
Speaker Series provides a stage for national thought leaders to share their insight with the Huntsville community on innovative solutions for addressing generational poverty and overcoming challenges for generations to come.
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Former event speakers include:
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2011 – Geoffrey Canada, president of the Harlem Children’s Zone
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2013 – Dr. Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children’s Defense Fund
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2015 – Mr. Paul Tough, education researcher and author of “How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character”
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2017 – Dr. Ruby Payne, educator and author, best known for “A Framework for Understanding Poverty”
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2022 – Manny Scott, an author and original Freedom Writer
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2023 - Leland Melvin, former NASA astronaut and NFL player ​
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2024 - Dr. Mae Jemison, Former NASA astronaut, engineer, physician, and educator​
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2025 - Nate Oats, University of Alabama Head Coach of Men's Basketball
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2026 - Dr. Tasha Austin-Williams
Thank You to our 2026 Sponsors!
Presenting Sponsor

15th Anniversary Ruby Sponsor


Platinum Sponsor

Silver Sponsors









Friends of the Village
Brasfield & Gorrie
Mary & Wes Bowman
Ana & Jim Byrne
Cadence Bank
Cash Properties
Drake State Community & Technical College
Michele & Ross Hunter
Kelli & Brian Pollock
Saint Bartley Church
Savant Wealth Management
SmartBank
Stanley Downtown Office Plaza
Debbie & John Sullivan
Kathi & Norm Tew
Dr. & Mrs. Louis Weiner
In-Kind Donors











