SheBoss with Megan Nivens-Tannett – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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/

In this SheBoss episode, our CEO Megan Nivens-Tannett sits down with Cathy Miller, the Community Impact Director of United Way, as she takes us on her remarkable journey from the world of accounting to her role as a literacy ambassador. Our host, Megan, delves deep into Cathy's professional trajectory, shedding light on her experiences, her dedication, and her impactful work at United Way.

Cathy opens up about the pressing needs of the North Alabama community, with a strong focus on education, mental health, financial stability, and affordable housing. Her candid insights and unwavering passion for making a positive impact are truly extraordinary. But it's not just about her professional life; Cathy also shares the secret to her 43-year-long successful marriage, emphasizing the significance of core values, the importance of respecting individuality, and the value of quality time spent together.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Cathy Miller – a true advocate for change and a beacon of hope in her community. Tune in to discover her incredible journey!

You can connect with Cathy here

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/litamb/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/uwmadisoncounty
• Website - https://uwmadisoncounty.org/

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.