Community Builder, Creative Visionary & Market Maven

Lindsey Pattillo Keane is a powerhouse behind some of the most vibrant, community-driven spaces in Huntsville. As Executive Director of the MidCity District Association, Lindsey leads a dynamic team that activates, markets, and amplifies one of the city’s fastest-growing cultural hubs. A founding member of The Camp, Lindsey helped shape its early identity through creative programming, events, and community engagement.

But one of her most impactful contributions? Launching The Market at MidCity in 2019. What began as a grassroots gathering of a dozen local vendors has grown into one of Alabama’s largest farmers markets—welcoming nearly 50 vendors every Sunday. Lindsey’s leadership centers on inclusivity, empowerment, and cultivating a space where small businesses thrive and community connection flourishes.

Whether she’s organizing large-scale events, supporting local makers, or building strong relationships with tenants and patrons, Lindsey brings heart, hustle, and creativity to everything she touches.

Follow MidCity Projects:
📍 Instagram: @midcitydistrict | @marketatmidcity | @thecamphuntsville
🌐 Website: www.midcitydistrict.com | www.marketatmidcity.com

In this episode of SheBoss, we sit down with Ashley Engles-Ross, Vice President of Small Business at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce. With a background in social work, nonprofit leadership, and military family advocacy, Ashley brings a unique perspective to the table—rooted in resilience, purpose-driven work, and a deep commitment to community.From organizing environmental summits on the U.S./Mexico border to leading efforts for small business growth in Huntsville, Ashley’s journey is anything but conventional. She opens up about the challenges of career transitions as a military spouse, overcoming guilt as a working mom, and how she found clarity and confidence in carving out her own path.Ashley is a Leadership Greater Huntsville graduate, marathon runner, and mom of three, who recently completed a four-year nonprofit management certification from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Her story is one of discipline, curiosity, and a drive to uplift others—especially women navigating change.✨ Listen now to hear how Ashley is helping shape one of the fastest-growing regions in the country—and why she believes small businesses are at the heart of it all.

Education Advocate, Nonprofit Leader & Champion for Teachers Everywhere

Alison Kling is the passionate and visionary CEO of Free 2 Teach, a nonprofit that equips public school teachers and students with essential classroom supplies—at no cost. A former educator herself, Alison began her career teaching second and third grade in the New York City Public School System through Teach For America. Her experiences in underserved classrooms, combined with early exposure to global humanitarian work in refugee camps, ignited a lifelong commitment to service and education equity.

Originally from the West Coast of Canada and the U.S., Alison holds a Master's in Education from Hunter College, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a certificate in Forced Migration Studies from Oxford University. Under her leadership, Free 2 Teach has flourished—expanding its reach across school districts, launching programs like Free to Learn to provide period products for students, and becoming a trusted, joyful hub for educators across North Alabama.

Alison lives in Huntsville with her husband David and their four children—George, Teddy, Jack, and Lucy. Whether she’s advocating for teachers, packing curriculum kits, or chatting with educators in the aisles of the Free 2 Teach store, Alison’s leadership style is grounded in community, joy, and radical hospitality.

Follow Alison & Free 2 Teach:
📚 Instagram: @free2teach
💻 Website: www.free2teach.org
📘 Facebook: Free 2 Teach

Keri Woodall is a visionary marketer, storyteller, and co-owner of The Library Of, a creative video production company she runs alongside her husband, Phil. With 15 years of marketing experience under her belt, Keri has found her sweet spot at the intersection of entrepreneurship, strategy, and storytelling—bringing brands to life through intentional, cinematic content.

Outside of her work behind the camera, Keri’s passions run wide: she’s a health nut at heart, an aspiring golfer, a proud gym-goer, and a devoted aunt (FaceTime sessions included). Though she once dreamed of attending film school, life had a different plan—and she’s now living her creative dream as a business owner helping others tell their stories.

A believer in choosing joy and lifting others up, Keri is inspired by people who turn pain into purpose and faith into action. She’s candid about the challenges she’s faced—including imposter syndrome—and leads with transparency, heart, and hustle. Whether she’s launching a brand campaign or trying out the newest local restaurant, Keri brings passion, purpose, and a people-first mindset to everything she does. Follow Keri and The Library Of below:

The Library Of: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-library-of/

The Library Of: https://www.instagram.com/thelibraryof_/

Keri Woodall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-woodall-3b103b23/

