In June of 2025, Kimberly L. Jackson took the helm of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama, the state’s leading advocacy group and philanthropic engine for women’s economic advancement. But she’s been preparing for this new position as president and CEO for two decades. Most recently, she served as Government and Community Relations Manager for the Birmingham Division of Alabama Power Company. Now, she’s bringing her skills in developing high-impact civic and community partnerships to WFA as the organization aims to move 10,000 women into the workforce by 2027.
How did you become interested in this position leading the Women’s Foundation of Alabama?
I was at a point in my career where I wanted to make a more significant impact, and I was open to that, whether internal to my former company or externally. I wasn’t necessarily seeking a position outside the company, but I knew I had more to give to the community.
I knew Melanie Bridgeforth, my predecessor, was leaving, but I didn’t consider applying for the role or raising my hand for it. Someone brought it to me a couple of months or so after Melanie announced her resignation, suggesting that, given my board service and community development work — professionally and personally — I would be a great fit. And I’ve been a supporter and advocate for the Women’s Foundation for a long time.
How did your time at Alabama Power and work experience prepare you for this new role?
My last role was in external affairs for the Birmingham division of Alabama Power. I primarily worked closely with local elected municipal government officials and public officials, nonprofit leaders, and various nonprofit organizations. That work really prepared me for this role because I also served on several nonprofit boards and connected with the communities that I served.
Daily, I was out in those communities connecting with the people, understanding the issues, and trying to determine ways that Alabama Power could help solve the issues that aligned with our mission.
That job, in particular, was closely related to the community that the Women’s Foundation does — working with public officials from the advocacy standpoint and working with other nonprofits as a grantor and grantee. All of my roles within Alabama Power helped me build up to this. I’ve also had roles on the financial side of the business, in marketing and economic development, and corporate governance.
You’ve announced plans to do a listening tour throughout the state. Can you tell us more about that?
The goal is to engage with stakeholders in the broader community across the state. We’ll go to some of the larger municipalities, but we hope to bring in stakeholders from some of the rural communities as well. Obviously, we’re in a transition period with me coming on board, so it’s also a good time for us (especially because next year, we’ll be celebrating 30 years as an organization) to think about how we will show up for the next 30 years.
The tour is about really listening to and understanding our communities — understanding how we can expand our reach and touch more of them.
What are some of the main issues the Women’s Foundation is looking to address?
We’re still focused on childcare. We have a long history of working on the childcare conundrum, trying to solve for that as it relates to helping women get to work. We aim to get 10,000 women to work by 2027, and we’re well on our way to achieving that. But we still have a long way to go to get there. So, we are still looking at the barriers to entry for those women.
The childcare tax credit was passed in 2024, and paid family leave was passed this past legislative session in 2025. These laws granted teachers and state employees paid leave when they have children, adopt children, or experience some other major change to their family dynamics. We’re looking at other barriers to entry for getting women to work and moving families forward. Roughly 50% or more of households in Alabama have women as the heads of households.
If we can get them to meaningful, transformative work that actually can get them to accumulate wealth and change the trajectory of their families, then the whole state will thrive.
Why are organizations like the Women’s Foundation of Alabama important?
Women are integral to the family dynamic. When it comes to having healthy, happy, whole families, women are at the forefront. So, if women are not doing well, then families are not doing well, and our state does not do well. If we address many of the ills, barriers, and challenges women face, we’re addressing many of those things for families in our state.
What’s the best advice you’ve received or have to offer?
One of my personal philosophies — and I’m a woman of faith, so it’s spiritual for me as well — is ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’ Everyone’s means, resources, and even personal capacity are different. But I think whatever you are gifted with, you should find ways to gift it back out to the world.
What do you love most about Birmingham?
I love the people. I think we genuinely have Southern hospitality. We welcome people in, and we are approachable. I can walk down the street and greet someone, and I don’t get a side-eye or silence. I also think we’re really hitting our stride; we’re a hidden gem.
There are so many beautiful things about Birmingham — the restaurant scene, topography, geography — things a lot of people don’t know about. And we have so much history, too — history that has transformed the world. There’s a rich culture and a lot of things that make Birmingham unique.
What are some of your favorite local restaurants?
Brick and Tin, Bottega Café, Helen, El Barrio, Le Fresca, and Automatic Seafood.
For Sunday brunch after church, my family and I like to go to The Essential, Trattoria Zaza, or Bricktop’s.
What are some other places you love to visit in Birmingham?
I enjoy walking on Lakeshore Trail. I love Railroad Park and how it transformed Birmingham’s downtown area. Red Mountain Park is another favorite for outdoor activity. I love museums and art galleries like the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Canary Gallery.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Last great meal you had at a local restaurant: Roasted red snapper at Automatic Seafood
Current book you’re reading: The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins. It’s about transitioning as a leader and how to map out your first 90 days.
What’s on your travel bucket list? Italy, Greece, and Ghana
What’s on your bedside table? A stack of books and water
Name 3 things (other than faith, family, and friends) that you can’t live without: Hair and makeup, coffee, and housekeeping.
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Southern women are doing remarkable things. Meet more of them in our FACES archives!
