SheBoss with Megan Nivens-Tannett

SheBoss | Mission Over Ego with Amanda Hooten

In this episode of SheBoss, Megan sits down with Amanda Hooten, Founder of Blaze Solutions LLC, for a real conversation about what it costs to chase the wrong kind of success - and what it looks like to walk away and build something better.

Amanda helped scale a government contracting firm from $17M to over $70M in revenue. By every external measure, she was winning. But she was watching something else: the gap between results on paper and how leadership was actually showing up day-to-day.

That gap changed everything. She trusted her instincts, walked away at the height of her career, and launched Blaze - built around the kind of leadership she actually believed in.

They also dig into what accountability really looks like in practice, why "mission over ego" is more than a motto, how women build credibility in rooms that weren't designed for them, and the moment Amanda realized that saying "I don't know, but I'll find out" is actually what earns respect.

If you've been achieving on the outside but quietly questioning whether you're building the right thing... this one's for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• The $17M to $70M journey - and why Amanda left anyway

• What "mission over ego" means when the quarter is hard and the team is struggling

• The difference between accountability that drives people and accountability that burns them out

• "Excellence has to be earned" - and what that looks like in practice • Building credibility as a woman in male-dominated, high-stakes environments

• The moment that finally made her launch Blaze - and what surprised her most

Want to learn more about Amanda? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamandahooten Web: https://www.blazesolutions.com

In this episode of She Boss, Megan sits down with Christy Dunn, Founder & CEO of Awaken Professional Development, for a real conversation about career pivots, confidence, and what it looks like to build a life (and work) that actually fits.

Christy shares her journey from corporate accounting to 20+ years in Mary Kay, and how a 2020 reset helped her reconnect with what mattered most — coaching, mentoring, and helping women step into who they already are. They also dig into tools like CliftonStrengths and Working Genius, why fear is often fear of success (not failure), and how routines + accountability can change everything.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, burnt out, or like you’re due for a next chapter… this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Christy’s career journey and the pivot that led to Awaken

2. Why confidence-building is a skill (and how to strengthen it)

3. CliftonStrengths + Working Genius and what they reveal

4. Career clarity vs. personal clarity (and how they overlap)

5. The power of routine, reflection, and accountability

6. Building community through mastermind-style collaboration

In this episode of SheBoss, Megan sits down with Donna Pearson, Founder and VP of Safety at Pearson Safety Solutions, for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of purpose.

Donna shares her journey from accountant to nationally recognized safety expert, opening up about the life events that shaped her career, including starting her own business after personal tragedy. With warmth and wit, she reflects on breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, what it means to truly serve your clients, and how she built a company rooted in people-first values.

Whether you're a small business owner, a woman navigating leadership, or someone who loves a story about grit and growth, this episode is for you.

“Bigger isn’t always better. Focus on the people, and the rest will follow.”

In this episode of SheBoss, Megan sits down with Ranae Bartlett, the newly sworn‑in mayor of Madison, Alabama, to talk leadership, community, and what it takes to serve a rapidly growing city. Ranae shares her journey from law and volunteer work to starting a citywide chess program and nonprofit, leading national initiatives, and ultimately answering the call to run for mayor.

Together they explore growth and opportunity in Madison, the challenges that don’t always make the headlines, and the importance of collaboration, innovation, and intentional leadership. Whether you’re a longtime resident or simply passionate about community impact, Ranae’s story and vision are sure to inspire.

In this episode of SheBoss, we sit down with Alisa Clark, founder of Welcome Home Huntsville, a newcomer-focused publication that’s reshaping how people plug into the Rocket City. With a fascinating background in psychology, journalism, and academic publishing, Alisa shares what led her to pivot from high-pressure DEI work in Boston to building a mission-driven business here in Huntsville. We talk about burnout, bold moves, and how Welcome Home Huntsville is helping new residents feel seen, supported, and connected—one mailbox at a time.

Whether you're new to town, building something of your own, or just love a story about starting fresh, this one's for you.

📬 Learn more about Welcome Home Huntsville: https://welcomehomehuntsville.pub/🎧 Subscribe for more SheBoss stories of women making moves.

Bobby Bradley is a powerhouse of perseverance, vision, and community impact. In this SheBoss episode, she shares her extraordinary story.

From growing up in a tight-knit Huntsville neighborhood during segregation to becoming one of the region’s most respected business leaders and changemakers, Bobby’s journey is marked by grit, grace, and generational influence. She opens up about being one of the first Black students at Vanderbilt, co-founding a successful tech company, and later launching Village of Promise, a nonprofit working to break the cycle of poverty through education and family support.

This conversation is filled with wisdom, warmth, and the kind of insight that only comes from a life well lived and generously shared.

