, and Right to Start, Toni’s resume reads like a roadmap for making things happen. She’s been at the heart of some of Huntsville’s most exciting momentum—and she does it all while raising three kids, mentoring local leaders, and still finding time for a good burger on the weekend.She’s a Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect alum (Class 21), a NASA Group Achievement Award winner, and once snagged a Coin of Excellence from USAREC—because, of course she did.Originally from Pennsylvania, Toni now calls Huntsville home. Whether she’s helping a startup founder take flight or cheering on fellow moms who are juggling it all, she leads with energy, heart, and serious hustle.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonieberhart/

Fathia Hardy is a visionary leader, passionate educator, and unstoppable force for inclusive change in Huntsville and beyond. As the Director of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), she plays a critical role in connecting academia with real-world workforce needs—developing forward-thinking programs that empower professionals to lead with confidence in an ever-evolving world.Since joining UAH over a decade ago, Fathia has designed and delivered impactful training programs for nonprofits, government agencies, and private-sector organizations. Her signature initiatives—such as the Leadership Accelerator Academy and Leading Complex and Highly Technical Teams—showcase her ability to develop innovative learning experiences in collaboration with academic and military partners.But Fathia’s impact goes far beyond her job title. She has served as President of the UAH Staff Senate, mentored students as a part-time instructor, and given back to the community through volunteer roles with Leadership Greater Huntsville, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy, and the Madison CEO program.Her leadership and service have earned her multiple honors, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from UAH’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, recognition from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a Young Professional of the Year nomination from the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.As the first and youngest minority woman to oversee continuing education at UAH, Fathia carries the weight—and the pride—of breaking barriers for others. Her journey is rooted in resilience, purpose, and the desire to build a legacy for her two children, Malik and Farrah Starr.In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Fathia to talk about navigating leadership as a woman of color, building inclusive spaces, and what it means to lead with heart, strategy, and a little bit of theatre flair. (Yes, she’s a lifelong theatre kid—and a double-jointed culinary enthusiast, too!)Follow Fathia and UAH OPCE:🌐 UAH Professional and Continuing Education🔗 LinkedIn: @FathiaHardy📸 Instagram: @uahuntsville

Melissa Thompson is a connector, a community advocate, and a firm believer in the power of generosity to shape a better world. As a longtime team member at the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, Melissa brings heart, humor, and a deep sense of purpose to her role—helping generous people invest in causes they care about most. She describes her work as having a front-row seat to the good happening in our community, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.A Huntsville transplant by way of Arizona (and before that, North Carolina and Georgia), Melissa's journey has included many titles: attorney, PTA president, volunteer extraordinaire, and now, one of the most respected voices in Huntsville’s philanthropic landscape. After earning her law degree from Arizona State University College of Law and practicing in several legal fields, Melissa stepped away from the workforce to focus on raising her son, Sam—filling the gap with years of impactful volunteer work in education and local nonprofits.When a conversation at a school board meeting unexpectedly led to an opportunity at the Community Foundation, Melissa saw the perfect intersection of her passion for people and love for service. Since then, she’s been working side-by-side with donors to turn generosity into meaningful community impact.Melissa’s story is one of heart and hustle, balancing family, faith, and a commitment to public service—while never losing her quick wit or love for sparkling water.Fun facts? She’s a former state champion basketball player, a semi-finalist in the Miss Liberty pageant, and the proud mom of a Guinness World Record holder (her son, Sam, helped set a math record involving Pascal’s Triangle!).In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Melissa to talk about the power of philanthropy, lessons from her winding career path, and how women can embrace every chapter—even the ones with resume gaps.Follow Melissa and the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville:🌐 Website: https://givehsv.org/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-thompson-02941b20/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfhuntsville/

Paula Steele, LICSW-S, is a dedicated mental health professional committed to providing compassionate, first-rate care to individuals in crisis. Since joining WellStone in 2017 as an outpatient therapist, she has played a vital role in expanding crisis care services, becoming the Director of Acute Care Services in 2019 and later the Director of WellStone Emergency Services in 2021.In her leadership role, Paula has been instrumental in building a safe, supportive space for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Her work is driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of respect, acceptance, dignity, and hope—ensuring that every person who walks through the doors of the crisis center leaves feeling supported and empowered in their recovery journey.Beyond her work at WellStone, Paula serves as a Community Mental Health Officer and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator, working closely with first responders and law enforcement to enhance crisis intervention efforts. She also co-chairs Madison County’s CIT Steering Committee, advocating for better resources, training, and support for those experiencing mental health emergencies.In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Paula to discuss the critical role of crisis care, the importance of dignity in mental health treatment, and how she is leading the charge to provide hope and healing to those in need.Follow Paula and WellStone’s work:WellStone Website: https://wellstone.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-steele-licsw-wellstone-emergency-services-director/

