Theme: Pushing the Needle Forward

TEDxKellyIngramPark is a platform where Birmingham's brightest minds come together to share groundbreaking ideas, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and inspire action. It's a space where innovators, change-makers, and storytellers converge to push the boundaries of conventional thinking and ignite positive change in our community.

Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema
1821 2nd Ave. N
Birmingham, Alabama, 35203
United States

AJ Stephens

Business Strategist

AJ Stephens is a business strategist, certified financial educator, and founder of The Kaizen Agency—a consulting firm focused on transforming underserved communities through entrepreneurship, access to capital, and business development. A Birmingham native, AJ started as a part-time bank teller in 2020 and rose to Vice President of Community Lending at Valley Bank by 2023, breaking racial barriers in Alabama’s banking industry. He has helped clients secure over $2.5 million in funding and delivers financial education in schools, churches, housing communities, and Fortune 100 firms. A thought leader and Birmingham Business Journal contributor, AJ shares insights on business growth and financial literacy. He serves on multiple nonprofit boards and is a NextGenBHM honoree. Through Kaizen, he collaborates with nonprofits and agencies to create equity-centered, outcome-driven programs. AJ proves that when communities gain financial tools, they gain futures.

Alexis Kimbrough

Holistic Wellness

Alexis Kimbrough is the founder and CEO of Herban Soul Café, a wellness brand dedicated to redefining health through herbal, plant-based food and beverage innovations. With a background in mental health and holistic wellness, Alexis empowers communities through products and storytelling that nourish the mind, body, and soul.

Danielle Baskin

Event Strategist + Entrepreneur

Danielle N. Baskin is a visionary event strategist and creative entrepreneur, operating and managing a full-service event management and design company. With over 15 years of experience, Danielle has curated impactful events for corporate, cultural, and civic clients across the Southeast. As the Senior Event Manager at Birmingham’s historic Boutwell Auditorium, she leads large-scale productions and civic initiatives that enrich the city’s cultural fabric. Danielle is also a passionate advocate for mental health and neurodiversity, using her personal journey with ADHD and dyslexia to empower others — particularly Black women over 40 — to embrace their unique gifts and lead boldly. Danielle holds multiple degrees and certifications and is most proud of her HBCU education form Stillman College. She's a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc and the mom of one son Korey D. Baskin, 21, a junior at Alabama A & M University and Buddy, the family's fur baby.

Don Mosely

Civic Leader + Legal Professional

Don Mosely is a civic leader, legal professional, and advocate for community safety and equity. He serves as Project Oversight Manager for the City of Birmingham’s Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), leading strategic planning to enhance public safety and well-being. Formerly the County Court Administrator for Alabama’s 10th Judicial Circuit, he improved judicial efficiency and access. Don, a Miles College graduate and first-generation college student, earned his J.D. from Birmingham School of Law. His career includes roles with FEMA, AmeriCorps, UAB, and the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity. He also led TRIO programs and managed $1.3M in federal education funding. Don has held leadership roles with UNCF, Toastmasters, and multiple nonprofit boards. Recognized by the Birmingham Business Journal, Birmingham Times, and Alabama Legislature, he models servant leadership. His work is rooted in justice, education, and community empowerment.

Dr. Bhagyashree Barhate

Professor

Dr. Bhagyashree Barhate is an Assistant Professor of Adult, Professional, and Community Education at Texas State University. Her research and teaching focus on how individuals construct meaningful careers in an increasingly complex and uncertain world. As a scholar, Dr. Barhate intends to bridge theory and practice to help individuals and organizations thrive amidst volatility. Her work advances human-centered approaches to career development, advocating for systems that honor identity, purpose, and sustainability in the workplace.

Dr. C. Allen Gorman

Professor

Dr. C. Allen Gorman is an Associate Professor of Management in the Collat School of Business at UAB, where he teaches classes in Leadership and Human Resource Management. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Gorman provides consulting services within the domains of human resource management and organizational development, particularly in the areas of employee selection, performance management, and leadership development. His expertise and experience make him a sought-after speaker and consultant in the field.

Dr. Erica Littleton

Leadership Strategist

Dr. Erica Jewel Littleton is a serial edupreneur, leadership strategist, and proud graduate of Birmingham City Schools. With 20 years in education, she has served as a teacher, turnaround specialist, and founder of Learning Little People. Her TEDx talk draws from her doctoral research, The Urban Pedagogue to Principal Pipeline, and her mission to elevate educators as system-builders. She is also the creator of The Edupreneurship Academy and co-creator of The Dream Builder Experience. Dr. Erica Jewel is a member of the Leadership Birmingham Class of 2026.

Dr. Henry Henderson

Cancer Biologist + Medical Science Liaison

Dr. Henry J. Henderson III is a cancer biologist, medical science liaison, and passionate advocate for health equity. A Mobile, Alabama native, he earned his B.S. from Southern University and Ph.D. from Tuskegee University, followed by postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt. Dr. Henderson’s impact spans from Capitol Hill, where he has lobbied for cancer research funding, to international speaking engagements on cancer equity. Named one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health by the National Minority Quality Forum, he’s also a Southern University 40 Under 40 alumnus. Beyond science, Henry is a champion for global citizenship and cognitive health, promoting French language learning as a tool for connection and cross-cultural understanding. Through his work in research, education, and public engagement, Dr. Henderson inspires a future where knowledge, equity, and human connection drive transformative progress in healthcare and beyond.