Don’t miss this moving and powerful episode with one of Huntsville’s most inspiring voices! Tune in now and be sure to follow for more stories of women who lead with purpose. 

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.

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/

Kristin Scroggin is a dynamic force in the world of generational communication and workplace dynamics. As the owner of genWHY Communications, Kristin has dedicated her career to helping people understand why their co-workers—and sometimes even family members—are “so weird” from a generational perspective.

Originally from Tuscaloosa, AL, she has called Huntsville home for the past 25 years. A former professor at UAH for 17 years, Kristin now travels full-time as a professional speaker, sharing her insights and humor with audiences across the country.

COVID-19 presented unexpected challenges, with conferences grinding to a halt, but it also became one of the most rewarding periods of her life. Outside of work, Kristin and her husband are raising four kids who keep life busy and the fridge constantly empty. Kristin also values the profound impact of her time as a foster parent, an experience that highlighted the challenges of navigating a broken system.

Kristin’s passion lies in knowing that her work makes a difference, often helping people heal relationships both personally and professionally. Fun facts? Despite her high-energy public persona, Kristin is actually an introvert—speaking to a crowd of 1,000 is no problem, but dinner with five? That’s another story! With a grounded approach to her work, she doesn’t take herself too seriously and dreams of visiting every country she can in her lifetime.

Among her accolades, Kristin is proud to have been selected for the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Owners Program, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication.

Join us in this episode of SheBoss as we dive into Kristin’s journey, her unique take on generational dynamics, and the humor and wisdom she brings to the stage.

Follow Kristin here:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinscroggin/genWHY Communication: https://www.linkedin.com/company/genwhycommunications/Website: https://www.genwhy.com/

Alka Bhargav is not just a social entrepreneur; she is a passionate advocate for empowering women from diverse backgrounds. Her multidisciplinary education, which includes a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Communication, has led her through an interesting career journey. Alka’s roles have spanned from teaching and vocational rehabilitation to a successful career in human resources, where she retired as the HR Director of Tecvox OEM Solutions in 2013.

During her years in HR, Alka gained a deep understanding of what companies seek in high-potential employees. Realizing that most people—especially women—do not have access to this critical information, Alka felt a calling to bridge this gap. She recognized that for women to build long-term success, they needed solid foundations in finance, education, and social support.

In 2013, Alka and her husband turned that vision into reality by founding the Aum Foundation. Through this foundation, Alka has made a profound impact on over 200 young women across Alabama, providing them with mentorship, workforce development, emotional support, scholarships, and specialized ACT tutoring. Her work has empowered these women to achieve personal and generational prosperity.

Beyond her work with the Aum Foundation, Alka is deeply involved in the community, serving on various boards such as the Drake State Foundation, New Futures, the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board, and the North Alabama Society of Human Resource Management. Her leadership extends to past roles, including President of the WEDC Foundation Board and Chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council.

Alka’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored as the Woman of the Year by the Psi Alpha Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and recognized as a Change Maker by the Alabama Women’s Foundation.

In her free time, Alka enjoys diving into a good book, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring the latest interior design trends.

Kim Hanson is not just a dedicated professional in public affairs; she is a dynamic, passionate leader who has made a significant impact throughout her 21-year career as a Department of the Army Civilian Public Affairs Officer. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of Public and Congressional Affairs at U.S. Army Materiel Command, Kim is crucial in managing strategic communications for one of the Army’s largest and most vital commands, overseeing a $50 billion organization with a workforce of over 165,000. Kim’s career is marked by her versatility and commitment. She has worked at all levels of the Army across various commands and organizations. One of the most crucial points in her career expertise was when she was selected as the strategic communications lead for Operation Warp Speed, the Federal government’s ambitious initiative to accelerate the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. Her ability to navigate the complexities of this high-pressure, politically charged environment is a testament to her skill and resilience. Initially a Political Science major at Georgia State University, Kim's path shifted when she delivered a speech at one of her sorority sister’s weddings. This pivotal moment inspired her to add a degree in Public Relations and work towards a double major. She credits joining Zeta Tau Alpha as one of the decisions that changed the trajectory of her life, encouraging her to dive into student activities like the Public Relations Student Society of America, where she first encountered the Army Public Affairs—a connection that would shape her future career. She later went on to earn a Master of Arts in Communications from the University of Texas at Arlington, further solidifying her expertise in the field. On a personal note, Kim and her husband, Tim, also an Army Civilian Public Affairs Officer, have been married for nearly 19 years. They share a love for their two fur babies and a passion for adventure, mainly through running and triathlons. Kim is an avid runner, having completed over 10 marathons and 50Ks, and recently, she achieved a significant milestone by finishing her first two Ironman races. Her love for travel and exploring new cultures further adds to her dynamic and adventurous spirit. Join us in this episode of SheBoss as we explore Kim’s journey, the challenges she has faced, the passion that drives her, and the unwavering dedication she brings to her role in serving our nation. Follow Kim Here: LinkedIn: @kimberly-hanson-29ab0844

