Economic Mobility

 The Women's Foundation of Alabama, President and CEO, Melanie R. Bridgeforth, MSW,  created Women's Policy Institute (WPI), a fellowship for women leaders. Spearheaded by the visionary  Kat Phillips, MPA, as the WPI Coordinator. From this initiative emerged a group project titled "Economic Mobility," aimed at fostering economic opportunities and advancing career pathways for young parents. 

Alabama faces a critical need for workforce enhancement, with one of the nation's lowest labor force participation rates—currently at 57%, significantly below the national average. "Cultivating Future Talent" was crafted by the next generation of leaders, driven to address this gap by equipping young parents with the skills necessary for high-demand jobs, thus ensuring both economic stability and growth for the community.

Our mission is to empower young parents through structured training programs and financial support, paving the way for sustained economic mobility and a thriving state economy. Through our initiative, we aim to transform Alabama's workforce landscape and foster a legacy of skilled, motivated community members ready to lead their families and Alabama toward a brighter, more prosperous future.