Dr. Kate McCombs

Professor + Published Author + Organizational Development

A professor at Samford University's Brock School of Business, specializing in leadership and organizational management. With a B.S. in Finance, an M.S. in International Business, and a Ph.D. in Business Management, I combine academic rigor with real-world insight. My background in corporate settings, higher education, and leadership development gives me a unique perspective on bridging personal growth and organizational success. I’m passionate about helping leaders and teams unlock their potential through practical, results-driven strategies tailored to their goals. My work fosters accountability, synergy, and effectiveness in today’s evolving workplace. I’ve published in leading journals such as Leadership, Personality and Individual Differences, Leadership & Organizational Development, and the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. My mission is to empower individuals and organizations to grow with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Dr. Mikel Whittier

Healthcare Strategist

Dr. Mikel D. Whittier is a nationally recognized healthcare strategist, executive, and certified leadership coach focused on transforming health systems through equity and excellence. As the inaugural Director of the Office of Health Equity and Inclusive Excellence at UCLA Health, he leads initiatives impacting 35,000 employees and over 2 million patients annually. With 16+ years of experience, Mikel has worked across academic medical centers, public health systems, and national movements to drive justice-centered innovation. He helped implement the Ferguson Commission’s health equity recommendations, directing $2 million to community-based public health. He co-developed UCLA’s JUST Excellence Framework and led Medicaid expansion campaigns in Missouri. Mikel is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and founder of Splice Strategies, a consultancy supporting equity-driven leaders. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master’s in Health Administration.

Dr. Tammy Hodo

Business Cultural Consultant

Dr. Tammy L. Hodo is the founder and CEO of All Things Diverse LLC, a consulting firm that helps organizations build inclusive, high-performing cultures through diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies. With 20+ years in higher education and a Ph.D. in Urban Studies, she blends academic expertise and practical insight to drive institutional change. Her clients span government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, including DEI training for cities like Jacksonville, Tampa, and Sanford, as well as federal agencies like the VA. She co-authored How to Engage in Difficult Conversations on Identity, Race, and Politics in Higher Education and is contributing chapters on healthcare and justice for a forthcoming book on Race & Ethnicity. A U.S. Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and contributor to Vector Solutions, she creates workplace learning on microaggressions, cultural competency, and communication. Dr. Hodo helps clients align DEI with strategy and turn values into measurable outcomes.

Jason Burroughs

Entrepreneur + Coach

Jason Burroughs is a transformative entrepreneur, coach, and CEO of Sky Blue Logistics, a freight brokerage firm focused on commercial construction materials. He runs Coach Jason Cultivates, which mentors entrepreneurs in business growth and personal development. Named a Top 40 Under 40 by the Birmingham Business Journal, Jason’s journey from hardship to business success has been featured by AL.com. He co-founded the Magic City Joint Trucking Venture to help minority- and women-owned firms secure Tier 1 contracts. His book, In Transit: From Moving Boxes to Moving Souls, shares his story and leadership insights. Jason also serves as Program Manager for YouthBuild Up Birmingham, equipping underserved youth with education, construction training, and leadership skills. He holds an MBA certificate from the Birmingham Business Alliance Supplier Scale Program and is active in civic life through the Chamber of Commerce and BBA.

Lisa Blackmon

Attorney + Leadership Strategist + Corporate Speaker + Executive Coach

Lisa Blackmon is an attorney, executive coach, and leadership strategist with over 25 years of experience in the legal and business sectors. As Managing Attorney at Blackmon & Blackmon, LLC, and Founder of Lifechangers International Inc., she blends legal expertise and a passion for transformational leadership. Lisa specializes in real estate law, guiding individuals and corporations in building wealth through property. She holds certifications in executive leadership, business coaching, and public speaking. Her programs and keynotes drive measurable growth. Lisa leads the “I AM A Lifechanger” movement, reaching thousands through workshops and speaking. She serves on the Executive Board of the Jimmie Hale Mission and is a charter member of both the Black Women Lawyers Association and NAWBO Birmingham. Lisa also volunteers with the Volunteer Lawyers Program. She empowers leaders to align purpose with performance and lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction.

Mildred Black

Workforce Strategist

Mildred Black is a nationally respected human resources strategist and founder of People Optimum Consulting. With two decades of experience, she helps organizations transform workplace culture, develop leadership capacity, and drive performance through data-driven solutions. Her proprietary Organizational Performance Optimization System™ is used by Fortune 100 clients like Amazon and Mercedes-Benz to align people, strategy, and outcomes. Mildred has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, ABC, and Fox News and is the creator of the People+Culture Vodcast and LinkedIn newsletter. She holds an Executive MBA from Georgia State, studied at Harvard Extension, and earned her B.S. in Finance from the University of Alabama. Certified as a Senior HR Professional by SHRM and HRCI, she’s also an advocate for equity, healing, and opportunity in communities affected by systemic trauma. Mildred’s work bridges leadership, inclusion, and innovation—fueling transformation from the inside out.

Pete Blank

Leadership Expert + Professional Speaker/Trainer + Author

Pete Blank brings a wealth of leadership experience from his 13-year career at Disney, where he helped shape the company’s world-renowned employee culture. At the Disney University, he led the Traditions program and trained thousands of college interns, later serving as a Segment Learning Manager for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and Disney Cruise Line. Currently the Training and Organizational Development Manager for the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, Pete also speaks nationwide on leadership, employee engagement, and customer experience. He holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and Certified Facilitator of Training (CFT) credentials and received Disney’s prestigious “Partners in Excellence” award. Pete is the author of Employee Engagement: Lessons from the Mouse House and 55 Ways to Add Disney Magic to Your Organization. With humor, insight, and actionable strategies, he helps leaders create meaningful workplace experiences that drive results.