StrongHer 2026: Birmingham's Ageless Leaders

0:00It's March 23rd. Birmingham News today starts now, AI-powered and ready. Birmingham is kicking off women's history month with its strong-her initiative, this year honoring women 60 and older who continue making a big difference in the community. The 2026 edition focuses on their lifetime of leadership, service, and resilience, proving that age doesn't slow down impact. The campaign started back in 2019 when Mayor Randall Woodfin teamed up with City Project Manager Shanda Temple to spotlight everyday women. Leaders, it's grown to feature more than 200 stories, with many collected in Temple's book available at the downtown library bookstore. People in Birmingham love how these profiles highlight quiet heroes mentoring kids, volunteering after setbacks, and pushing for healthier lives, or better healthcare. The stories show up daily on the city's website and social media each March, inspiring folks to recognize unsung contributions right in their neighborhoods.

1:01For this round, nominees must be 60 or older by January 1st, 2026, and live, work, or volunteer in the city with a track record of service. Standouts include an 82-year-old entrepreneur recovering from a serious accident to support a museum cafe, a 62-year-old fitness leader. Promoting active lifestyles, a 63-year-old pivoting from job loss to community sewing projects, and a 71-year-old advocate who secured millions in AIDS funding. These women's journeys remind us that Birmingham's strength comes from those who keep showing up, no matter the years, building bridges and breaking. Barriers every day.