Our Board

Liucija Smaizyte Wright - President

Liucija is a First Vice President and Financial Advisor on the SteelCrest Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, she focuses on creating and presenting personalized wealth planning solutions by building long-term relationships with clients to help them achieve their financial goals. She loves people and loves working with clients to help them paint a picture of their financial opportunities and expectations. She first interned with Morgan Stanley in 2014 and returned in 2016 as a Wealth Advisor Associate. She joined the team in August 2018. In 2019, she earned her CFP® designation after successfully completing comprehensive financial planning coursework and having met experience and ethical requirements.

Originally from Lithuania, Liucija came to the United States on a full athletic scholarship to play tennis at the University of Texas at Arlington. She transferred to University of Montevallo in 2013, where she helped the tennis team reach Peach Belt Conference championship for the first time in the school’s history. Liucija graduated magna cum laude, and first in her class, at the University of Montevallo earning Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, and minors in MIS and Pre-Law. While at Montevallo, she earned the Academic Achievement Award, was on the President’s List, a Gold Scholar, and one of twelve students selected as a Montevallo Master two years in a row. In 2022, she earned MBA degree.

When she was 14 years old, she represented the Lithuanian tennis team at the Junior Olympics, and at age 16, she was ranked the number one tennis player in Lithuania. However, having grown up in a family that struggled financially, she had to work very hard to achieve her goals. Thus, she is very passionate about helping her clients to achieve their personal goals and dreams and be financially independent. She focuses on helping clients with financial planning to help them live successful and happier lives by working to increase their comfort level, and helping to preserve things that they treasure in life.

Liucija is on the boards of multiple organizations including Alabama Women in Business, Alabama Economics Club and GirlSpring. She is multilingual, fluent in English, Russian, and Lithuanian. She and her husband, Steven, live in Vestavia Hills with their adopted dog Cooper. Liucija is honored to serve as the 2023 president.

CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.

CRC5858127 9/23

Katelyn Foote - Secretary

Katelyn is a design researcher passionate about the intersecting institutions and informal interactions that make up the social life of a city. At Quire Consulting, she uses human-centered design to help organizations solve problems, find consensus, and move forward. Katelyn has worked with non-profit organizations in Birmingham and across Alabama providing a range of services, and has also held positions in small local businesses focused on hospitality. 

Katelyn is part of the Greater Birmingham Ministries program The Exchange, and volunteers as a researcher and writer for their Election Guide. She hosts a podcast with international colleagues and friends exploring women’s work in cities and urban design called "What Would Jane Do". Katelyn holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and social entrepreneurship from Samford University (Birmingham, AL) and a master’s degree in urban strategies and design from The University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland).

Jessica Harrison - VP Communications

Jessica Harrison, RN is a single mom & the proud owner of PolyC's Premium PCOS. She helps women all over the world reach their health goals, naturally. Last year, she helped 500 women conceive despite the struggles of PCOS. PolyC's is an all natural, vegan supplement to help balance hormones so you can feel your best.

Open - Treasurer

Join Our Board

We are building our 2025-2026 board and would love for you to be a part of it! We are looking for dedicated women interested in sharing their skills and contributing to an empowering network of women entrepreneurs and professionals!

Review the roles below and apply today.   

Application Process:

• Complete the application form - open until July 31st.

• The board will schedule a zoom call with you for additional questions and conversation.

• The board will discuss and follow up with you about a potential recommendation for a board position.

• All members will vote on recommended board members in October. Board service will begin in October 2025 and the term will run through October 2026.

You do not need to currently be a member of Alabama Women in Business to apply. If joining the board, you will need to become a member.  

All Board Members

As an AWIB Board Member, you'll be at the heart of our mission to empower women in business. Your active participation is key to our success. You'll regularly attend board meetings and events, arriving early to welcome our members and guests. Your insights and dedication will help shape the future of AWIB, ensuring we continue to provide invaluable support and networking opportunities.

Secretary

The Secretary is crucial for maintaining the organization's integrity and smooth operations. You will be responsible for attending board meetings, reporting votes and minutes, and maintaining AWIB's corporate book. This role requires meticulous organization and attention to detail, including providing timely notices for meetings and ensuring agendas are distributed. You will also play a role in project management.

VP-Communications

As VP-Communications, you will be the voice of AWIB, shaping our external presence and engaging our community. You will be responsible for notifying members of upcoming meetings and events, responding to inquiries, and promoting AWIB through various media channels. This dynamic role includes managing social media, overseeing logo usage, and potentially developing a monthly newsletter to keep our members informed and connected.

VP-Sponsorship

The VP-Sponsorship drives crucial financial support for AWIB's initiatives. You will identify and cultivate relationships with potential sponsors and corporate partners, ensuring our programs and events are well-funded. This role involves developing sponsorship packages, coordinating fund receipt, and ensuring sponsors receive appropriate recognition for their invaluable contributions. You will be key in expanding our network of supporters.

President-Elect

The President-Elect is a future leader in the making, preparing to assume the highest office within AWIB. You will serve on the Nominating Committee and oversee special projects as assigned by the President. This role provides a unique opportunity to learn the intricacies of the organization and contribute to its strategic initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.

Treasurer

The Treasurer is the financial steward of AWIB, responsible for maintaining sound fiscal health. You will have custody of funds, keep accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements, and manage AWIB's bank accounts. This vital role involves preparing regular financial reports, developing the annual budget, ensuring members' dues are current, and overseeing tax filings. You will be instrumental in ensuring the financial stability of our organization.

VP-Programs

The VP-Programs brings AWIB's mission to life through engaging and impactful events. You will oversee the development and execution of programs tailored to women business owners, ensuring they are beneficial, fun, interesting, and engaging. This role involves selecting venues, coordinating speakers, managing event logistics, and evaluating program effectiveness to continuously enhance the member experience.

VP-Membership

The VP-Membership is dedicated to growing our community and fostering a sense of belonging among our members. You will create opportunities to expand membership, coordinate new member orientations, and develop retention programs. This role involves reaching out to potential members, welcoming new ones, and ensuring our members feel supported and connected within the AWIB network.