55 Women graduate from the 4th cohort of the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program
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Celebrating the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program Class of 2026
55 women leaders graduate from the Leadership Louisville Center’s program for women, presented by Republic Bank, as nominations are encouraged for the Class of 2027.
The Leadership Louisville Center proudly celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program, presented by Republic Bank, marking the completion of another powerful half-year experience for 55 mid-level women leaders from across our region.
Established in 2023 and named for esteemed female executive and community trustee Alice Houston, co-founder, owner, and former CEO of HJI Supply Chain Solutions, the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program was designed to help women master the dual role of leading others and managing up. The curriculum, designed by women and taught by women, is centered around the Center’s Women’s Elevated Leadership Learning (WELL) Model, ensuring participants come away Well-Grounded, Well-Voiced, Well-Connected, Well-Accomplished, and Well-Fueled.
The Leadership Louisville Center is proud to partner with Farm Credit Mid-America and Humana Inc. to present the program’s exclusive WELL curriculum.
“We know that there is still work to be done in bridging the gender gap, but we believe that it starts with providing women with skills, confidence, and connections so they can be promoted into positions of power.”
Cynthia Knapek, President and CEO, Leadership Louisville Center
“Republic Bank is proud to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program. Investing in the growth and advancement of women leaders strengthens our organizations and our community. We are honored to support a program that equips women with the skills, confidence, and connections to lead and make a lasting impact.”
Logan Pichel, President and CEO, Republic Bank
The Results Speak for Themselves
Program evaluations from the Class of 2026 reflect the powerful impact of this experience for women leaders across our region.
Class of 2026 By The Numbers
- NPS Score: +84
- 9.4/10 average overall program rating
- 98% said the program provided tools and competencies that will help them in their careers
Hear From the Class of 2026
The numbers tell one story. The women themselves tell another.
The absolute best part of this program is the women and relationship building. That in and of itself made it totally worth it!
Carlie Palmer
Principal, Director of Workplace Programs
Cerity Partners
I loved being part of this program. I’ve learned a lot about myself and have grown in my confidence. The program days gave concrete steps I can immediately use.
Krista Hall
Director of Communications
Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
Best thing I ever did for my career and professional development.
Tamara Fitzgerald
Director of Development
Alzheimer’s Association, Kentucky Chapter
This program helped me make the connections I was trying to make. My goals were met and I can’t wait to share my experience with other women in the industry.
Christina Vassallo
Distillery Portfolio Director
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
“I am inspired, fired up, and ready!”
This program is for women who are emerging leaders, women who need a reset, women seeking transformation, women who want mentorship, and women who simply want to continue growing. The various approaches and intentions are profound.
DeVonne Sorel
Senior Director for Youth Development
YMCA of Greater Louisville
Chief Nursing Officer
Norton Healthcare
Meet the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program Class of 2026 Graduates
We are proud to recognize the 55 women leaders who completed this year’s program:
Brittany Addison, Manager of Community Outreach, Reworld Waste
Lee Anne Alsup, Vice President of Development, West End School
Cathi Bingaman, Owner/Founder, InSync with You
Tia Bowman, Executive Administrator, Louisville Metro Government
Cassie Cairns, Director of Impact and Advocacy, Cedar Lake Foundation, Inc.
Sarah Clark, Financial Advisor, UBS Financial Services
Camille Coltrain, Marketing & Advertising Manager, Atria Senior Living
Lee Ann Cunningham, Wealth Management Associate, Morgan Stanley
Patty Davidson, Senior Director of Compliance, Trilogy Health Services LLC
Erin Estapa, Director, Strategy Advancement, Humana Inc.
Monica Farhat, Senior Manager, Transmission Reliability, LG&E and KU Energy
Jessica Fink, Regulatory Compliance and Procedures, Workwell Industries
Tamara Fitzgerald, Director of Development, Kentucky Chapter, Alzheimer’s Association
Tonya Fulkerson, VP, SR Relationship Manager, PNC Bank
Jenny Garcia, Director of Community Engagement, Governor’s Scholars Program
Kaitlyn George, Partner, FBT Gibbons
Kiara Gray, Interim Director of Education & Youth Development, Louisville Urban League
Tabitha Grier-Reed, Dean, College of Education & Human Development, University of Louisville
Sailee Gupte, Director of Community Service, Mattingly Edge
Maria Gurren, Executive Director, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Krista Hall, Director of Communications, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
Alexandra Head, Founder & Managing Partner, Mercer Wealth Management
Ashley Hobbs, Director, Organic Growth Execution, United Healthcare
Monteva Hodo, Design Account Manager, Brown-Forman Corporation
Monica Horn, Sr. Beverage Architect, Flavorman
Kenya Lacy, Inclusion & Diversity Manager, Republic Bank & Trust Company
Kristina Lowe, Founder/Strategic Partner, Tripoint Strategic Group
Elizabeth Matthews, Director of Partnership Marketing, Louisville City FC | Racing Louisville FC
Barbara Menefee, Co-Founder and Partner, Gunn Menefee LLC
Samantha Miller, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Seven Counties Services Inc.
Whitten Montgomery, Executive Director, American Lung Association
Claire Noltemeyer, Director, Programs Office, Heaven Hill Brands
Ericka O’Connell, Associate Director, Associate Relations, Humana Inc.
Carlie Palmer, Principal, Director of Workplace Programs, Cerity Partners
Amy Pender, Director of Marketing, Weber Group
Elizabeth Penn, Senior Associate, Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP
Jennifer Platt, VP, Organizational & People Development, LifePoint Health
Holly Prather, Chief Operations Officer, Leadership Louisville Center
Lauralyn Randles, Director of Product Advancement, American Printing House for the Blind | APH
Brittany Riley, SVP, Executive Creative Director, Doe-Anderson
Stacey Rowan, Principal, Brandeis Elementary, Jefferson County Public Schools | JCPS
Amina Shale, Executive Director, More Than A Smile Foundation, Inc.
Rebecca Sim, Director, Immigration Legal Services, Catholic Charities of Louisville, Inc.
DeVonne Sorel, Senior Director for Youth Development, YMCA of Greater Louisville
Elizabeth Staten, Director of Dual Credit, Kentucky Community & Technical College System | KCTCS
Dr. Alana Stevenson, Department Chair & Associate Professor, Simmons College of Kentucky
Martina Surma, Director of Homebuyer Education, The Housing Partnership, Inc.
Symera “Gigi” Talbott, Director of Operations, OneWest Corporation
Jennifer Thornsberry, Vice President Patient Care Services, Chief Nursing Officer, Norton Healthcare
Christina Vassallo, Distillery Portfolio Director, Kentucky Peerless Distilling Company
Heather Waldridge, Director of Facilities Management, Trilogy Health Services LLC
Carrie Whitmore, Director, Planning Design and Construction, University of Louisville
Samantha Wilcox, Facility Rental Sales Manager, Frazier History Museum
Julia Williams, Assistant Director, Office of Planning
Carlene Wyatt, Operations Manager, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
Know a Woman Who Should Be in the Next Class?
As we celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, we’re already looking ahead to the next group of women leaders ready to grow, connect, and lead with greater confidence and impact.
The Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program is designed for mid-level women leaders who are ready to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their network, and learn how to lead both those around them and those above them.
Applications for the Class of 2027 will open this fall. In the meantime, we invite you to nominate a woman leader or express your own interest in the program.
Congratulations to the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program Class of 2026.
Your leadership journey doesn’t end here. The relationships you’ve built, the confidence you’ve gained, and the lessons you’ve learned will continue to shape your impact across organizations, industries, and our community for years to come.