Media contact: Adam Pope
Live HealthSmart Alabama
Participants applied their knowledge to develop community-specific action plans, pinpointing challenges and outlining strategies to overcome them. , an initiative of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, recently celebrated the successful conclusion of its inaugural Community Leadership Academy with a showcase to improve communities across Birmingham. Seven participants took center stage, presenting their plan for a community improvement project to Hafiz F. Chandiwala, the executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc.
The CLA was made possible with support from Coca-Cola United, whose generous donation of $250,000 funded LHSA’s pilot academy with representatives from Birmingham’s Bush Hills, East Lake, Kingston, Titusville, Druid Hills, North Birmingham, Norwood and Smithfield communities.
“We’re grateful to Coca-Cola for understanding our vision and what we hope to achieve in these neighborhoods,” said Live HealthSmart Alabama Operations Director Lemeshia Chambers, Ph.D. “Their confidence in our work is invaluable, and I look forward to our continued partnership.”
The CLA’s curriculum, co-facilitated by subject matter experts Kathy Boswell and Valeta Neal, consisted of 10 biweekly sessions, designed to equip participants with the tools necessary for effective leadership.
“Our goal was to identify and develop local leaders,” Neal said. “We focused on topics covering communication, conflict resolution, project planning, navigating local government and more. We’re developing leaders to work alongside LHSA, as well as build and grow their communities.”
As part of the coursework, participants were asked to identify a community issue that aligned with LHSA’s core focus areas: prevention and wellness, education, and access to good nutrition and physical activity. Participants applied their knowledge to develop community-specific action plans, pinpointing challenges and outlining strategies to overcome them.
“A specific issue in my community is the lack of activities for youth,” said Talveta Collier, a participant of the CLA’s inaugural cohort. “The CLA has not only encouraged me to believe I can make a difference, but has also given me priceless tools to realize that difference. I am grateful to have been a part of this academy, and I am encouraged be an active part of building a better, healthier East Lake community.”
“The CLA was designed to help empower people to lead initiatives in their community and provide resources on key components in leadership, like how to galvanize and engage community partners,” Boswell said.
The conclusion of the CLA represents advancement for community leaders across Birmingham. But it is just the start. The CLA will continue moving forward, addressing the changing needs of the community.
“We want to give participants a voice in establishing the curriculum,” Chambers said. “While we have an idea of what the participants need to become effective leaders, we also want them to identify areas where they see a need for training. We will continue seeking out members of neighborhood associations and community organizations, but we also want to identify potential leaders and empower them to take on more leadership roles within their community.”
To learn more about Live HealthSmart Alabama’s efforts across the state, visit its official website.