We asked who inspires you — and you answered in droves. We wish we could include every nominated woman because all of you inspire us.
Here, Birmingham City Lifestyle shines a spotlight on some of the women from our community who lift each other up in their everyday lives — who lead, inspire and transform Birmingham and Bloomfield with their brilliance and heart. And thank you to everyone who participated — we cheer you all.
ALISON CATHERINE WHITE
Title Area Marketing Director, Saks Global, Saks Fifth Avenue, Troy and St. Louis, overseeing strategic marketing programs and curating high-end experiences featuring designers, brands and world events. Her professional journey spans impressive venues, working with Madison Square Garden Entertainment and Walt Disney Company.
Public service White has a remarkable track record of community service, raising more than $700,000 for community organizations, including NF Forward, Children's Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness, ORT, Jalen Rose Foundation, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Background Born and raised in a coastal beach town in Delaware, where her family’s roots date back to the 1800s, she is a former Miss Delaware who placed in the Top 15 of the Miss America Pageant. Pursuing a passion for music with a focus on opera, she’s performed at venues including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Tanglewood with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the National Anthem at MLB and NBA games.
Life philosophy “First and foremost is my unwavering faith in God and the transformative power of prayer, which guide my actions and decisions. Family is also a cornerstone of my life,” she says.
“I firmly believe in the importance of perseverance; never giving up on my dreams is essential for both personal and professional fulfillment, while striving to make decisions that reflect my values.
“I deeply value my friendships. I have cultivated a strong circle of friends who believe in me and stand by my side as my unwavering cheerleaders.”
Leadership approach I recognize that my greatest asset is the talent of my team; I believe in uplifting my team and fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.”
The community says “Alison’s ability for building strong client relationships and orchestrating high-end events and experiences within a luxury market is unmatched. She has helped raise more than $350,000 just for NF Forward.
“She is always available for her work, associates and clients. I don’t know how many boards she’s on, but the Children’s Hospital is one and that’s as good as it gets for me. Her work is meticulous and thoughtful. She is genuinely one of the most kind, giving and caring people I know.”
MELISSA DOUGLAS
Title Owner of Melissa Douglas Co brand photography and Gold & Grit Studio in Corktown
Family Married with two daughters adopted from foster care
Personal philosophy To honor God with my time and talents. I believe that in both work and daily life, we should incorporate fun into the moments.
Why she does it “As a photographer for business owners, my goal is to help others showcase their work and their business,” Douglas says. “I believe this is an important component in serving others since it allows for others to market their businesses. I also own a photography studio that I rent out to other photographers called Gold & Grit Studio. It’s a great community resource for others to come and create beautiful images for their clients.”
What the community says “Melissa is a gem. She is heavily involved in the foster-care community and recently fostered-to-adopt two young girls with her husband, Shane. She has owned multiple small businesses in the Detroit area. She also runs a business networking group in the Metro Detroit area as well. She's well-known across the town and is highly regarded.”
DAYNA MOTT AKA DAYNA OILYHAIRBOSS
Titles Artist, Mentor and Community Leader, owner of Lady Day, DNA Wellness. North American Head of Moms in Business International.
Family Husband, Anthony, and two children, who she homeschools. “My daughter is a creative theater kid with a free, loving spirit. My son is a gamer with a heart to impact the world,” she says.
Her work Mott is a business visionary who helps companies share their stories through marketing and social media. Her Moms in Business Community supports local women nationwide, with groups in Detroit, Macomb, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti and Birmingham that host child-friendly, accessible events that “invite all people to build relationships and uplift one another,” she says.
Public service “One of my greatest joys is my Bible education work,” Mott says. “Our goal is to encourage our neighbors with lasting hope for the future. In a time of great uncertainty and divisiveness, I am determined to build my local community with unity.”
Why she does it “I want to inspire others. I want someone to look at me and say, ‘because of you, I didn't give up,’” she says. “I tell my story often. The good and the bad, because I want others to know they are not alone. I also live by the principles that ‘the best ideas win’ and ‘aces in their places.’ As a leader, I believe we are all equal. The reason they are on the team is because I saw something uniquely special that I lacked. And so I want to elevate their gifting and talents. I want to ignite the beauty that's always been inside them, but needed to be lit.
“I believe that in the business world, I am meant to be a bridge. In the Metro Detroit area, we are incredibly diverse but still segregated,” she says. “Someone has to go first in love and unity. I am an advocate for change. I am not afraid to step into new rooms and speak up for equity. In all of the organizations that I am affiliated with, there is a common theme — I want to be a part of making the world a little better than when I found it.”
The community says “Dayna is a trailblazer and innovator. She has a unique way of bringing the community together. As a mom running her own business, she experienced first-hand the challenges of networking and raising children. As a well-respected community advocate, she is bringing a diverse collective together. She is on a mission to break down barriers.”
MEGHAN KRISTINE STIMMEL
Titles Holistic Psychotherapist, Spiritual Leadership Coach & Speaker
Family Single mom to eight-year-old son, Keegan
Personal philosophy “The journey of actualizing your full potential in this lifetime is pretty awesome and I wish this for everyone,” Stimmel says. “You can rise up from anything.”
Giving back Stimmel works with clients in 1:1 mentorship, group programs and retreats on aligning their body, mind, heart and spirit to create life-changing healing and transformation in themselves, their relationships and their businesses.
On being nominated “What a gift to be acknowledged and honored in this community,” she says. “I truly believe that I create safe spaces for people to take off their armour and the masks they present to the world. I get to witness the light come back to life in my clients' eyes and their souls light on fire to live again, not just survive.”
Why she does it “I love being a mom, my parents are my biggest supporters, I have the best friends in the world and I am six years sober,” she says. “So grateful to God.”
The community says “Meghan’s unwavering dedication to mental health, emotional well-being and whole-person healing has made a profound impact on the lives of so many women in the community. With a deep commitment to integrative care, Meghan seamlessly blends traditional psychotherapy with holistic modalities, ensuring that each client receives personalized, compassionate and empowering support. Her work goes beyond symptom management — she helps people reconnect with themselves, fostering resilience, self-awareness and lasting transformation.
“Beyond her clinical expertise, Meghan is a true advocate for community wellness. Whether through workshops, speaking engagements or one-on-one sessions, she cultivates a space where people feel seen, heard and supported on their journey toward healing. Her ability to combine evidence-based techniques with a warm, intuitive presence makes her a beacon of hope in the mental health field. Her dedication, compassion and innovation make her an outstanding candidate for this honor. It is a privilege to recognize her contributions.”