For State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover), public service is more than a title or career path — it’s a calling. A Mississippi native who built a successful career in finance with Compass Bank before spending 20 years as a stay-at-home mother, DuBose has emerged as one of the most active voices in Montgomery, balancing deeply held conservative values with a heart for listening to constituents.

“It’s the honor of my lifetime,” she reflected on representing Alabama House District 45. “I don’t even think of it as a job; I think of it as a call.”

Accomplishments that matter

When asked about her proudest accomplishments, DuBose pointed first to a law she sponsored this year that raises the age of medical consent from 14 to 16.

“Alabama had an anomaly,” she explained. “Children at the age of 14 were able to make all of their own medical decisions, and parents were not allowed to view their medical records or speak to the doctor. It was really backwards… Most states are 18, and we were by far the lowest at 14. So, this year we were able to vote and change that to 16.”

The law, which takes effect October 1, 2025, will allow parents to better support children in times of medical crisis. DuBose shared that she was moved to act after hearing from parents who had been cut out of critical decisions for their children’s care.

“I heard so many sad stories from parents that could not intervene or help their children because doctors could not discuss their care with them. It’s critical, and it’s going to help parents as they should be able to make medical decisions for their children.”

For DuBose, though, big legislative wins aren’t the only measure of impact. She cherishes the one-on-one moments when she can help constituents navigate challenges — whether solving SNAP benefit fraud for a struggling family, helping a cancer patient secure a STAR ID in time for treatment, or guiding parents through complex school applications. “Just stuff like that, that makes a one-on-one impact… I feel as proud of those little individual moments as the big pieces of legislation,” she added.

Women who inspire

DuBose credits her inspiration to a circle of women who have blazed trails in Alabama politics. “I really look up to the females that have been there before me, that have paved the way and mentored me on a daily basis,” she observed, naming Sen. April Weaver, Rep. Margie Wilcox, and Rep. Terri Collins as mentors who model leadership in a male-dominated chamber.

She also admires Cynthia Allman, who rose from representative to president of the Alabama Public Service Commission. Outside politics, she praises swimmer Riley Gaines for her advocacy protecting women in sports.

“As young as she is, she has been so impactful,” DuBose noted. “She’s fabulous, and I hope more young women will be inspired to lead like she has.”

DuBose finds inspiration in grassroots policy advocates, too — from Moms for Liberty to the Alabama Policy Institute. Even when she doesn’t fully agree with them, she respects their passion. “It’s good to disagree sometimes because you can have respectful conversation and appreciate somebody’s opinion, even if it’s not the same for you,” she remarked.

Purpose and priorities

Her driving force, DuBose emphasized, is “a sincere desire to help the state of Alabama be the best that it can be” — whether through education, protecting parental rights, eliminating barriers to work, or cutting unnecessary regulation. She insists her focus is on service, not ambition.

“I don’t have any personal goals other than to do the very best at what I’m doing now for the people,” she added.

A journey from business to politics

DuBose’s path to politics began in the world of finance. With a bachelor’s in finance and an MBA, she worked for 14 years in banking, rising through management training and specializing in commercial and real estate development.

“My goal at that time in my life was to be one of the top female executives in banking,” she recalled.

Her life shifted when she had children and chose to stay home for nearly two decades. Far from being a pause, she explained it was preparation.

“I think being a stay-at-home mom prepared me for what I’m doing as much as anything else,” she reflected. “You learn everything you need to know as a PTA mom.”

Her community involvement expanded to leadership roles with the American Heart Association, where she chaired campaigns raising more than $700,000 for Birmingham-based heart disease and stroke research, and through service in her church and local schools.

By the time she ran for the legislature, she had deep grassroots support. “I could never have been elected without the support I had in the community,” she emphasized.

The power of women’s voices

As former president of the Republican Women of North Shelby County, DuBose sees women’s organizations as essential to civic life.

“Women are very impactful, and probably more impactful than they realize,” she observed. She used her leadership role to encourage women to find and use their voices.

“I never felt like we should tell people what to think. We should just ask people to think… educate yourself, study the issues, and then let your voice be heard.”

She continues that message today, speaking to women across the state about their power to influence Alabama’s future.

Commitment to constituents

DuBose makes it a priority to be present at home more than in Montgomery.

“Fortunately, I’m retired, so this work is my full-time job. I spend as little time in Montgomery as possible,” she explained.

“My goal is to be here in the district… doing everything that’s going on, stopping by the schools. That’s what I would say: I’m trying to be the best cheerleader I can for my constituents.”

A lasting impact

From business to motherhood to the halls of Montgomery, Susan DuBose has lived many lives of leadership. Each chapter prepared her for the next — and today, she is shaping Alabama policy with compassion, conviction, and determination.

“You just need to know people, be active, and be engaged,” she reflected. “Do your best, help where you can, and let your voice be heard.”

It is that steady blend of principle and service that makes Rep. Susan DuBose one of Yellowhammer’s 2025 Women of Impact.