The Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC) Foundation has announced its 2025 class of honorees for the annual Women Honoring Women recognition, spotlighting five North Alabama leaders for their achievements in business, education, community service, and nonprofit innovation.

The honorees were revealed on April 29 at Redstone Federal Credit Union’s Twickenham location in Huntsville. The announcement drew professionals, civic leaders, and partners from across the region who gathered to celebrate women who exemplify the WEDC Foundation’s mission: empowering women through mentoring, financial assistance, and professional development.

This year’s honorees include Veronica A. Cram, Lee Marshall, Dr. Annie Saylor, Dr. Patricia G. Sims, and Kathi Tew—each a distinguished leader in her field who has demonstrated a lasting commitment to strengthening North Alabama’s economic and social fabric.

A Legacy of Empowerment and Professional Growth

Founded in 1998 by the Women’s Economic Development Council, the WEDC Foundation has grown into one of North Alabama’s most respected nonprofit organizations focused on the advancement of women pursuing higher education. The foundation offers flexible financial assistance, career mentorship, and leadership training to scholars—many of whom are balancing academics with family responsibilities or full-time employment.

To date, nearly 200 scholars have participated in the program, with more than $855,500 distributed in financial aid. In 2024 alone, the Foundation supported 33 scholars, 20 children, and 65 volunteers through a range of development and support services. (Source)

In addition to financial resources, the WEDC Foundation connects scholars with seasoned professionals who provide one-on-one mentoring and access to networking opportunities, career panels, and skills workshops. The organization’s commitment to fostering accomplished and independent women has long made it a key contributor to the region’s workforce development pipeline.

Celebrating the 2025 Honorees

The five honorees announced this week exemplify both professional achievement and a dedication to uplifting others in the community:

Veronica A. Cram is the founder and Chief Consultant of InSight Strategic Solutions, where she provides financial consulting to help businesses gain clarity and confidence in their growth strategies. With over two decades of experience, Cram is a respected voice in Huntsville’s financial sector. She also serves on several boards, including the Women’s Economic Development Council, Women’s Business Council, and the New Hope Children’s Clinic.
Lee Marshall, Founder and CEO of Kids to Love, has led one of the region’s most expansive nonprofits supporting foster children and families. Since its founding in 2004, Kids to Love has served more than 316,000 lives. Under Marshall’s leadership, the organization has launched over a dozen programs, from STEM training and transitional housing to trauma therapy and infant safety initiatives.
Dr. Annie Saylor is CEO and co-founder of Simulation Technologies, Inc. (SimTech), a Huntsville-based company delivering advanced simulation solutions for defense and aerospace clients. A longtime advocate for STEM education and mental health awareness, Dr. Saylor also serves on boards including the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Council, and Wellstone.
Dr. Patricia G. Sims, President of Drake State Community & Technical College, has led institutional transformation through business and industry partnerships, infrastructure investment, and expanded academic access. Her appointments by both Governor Kay Ivey and President Joe Biden reflect her growing influence in state and national policy discussions related to infrastructure and education.
Kathi Tew, COO and CFO of the Baron Critical Weather Institute, played a key role in launching the multimillion-dollar “How We Know the Weather” exhibit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Tew is also a pillar of the nonprofit community, having chaired over fifty fundraising events and provided extensive guidance to nonprofit leaders across the country.

Driving Regional Progress Through Partnership and Purpose

The honorees’ contributions reflect broader economic and civic trends across North Alabama, where women are increasingly shaping the business landscape—not only as executives and entrepreneurs, but as mentors, educators, and change agents.

The WEDC Foundation’s model continues to serve as a bridge between philanthropic giving and workforce development. By supporting women in college with both financial assistance and personal mentorship, the foundation helps create a more inclusive and dynamic professional ecosystem.

According to WEDC Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Linton, the announcement of the 2025 honorees reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to building a legacy of empowered women who contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.

“These honorees embody what we strive to support in our scholars,” Linton said. “They are leaders who use their platforms not only to excel, but to bring others along with them. That spirit of service and collaboration is what defines success in business and in life.”

With its strong base of community partners, sponsors, and alumni, the WEDC Foundation is poised to continue expanding its impact across the region—ensuring that the next generation of women leaders has the resources, encouragement, and visibility they need to thrive.