Purpose and passion! Lee Marshall is answering her God-given call to be a voice for children who wait! Born into foster care, and adopted at the age of 2, Lee knows firsthand the difference a forever family can make. Through her Kids to Love Foundation, she is carrying out her purpose to find families for foster children, and meeting their immediate needs while they wait to be adopted. Since Lee founded Kids to Love in 2004, the foundation has impacted the lives of more than 265,000 foster children. Lee is a 3-time Emmy award-winning journalist. After 20 years in TV News, she signed off from the anchor desk in 2015 to launch her dream of the Kids to Love Center. Just like Lee, Kids to Love also got its start in television. Lee presents a weekly segment that aims to recruit “Forever Families.” Each week, Lee introduces a new child waiting in foster care to prospective families across the Tennessee Valley and to her more than 95,000 followers on social media. She has helped find permanent homes for more than 200 children through her weekly segment. Lee’s vision and heart, especially for teen-age foster children who will age out of care, compelled her to dream big, and in March 2015 she launched the Kids to Love Center. The center is home to KTECH, a workforce training site for young adults, focusing on those in foster care, vets needing a skill set to reenter the workforce, and others who are underserved through traditional constraints of education. Launched in 2016, KTECH has awarded more than 100 certifications. In 16 weeks KTECH students earn 4 industry-recognized certifications to meet the increasing demands of our manufacturing-rich community. Finding Forever Families is Lee’s heart. The cruel reality of foster care is not all children will be adopted. That’s where Davidson Farms comes in. Our doors opened in 2017 to provide a safe haven for children filled with Faith, Hope & Love. The 10,000-square-foot home on more than 10 acres in Madison County is a home for girls like no other. Taking Kids to Love from a grassroots to a global outreach has landed Lee on the list of the 500 Most Influential CEO’s in the World. Lee has been named an “Angel in Adoption” by Congress and honored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for her adoption awareness efforts. Kids to Love was named the Women-Owned Business of the Year by the Huntsville – Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Lee has also been honored by the Alabama Broadcaster’s Association for her journalistic contributions and was named one of the 2017 Women Who Shape The State. 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year in Huntsville, 2019 Non-Profit Executive of the Year and 2020 Woman of Impact Honoree. Lee is a powerful motivational speaker and uses her life story and music to share her faith. She encourages women to find their passion and pursue it. An accomplished singer/songwriter, Lee has 2 CDs to her credit. She has shared her music from Alabama to Australia. Lee earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Murray State University. She’ll be the first to tell you her greatest accomplishment is her family. She and Jeff have been married for 25 years and have two daughters, Ella, 15, and Emma, 12, and a Maltese named Elvis. Connect with Lee here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-marshall-18b75510/ Kids to Love Website: https://kidstolove.org/ Kids to Love Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidstolovefoundation

Michelle Epling is not just a leader in the Madison, AL business community; she is a vibrant, passionate force who brings energy and dedication to everything she does. As the President of the Madison Chamber of Commerce in Madison, AL, Michelle plays a pivotal role in fostering community and connection among local businesses. Her leadership style is characterized by her approachable, engaging nature, making her a beloved figure within the Chamber and the broader community.
Michelle has had community, passion, and entrepreneurship in her DNA since she could walk. Her family is heavily influential in our community, leaving generational legacies of impact across the arts, culture, entertainment, professional, and financial industries. 

Join us in this episode of SheBoss as we sit down with Michelle to explore her journey and take a deep dive into what fuels her passion each day. 

Follow Michelle here:

LinkedIn: @michelle-epling-63708435

Facebook: @michelle.newberry.31

Madison Chamber website: madisonalchamber.com

In this episode of SheBoss, meet an inspiring Huntsville native, the Co-Founder and CFO of Lemon & Lavender - Shannon Fisher! With over 20 years of experience in accounting, she has seamlessly balanced a successful career while being a devoted wife and mother to six children in a wonderfully blended family. Shannon shares her experiences and the biggest challenges she has faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Hear how she navigated the early days of Lemon & Lavender, (the first refillery in North Alabama) using her education and experience to establish the business’s credibility and success. Now in its fourth year, she is witnessing a shift in perception and gaining well-deserved recognition. Beyond her professional life, she shares her love for theatre, carpentry, and running. From participating in local plays to building the wooden displays in her store and completing over ten half marathons, her passions are as diverse as they are inspiring. Celebrate with us as we recognize the notable achievements of Lemon & Lavender, including the 2023 Startup Business of the Year and the 2024 BEST Retail Small Business of the Year! Follow Lemon and Lavender here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonandlavendermadison/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lemonandlavendermadison Website: https://lemonandlavendermadison.com/