Jennifer Linton is a champion for women’s empowerment, a dedicated nonprofit leader, and a Huntsville native with a passion for helping others achieve their dreams. As Executive Director of the WEDC Foundation, she is committed to guiding women on their path to success and self-sufficiency—an opportunity that resonates deeply with her own upbringing as the daughter of a single mother who persevered to provide opportunities for her. Now, Jennifer is paying it forward, helping women pursue higher education and achieve economic independence.Her journey has taken her across the country, living out a childhood dream of becoming a local in places like Charleston, SC, Asheville, NC, and Phoenix, AZ, before returning to Huntsville in 2010. She spent eight years as Chief Operating & Financial Officer at HEALS, Inc. before stepping into her current leadership role at WEDC Foundation in 2019.Jennifer’s impact and leadership have been recognized in several ways, including receiving the People’s Choice Entrepreneur of the Year Award from The Catalyst (2023) and being named one of 256 Magazine’s Faces Under Forty (2020). In 2024, she wrote the introduction for Huntsville Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 and was featured on the cover of Event Magazine for the WEDC Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Women Honoring Women. She is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville Flagship Class 36 and United Way’s Leadership Social Services Class 18, and she continues to be involved in the community through organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Community Connections Network.Outside of work, Jennifer finds inspiration in nature, where she finds peace and clarity—whether it's watching wildlife in action or enjoying the quiet beauty of Monte Sano. She’s also a creative spirit, spending her free time attempting watercolor, embroidery, and crafting cocktails with family and friends. Fun facts? She was once a licensed massage therapist, a vegetarian for over 12 years, and—perhaps most impressively—has earned the title of Best Turtle Rescuer in Appalachia.Join us in this episode of SheBoss as we dive into Jennifer’s journey, her passion for empowering women, and the winding path that led her to a career she loves.Follow Jennifer and WEDC Foundation:🌐 Website: https://www.wedcfoundation.org📸 Instagram: @wedcfoundation🔗 LinkedIn:   / jennifer-linton  

Christie Finley is a lifelong educator, leader, and community builder with a passion for developing others and making meaningful connections. As the CEO and President of Leadership Greater Huntsville, she is dedicated to fostering leadership growth and strengthening the Huntsville-Madison community.A Madison County native, Christie comes from a family of educators and naturally followed in their footsteps. After earning her degree in Secondary Social Science from Auburn University, she began her career as a teacher at her alma mater, Bob Jones High School. She later earned a master’s in School Counseling from Alabama A&M University and an Educational Leadership degree from the University of South Alabama, propelling her into leadership roles including counselor, principal, director of secondary programs, deputy superintendent, and ultimately, superintendent.After 31 years in education, Christie thought she was ready for retirement—until she quickly realized she missed being around people and the world of learning. While consulting for school districts, she came across an opportunity to lead Leadership Greater Huntsville, an organization she had experienced firsthand through its transformative Flagship program. She took the leap and hasn’t looked back, now guiding the next generation of community leaders.Throughout her career, Christie has navigated challenges with resilience, including leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. She credits the strength of her team, educators, and local leaders for their support during that time. Above all, she believes in lifelong learning, lifting others up, and helping people recognize their full potential.Outside of work, Christie is an avid fitness enthusiast who discovered her love for running after the birth of her second child, eventually competing in multiple races, including marathons. She also has a surprising affinity for shoes—once even chatting with designer Donald Pliner in a New York department store. In retirement, she unexpectedly became fascinated with hummingbirds, hosting over 32 in her yard last summer.Above all, Christie is most proud of her family. She and her husband, Kirk, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of two sons—Drake, a senior at UAH, and Tate, a sophomore at Auburn University.Join us in this episode of SheBoss as we explore Christie’s journey, her dedication to leadership, and the passion that drives her every day.Follow Christie and Leadership Greater Huntsville:Website:⁠Leadership Greater Huntsville⁠LinkedIn:Leadership Greater Huntsville LinkedIn:Christie Finley