Yellowhammer News honors 2026 Class of Alabama ‘Women of Impact’

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July 17, 2026

YHN Media Group is once again spotlighting the women shaping Alabama’s future through the 2026 Women of Impact Awards.

Entering its eighth year, Women of Impact has become one of Alabama’s most anticipated celebrations of leadership, service, and transformative influence.

Twenty women representing business, government, nonprofit work and civic leadership make up this year’s class. Each has moved beyond simply excelling in her field – these honorees are actively redefining what leadership looks like in their respective industries and lifting others up along the way.

Individual profiles on each honoree will be published throughout August, leading up to a formal Birmingham ceremony that draws leaders from across the state.

This year, YHN Media Group is also proud to mark a special milestone: a 15-year anniversary celebration of Yellowhammer News, honoring a surprise recipient alongside this year’s 20 honorees.

This year’s Women of Impact honorees were chosen based on their individual accomplishments and the tangible difference they’ve made in the organizations and communities they serve.

Congratulations to the 2026 Women of Impact:

Alexandria Karagas: Executive Director, Alabama Veterans Resource Center

Allison Ross: Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Huntsville Hospital

Ashley Gooding: Founder, Flourish MD

Brandy Dennison: Commercial Small Business Group Manager, Regions Bank

Cindy Myrex: Alabama State Representative, District 12

Corinn O’Brien: Founder, Fight for Alabama Families

Cynthia Lee Almond: President, Alabama Public Service Commission

Dana Taylor: CEO, Jack’s

Dr. Cheri Canon: President, University of Alabama Health Services Foundation (UAHSF), Chief Physician Executive, UAB Health System

Jackson Boyd Rumsey: Assistant VP for Presidential Operations, University of Alabama

Jade Scofield: Deputy Chief of Staff, Alabama House of Representatives