Lights, curtains, action! In this episode of SheBoss, it's easy to see that our guest is no stranger to the limelight. On this new "production" of SheBoss, we have Karen Mockensturm the Executive Director of Fantasy Playhouse Children's Theater and Academy (FPCTA) in Huntsville. FPCTA provides theatre arts access to the North Alabama community through production, education, and outreach, enriching the lives of hundreds of students for five decades.

In this interview, Karen shares her passion for enriching the lives of her students and their families through theater by inviting diversity and inclusion to the stage.

Tune into this episode to learn more about Karen, the lifelong impact of the arts, and the exciting changes coming soon with FPCTA!

You can connect with Karen here:

https://www.fantasyplayhouse.org/fpcta-staff/karen-mockensturm

Join our CEO Megan Nivens-Tannett as she sets out on a "top-secret" mission to interview Ambrosia Patterson, the FBI's Huntsville Change and Transition Program Manager! With her expertise and unwavering determination, Ambrosia is leading the charge in executing the relocation of critical FBI functions from the National Capital Region to the Redstone Arsenal.

Having previously managed the FBI's massive budget of over $10 billion, Ambrosia's career has taken an exciting turn as she focuses on the FBI's change and transition journey. Her passion for coaching individuals through challenging circumstances and building high-functioning organizations shines through in every aspect of her work.

In this SheBoss episode, Ambrosia opens up about her experiences as a people-centric leader, the importance of creative outlets, how she draws inspiration from her family, and the exciting expansion of the FBI in Huntsville, Alabama. Get ready to be inspired as Ambrosia Patterson shares her incredible journey and vision for the future!

You can connect with Ambrosia here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambrosia-patterson-b507871b6/

To learn more about the exciting developments at the FBI Huntsville headquarters, check out their website here:

https://fbijobs.gov/locations/redstone-arsenal

SheBoss is a regular series featuring awesome women who do amazing things. It’s hosted by Flourish, a North Alabama full-service marketing and public relations firm.

Coming to you live in this SheBoss episode is none other than the host of WAFF's Tennessee Valley Living - Payton Walker. She's an energetic people-person with a talent for storytelling that she uses to highlight content from the Tennessee Valley.  Payton attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in Broadcast Journalism. She knew after graduating that she had to be a news anchor. 

Jumping forward to 2023 - Payton is now the host of the highly successful (and extremely entertaining) lifestyle show called Tennessee Valley Living (TVL).   As the only lifestyle show in the state based out of Huntsville. Payton covers everything from the latest Oreo flavors to interviewing the Queen of Country Music, Dolly Parton. Payton's love for people and sharing stories is what brings life to TVL and the Huntsville community.   

 You can connect with Payton here:

 Instagram - @tennesseevalleyliving 

Facebook - @PaytonWalkerWAFF48  

Twitter - @ReporterPayton 

LinkedIn - @Payton-Walker  

SheBoss is a regular series featuring awesome women who do amazing things. It’s hosted by Flourish, a North Alabama full-service marketing and public relations firm. And, since it’s fueled by our stellar team, we will typically do it over a cocktail.

Kick off the new year with this episode of SheBoss! With Megan is Dawn Pumpelly, founder and owner of The Scout Guide Huntsville.   

About Dawn:  Dawn Pumpelly is the owner and founder of The Scout Guide Huntsville (TSG), a yearly publication that highlights local businesses, creatives, experts, and the community. While not a Huntsville native, has been a part of the community for in the past 29 years. Having grown up in Pennsylvania, Dawn's connection to Huntsville is though her father and stepmother, who owned and operated multiple senior living facilities in the area.  

 Dawn and her husband moved to Huntsville in 2003 to be a part of her family's business. The company was ultimately sold in 2017, at which point Dawn dedicated time to raising her son. Prior to her ownership of The Scout Guide, Dawn worked for BellSouth in which she learned that she was passionate about learning about people's businesses and connecting with the community.  This passion has carried over into Dawn's work with The Scout Guide Huntsville.  

The Scout Guide is a franchise that operates out of 70+ cities with more being added every year. The Scout Guide Huntsville has been celebrating the Huntsville area since 2018. At its core TSG uses stunning visuals to capture the essence of the businesses and clients from various backgrounds. Ashley Vaghn, lead photographer at TSG and owner of White Rabbit Studio.