Toni Eberhart is the definition of a SheBoss—making moves, building communities, and championing big ideas that actually do something. As a Strategic Communications Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, Toni helps turn complex government innovation into clear, impactful storytelling that moves the needle.But her superpower? Rallying people around a mission. From leading Urban Engine to supporting entrepreneurs with Launch, TechBirmingham, and Right to Start, Toni’s resume reads like a roadmap for making things happen. She’s been at the heart of some of Huntsville’s most exciting momentum—and she does it all while raising three kids, mentoring local leaders, and still finding time for a good burger on the weekend.She’s a Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect alum (Class 21), a NASA Group Achievement Award winner, and once snagged a Coin of Excellence from USAREC—because, of course she did.Originally from Pennsylvania, Toni now calls Huntsville home. Whether she’s helping a startup founder take flight or cheering on fellow moms who are juggling it all, she leads with energy, heart, and serious hustle.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonieberhart/

Fathia Hardy is a visionary leader, passionate educator, and unstoppable force for inclusive change in Huntsville and beyond. As the Director of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), she plays a critical role in connecting academia with real-world workforce needs—developing forward-thinking programs that empower professionals to lead with confidence in an ever-evolving world.Since joining UAH over a decade ago, Fathia has designed and delivered impactful training programs for nonprofits, government agencies, and private-sector organizations. Her signature initiatives—such as the Leadership Accelerator Academy and Leading Complex and Highly Technical Teams—showcase her ability to develop innovative learning experiences in collaboration with academic and military partners.But Fathia’s impact goes far beyond her job title. She has served as President of the UAH Staff Senate, mentored students as a part-time instructor, and given back to the community through volunteer roles with Leadership Greater Huntsville, Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theatre & Academy, and the Madison CEO program.Her leadership and service have earned her multiple honors, including the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from UAH’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, recognition from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a Young Professional of the Year nomination from the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.As the first and youngest minority woman to oversee continuing education at UAH, Fathia carries the weight—and the pride—of breaking barriers for others. Her journey is rooted in resilience, purpose, and the desire to build a legacy for her two children, Malik and Farrah Starr.In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Fathia to talk about navigating leadership as a woman of color, building inclusive spaces, and what it means to lead with heart, strategy, and a little bit of theatre flair. (Yes, she’s a lifelong theatre kid—and a double-jointed culinary enthusiast, too!)Follow Fathia and UAH OPCE:🌐 UAH Professional and Continuing Education🔗 LinkedIn: @FathiaHardy📸 Instagram: @uahuntsville

Melissa Thompson is a connector, a community advocate, and a firm believer in the power of generosity to shape a better world. As a longtime team member at the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, Melissa brings heart, humor, and a deep sense of purpose to her role—helping generous people invest in causes they care about most. She describes her work as having a front-row seat to the good happening in our community, and she wouldn’t trade it for anything.A Huntsville transplant by way of Arizona (and before that, North Carolina and Georgia), Melissa's journey has included many titles: attorney, PTA president, volunteer extraordinaire, and now, one of the most respected voices in Huntsville’s philanthropic landscape. After earning her law degree from Arizona State University College of Law and practicing in several legal fields, Melissa stepped away from the workforce to focus on raising her son, Sam—filling the gap with years of impactful volunteer work in education and local nonprofits.When a conversation at a school board meeting unexpectedly led to an opportunity at the Community Foundation, Melissa saw the perfect intersection of her passion for people and love for service. Since then, she’s been working side-by-side with donors to turn generosity into meaningful community impact.Melissa’s story is one of heart and hustle, balancing family, faith, and a commitment to public service—while never losing her quick wit or love for sparkling water.Fun facts? She’s a former state champion basketball player, a semi-finalist in the Miss Liberty pageant, and the proud mom of a Guinness World Record holder (her son, Sam, helped set a math record involving Pascal’s Triangle!).In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Melissa to talk about the power of philanthropy, lessons from her winding career path, and how women can embrace every chapter—even the ones with resume gaps.Follow Melissa and the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville:🌐 Website: https://givehsv.org/🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-thompson-02941b20/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfhuntsville/

Paula Steele, LICSW-S, is a dedicated mental health professional committed to providing compassionate, first-rate care to individuals in crisis. Since joining WellStone in 2017 as an outpatient therapist, she has played a vital role in expanding crisis care services, becoming the Director of Acute Care Services in 2019 and later the Director of WellStone Emergency Services in 2021.

In her leadership role, Paula has been instrumental in building a safe, supportive space for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Her work is driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of respect, acceptance, dignity, and hope—ensuring that every person who walks through the doors of the crisis center leaves feeling supported and empowered in their recovery journey.

