ALI Update: 🌟 Announcing ALI Class VIII!

Announcing ALI Class VIII

Leadership Alabama proudly announces Class VIII of the Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI) for 2025–2026! This six-month program, introduced in 1995 and expanded in 2017, connects emerging leaders from across Alabama through three two-day sessions focused on education, connections, and personal development. We will begin on Wednesday, November 5, in Montgomery and continue through April of 2026.

“The Initiative exposes young professionals to decision-makers in Alabama who are sensitive to the challenges we face as a state, and it provides the participants with the unique opportunity to step inside the circle of decision-makers and problem solvers who mold the future of our state,”

— Ashley Kaplan, Executive Director, Leadership Alabama

Scroll below to meet the new class members and follow along on Instagram@alabamaleadinitiative for class announcements and highlights from each retreat!

ALI Reunion 2026

We’re already looking forward to reconnecting in Gulf Shores, April 24–25, 2026! It’s shaping up to be a meaningful weekend of reflection, celebration, and connection with classmates and fellow alumni.

Stay tuned — more details including registration will be shared in early December.

Your Nominations Make the Difference.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate candidates for ALI Class VIII! We are thrilled by the strength and diversity of the applications we received and are truly inspired by the caliber of emerging leaders across Alabama.

Your thoughtful nominations continue to shape the future of this program and help us build a class that reflects the energy, potential, and promise of our state.

With warm regards,

Ashley, Lydia, and Kate

We want to hear from you!

If you have any updates (employment, title, contact info, address, email, phone, etc.) or spotlight news, please let us know! Send new information to Lydia Barnett, lydia@leadershipal.org, 205.563.1792 (cell).