News Summary
The Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation announced its 2025 honorees for the Women Honoring Women gala, recognizing five influential leaders in North Alabama. The event, scheduled for September 18, aims to raise funds while celebrating the contributions of these exceptional women in business, education, and community service. This year marks the 12th consecutive year that Woody Anderson Ford has sponsored the event, highlighting the growing impact of women in the region’s civic landscape.
Huntsville, Alabama Celebrates Trailblazing Women with 2025 Women Honoring Women Gala Announcement
The Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation has announced its 2025 class of honorees for the annual Women Honoring Women recognition, celebrating five exceptional leaders from North Alabama who have made significant contributions in business, education, community service, and nonprofit innovation. The announcement took place on April 29 at the Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Twickenham location in Huntsville, drawing professionals, civic leaders, and partners from across the region.
2025 Honorees Named
This year’s honorees include:
- Veronica A. Cram, founder and Chief Consultant of InSight Strategic Solutions.
- Lee Marshall, Founder & CEO of the nonprofit organization Kids to Love.
- Dr. Annie Saylor, CEO and co-founder of Simulation Technologies, Inc. (SimTech).
- Dr. Patricia G. Sims, the fourth President of Drake State Community & Technical College.
- Kathi Tew, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Baron Critical Weather Institute.
Fundraising Gala Scheduled
The 2025 Women Honoring Women event is set to take place on September 18 at the VBC Saturn Ballroom and will serve as a fundraising gala. This year marks the 12th consecutive year that Woody Anderson Ford has served as the Presenting Sponsor for the Women Honoring Women event.
Impact on the Community
The honorees reflect the increasing influence of women in the North Alabama business and civic landscape. The WEDC Foundation, founded in 1998, is dedicated to empowering women pursuing higher education through flexible financial assistance, career mentorship, and leadership training. To date, the foundation has assisted nearly 200 scholars, distributing over $855,500 in financial aid.
In 2024 alone, the foundation supported 33 scholars, 20 children, and 65 volunteers through various development and support services. This commitment to building a legacy of empowered women who contribute positively to their communities aligns with the WEDC Foundation’s mission to connect philanthropic giving with workforce development.
Recognition and Inspiration
The Women Honoring Women event aims to inspire WEDC Foundation scholars and attendees by acknowledging exceptional women who are making a notable impact in the Huntsville and Madison County community. The foundation emphasizes the importance of recognizing these leaders to motivate others in their personal and professional pursuits.
As the WEDC Foundation continues to grow, its efforts highlight the vital role women play in shaping the economic and educational fabric of North Alabama. This celebration of leadership, service, and innovation is intended not only to honor the accomplishments of this year’s honorees but also to encourage future generations of women to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.
The forthcoming gala promises to be a significant occasion, furthering the foundation’s objectives and reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Huntsville Business Journal
- WAAY-TV
- Huntsville Business Journal – Top 40 Under 40
- Yellowhammer News
- WAAY-TV – Nominate Incredible Women
- Wikipedia: Women in Business
- Google Search: Women Honoring Women gala
- Google Scholar: Women’s Economic Development Council
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Woman
- Google News: Women Honoring Women 2025
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.