Beyond her work at WellStone, Paula serves as a Community Mental Health Officer and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator, working closely with first responders and law enforcement to enhance crisis intervention efforts. She also co-chairs Madison County’s CIT Steering Committee, advocating for better resources, training, and support for those experiencing mental health emergencies.

In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Paula to discuss the critical role of crisis care, the importance of dignity in mental health treatment, and how she is leading the charge to provide hope and healing to those in need.

Follow Paula and WellStone’s work:

WellStone Website: https://wellstone.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-steele-licsw-wellstone-emergency-services-director/

Jennifer Linton is a champion for women’s empowerment, a dedicated nonprofit leader, and a Huntsville native with a passion for helping others achieve their dreams. As Executive Director of the WEDC Foundation, she is committed to guiding women on their path to success and self-sufficiency—an opportunity that resonates deeply with her own upbringing as the daughter of a single mother who persevered to provide opportunities for her. Now, Jennifer is paying it forward, helping women pursue higher education and achieve economic independence.Her journey has taken her across the country, living out a childhood dream of becoming a local in places like Charleston, SC, Asheville, NC, and Phoenix, AZ, before returning to Huntsville in 2010. She spent eight years as Chief Operating & Financial Officer at HEALS, Inc. before stepping into her current leadership role at WEDC Foundation in 2019.Jennifer’s impact and leadership have been recognized in several ways, including receiving the People’s Choice Entrepreneur of the Year Award from The Catalyst (2023) and being named one of 256 Magazine’s Faces Under Forty (2020). In 2024, she wrote the introduction for Huntsville Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 and was featured on the cover of Event Magazine for the WEDC Foundation’s signature fundraiser, Women Honoring Women. She is a graduate of Leadership Greater Huntsville Flagship Class 36 and United Way’s Leadership Social Services Class 18, and she continues to be involved in the community through organizations like the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Community Connections Network.Outside of work, Jennifer finds inspiration in nature, where she finds peace and clarity—whether it's watching wildlife in action or enjoying the quiet beauty of Monte Sano. She’s also a creative spirit, spending her free time attempting watercolor, embroidery, and crafting cocktails with family and friends. Fun facts? She was once a licensed massage therapist, a vegetarian for over 12 years, and—perhaps most impressively—has earned the title of Best Turtle Rescuer in Appalachia.Join us in this episode of SheBoss as we dive into Jennifer’s journey, her passion for empowering women, and the winding path that led her to a career she loves.Follow Jennifer and WEDC Foundation:🌐 Website: https://www.wedcfoundation.org📸 Instagram: @wedcfoundation🔗 LinkedIn:   / jennifer-linton  

Christie Finley is a lifelong educator, leader, and community builder with a passion for developing others and making meaningful connections. As the CEO and President of Leadership Greater Huntsville, she is dedicated to fostering leadership growth and strengthening the Huntsville-Madison community.A Madison County native, Christie comes from a family of educators and naturally followed in their footsteps. After earning her degree in Secondary Social Science from Auburn University, she began her career as a teacher at her alma mater, Bob Jones High School. She later earned a master’s in School Counseling from Alabama A&M University and an Educational Leadership degree from the University of South Alabama, propelling her into leadership roles including counselor, principal, director of secondary programs, deputy superintendent, and ultimately, superintendent.After 31 years in education, Christie thought she was ready for retirement—until she quickly realized she missed being around people and the world of learning. While consulting for school districts, she came across an opportunity to lead Leadership Greater Huntsville, an organization she had experienced firsthand through its transformative Flagship program. She took the leap and hasn’t looked back, now guiding the next generation of community leaders.Throughout her career, Christie has navigated challenges with resilience, including leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. She credits the strength of her team, educators, and local leaders for their support during that time. Above all, she believes in lifelong learning, lifting others up, and helping people recognize their full potential.Outside of work, Christie is an avid fitness enthusiast who discovered her love for running after the birth of her second child, eventually competing in multiple races, including marathons. She also has a surprising affinity for shoes—once even chatting with designer Donald Pliner in a New York department store. In retirement, she unexpectedly became fascinated with hummingbirds, hosting over 32 in her yard last summer.Above all, Christie is most proud of her family. She and her husband, Kirk, have been married for 30 years and are the proud parents of two sons—Drake, a senior at UAH, and Tate, a sophomore at Auburn University.Join us in this episode of SheBoss as we explore Christie’s journey, her dedication to leadership, and the passion that drives her every day.

Follow Christie and Leadership Greater Huntsville:

Website:⁠Leadership Greater Huntsville⁠

LinkedIn:Leadership Greater Huntsville LinkedIn:Christie Finley