Huntsville, AL, February 12, 2026
Momentum Leaders has announced the 2026 Women of Impact honorees, recognizing three influential Alabama women for their significant contributions to community development. The awards highlight the importance of local leadership and individual initiative in driving positive change. The honorees will be honored at the Momentum Leadership Conference, which focuses on inspiring future leaders to cultivate community growth and shared vision. This initiative celebrates the impact of dedicated individuals in fostering civic innovation across the state.
Huntsville, AL –
Alabama Leaders Honored: Catalysts for Community Progress and Innovation
Momentum Leaders, a distinguished nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in leadership, has proudly announced its 2026 Women of Impact honorees. This esteemed recognition celebrates three exceptional Alabama leaders whose individual achievements and unwavering commitment have significantly enriched their communities and fostered positive growth across the state. This initiative underscores how personal initiative and strong local leadership are vital in driving meaningful civic innovation and collective prosperity.
The annual Woman of Impact award, presented every other year, shines a spotlight on Alabama women leaders who demonstrate extraordinary work, positively influencing lives in community, business, culture, or politics. These accolades highlight a dedication to servant-leadership, showcasing how focused effort from motivated individuals can lead to substantial advancements without extensive bureaucratic hurdles, thereby benefiting the broader Alabama community development.
Recognizing Exemplary Achievement
Momentum Leaders will formally recognize these three remarkable women at the upcoming Momentum Leadership Conference, “RISE 2026: Leading with Courage and Clarity,” scheduled for March 3rd in Birmingham. This gathering, open to both women and men, serves as a testament to the power of shared vision and the importance of fostering leadership at all levels to propel Huntsville AL events and statewide initiatives forward.
Profiles in Leadership: The 2026 Women of Impact Honorees
The 2026 honorees exemplify diverse leadership and impactful contributions across various sectors. Their stories illustrate the profound effect individuals can have through dedication and personal drive, serving as an inspiration for burgeoning Alabama leaders.
Rosilyn “Roz” Houston: A Pioneer in Global Finance and Community Service
Rosilyn “Roz” Houston is celebrated for a trailblazing career in global finance, where she achieved the distinction of being the highest-ranking female and the first woman of color to serve in the C-Suite and on the Management Committees of two global banking firms. Beyond her significant professional accomplishments, Ms. Houston is deeply committed to community, family, and faith. Her extensive service includes leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards, notably as Chair and Interim CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Her commitment highlights how individual success can be effectively leveraged for civic betterment.
Marianne Sharbel: Visionary Advocacy for Families in Crisis
Marianne Sharbel’s compassionate advocacy and visionary leadership have created a lasting positive influence on families experiencing medical crises across Alabama. As the driving force behind the Birmingham Ronald McDonald House, Ms. Sharbel transformed a concept into a vital sanctuary that has provided comfort and support to thousands of families. Her success is a direct result of effective collaboration with community leaders, businesses, and volunteers, demonstrating the power of private partnerships in addressing critical societal needs.
PeggyLee Wright: Military Leadership and Business Innovation in Huntsville
Huntsville’s own PeggyLee Wright is recognized as an aviator, leader, and business innovator. Her foundation of grit and resilience was forged during her distinguished service as a former U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot, where she flew with the 82nd Airborne Division and executed missions in Honduras and Central America. In 2019, Ms. Wright founded THE COMPANY YOU KEEP in Huntsville, AL, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development, business strategy, and real-world execution. Her dedication extends to community involvement, serving on boards for the Huntsville SOF Network and the YMCA, and as Executive Director of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) Foundation. Her initiatives represent a proactive approach to skill development and community growth, ensuring a brighter future through personal investment.
Fostering Leadership for Future Generations
The Momentum Leadership Conference, where these women will be honored, is designed to inspire and provide practical guidance for professionals seeking to lead with courage and clarity. It brings together a diverse community of leaders to ignite potential and cultivate the skills necessary to transform workplaces, communities, and lives. Such events are crucial for nurturing the next generation of Alabama leaders and ensuring continued progress and innovation.
Conclusion
The recognition of Rosilyn “Roz” Houston, Marianne Sharbel, and PeggyLee Wright as Momentum Leaders’ 2026 Women of Impact serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength found in individual achievement and community-driven initiatives. Their work exemplifies how private efforts and dedicated individuals can effectively address societal needs and foster robust community development. HEREHuntsvillecity.com encourages all our readers to consider how their personal initiative can contribute to the vibrant future of Huntsville and the wider Alabama community. Stay engaged, support local endeavors, and help champion the spirit of innovation that these remarkable women embody.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Momentum Leaders’ Woman of Impact award?
- The Momentum Leaders’ Woman of Impact award honors Alabama women leaders who do extraordinary work to positively impact the lives of others in the community, business, culture, or politics.
- Who are the 2026 Momentum Women of Impact honorees?
- The 2026 Momentum Women of Impact honorees are Rosilyn “Roz” Houston, Marianne Sharbel, and PeggyLee Wright.
- What is Rosilyn “Roz” Houston recognized for?
- Rosilyn “Roz” Houston is widely recognized for her trailblazing career in global finance, serving as the highest-ranking female and the first woman of color to serve in the C-Suite and on the Management Committees of two global banking firms. She also serves on numerous nonprofit boards, including as Chair and Interim CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.
- What are Marianne Sharbel’s contributions?
- Marianne Sharbel’s visionary leadership and compassionate advocacy have left an indelible mark on families facing medical crises in Alabama, particularly as the driving force behind the Birmingham Ronald McDonald House.
- What are PeggyLee Wright’s achievements?
- PeggyLee Wright is an aviator, leader, and business innovator, known for her service as a former U.S. Army UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and for founding THE COMPANY YOU KEEP in Huntsville, AL. She also serves on boards for the Huntsville SOF Network and the YMCA, and as Executive Director of the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) Foundation.
- When and where will the honorees be recognized?
- The honorees will be formally recognized at the upcoming Momentum Leadership Conference, “RISE 2026: Leading with Courage and Clarity,” on March 3rd in Birmingham at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center (BJCC).
Key Features of the Momentum Leaders’ 2026 Women of Impact Recognition
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Award Name | Momentum Leaders’ Woman of Impact Award | State-level |
| Awarded By | Momentum Leaders (nonprofit focused on advancing women in leadership) | State-level |
| Purpose | Honors Alabama women leaders for extraordinary work impacting community, business, culture, or politics. | State-level |
| 2026 Honorees | Rosilyn “Roz” Houston, Marianne Sharbel, PeggyLee Wright | State-level |
| Recognition Event | Momentum Leadership Conference, “RISE 2026: Leading with Courage and Clarity” | State-level |
| Event Date | March 3rd | State-level |
| Event Location | Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center (BJCC), Birmingham | State-level |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
North Alabama’s Entrepreneurial Growth Supported by Loans
Hello MAMÁ: A New Era for Huntsville Entrepreneur Dr. Ashley Hunt-Poole
Jury Selection Complete in Tuscaloosa Capital Murder Trial
Huntsville Engineer Revolutionizes Engineering Resource Access
Huntsville Celebrates Statewide Excellence: Doris Lemngole’s National Honor Inspires Achievement
Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department Hosts Valentine’s Day Fish Fry
Huntsville’s Healthcare Landscape Evolves with Major Acquisition
Huntsville’s Retail Landscape Faces National Changes
Tuscaloosa Boosts Addiction Recovery with Major Grant
Momentum Announces Huntsville’s Second Upward Class
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
