Dr. Sasha Irby is a Lead Customer Success Manager and civic leader committed to advancing opportunity in Huntsville and Madison County. She serves on the Advisory Council and Advocacy Committee for Habitat for Humanity, representing homeowners in local and federal policy discussions, and has traveled to Capitol Hill twice to advocate for affordable housing. She is also a member of Huntsville’s Citizens Advisory Council.

An alumna of the Citizen Engagement Academy and a member of Leadership Greater Huntsville Connect 28, she demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership and community service while championing inclusive economic growth.

What do you love most about living and working in Huntsville?

What I love most about living and working in Huntsville is that the city still maintains a close knit feel where your contributions truly matter. I am incredibly grateful that citizens of Huntsville have access to our mayor and council leadership and to know that my feedback is heard. There is something powerful about living in a place where civic engagement is not just encouraged but genuinely welcomed!

What advice would you give your 22 year old self?

I would tell 22 year old Sasha to keep moving forward. At 22, I was a new mother, freshly graduated from college, and unsure of my next steps. Nearly a decade later, I graduated with my doctorate, work a fulfilling career, and have found a love of volunteering.

I watched my life unfold in ways more beautiful than I could have imagined and I have learned that progress does not require certainty, only persistence.

What motivates you on hard days?

On hard days, I remind myself that five years will pass whether I choose to face the challenge in front of me or avoid it. The only difference is whether I spend those five years growing or standing still. That perspective keeps me moving.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, taking cruises, working on DIY home renovations, and investing in personal development.

How do you like to give back to the community, and why is it important to you?

I like to give back by serving in spaces that have shaped my own journey. As a local Habitat for Humanity homeowner, one of my greatest joys is encouraging future homeowners as they begin their path. Being able to share my lived experience and advocate for policies that strengthen the organization’s mission is deeply meaningful to me, and I understand firsthand the impact that safe, affordable homeownership can have on someone’s life. Reaching back and helping others move forward is both a responsibility and a privilege.

What’s your “why don’t we have this yet?” business idea for Huntsville?

I am currently working on an exciting initiative in partnership with the Huntsville Office of Multicultural Affairs, so I cannot share all the details just yet. But I will say this: New Year’s in Huntsville is about to become a lot more exciting.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career, and what valuable lesson did they teach you?

The greatest influences on my career have been my parents, Noel and Glendis George, and my eldest brother, Shewain George. They emigrated from Guyana to Brooklyn, New York, and through their example, I learned what it means to pursue dreams with relentless work ethic, discipline, and commitment to education. Their sacrifices and determination laid the foundation for my life, and I would not be the woman I am today without their example.