2025 DBC/WLA Lunch & Learn

Description

The Chamber's Women's Leadership Alliance and Diverse Business Council are teaming up to host a luncheon in honor of Women's History Month. 

Presented by Temporary Emergency Services.

Meet the panelists

Alyson Baxter, The University of Alabama

Alyson is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She is a two‐time graduate of The University of Alabama, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the College of Arts & Sciences and the University Honors Program, as well as a Master of Public Administration degree from the Graduate School. She is an alumna of Leadership Tuscaloosa with The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and the National Association of College and University Business Officers’ (NACUBO) inaugural Emerging Leaders Program. She completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Management Development Program in 2022.

Alyson began her career at The University of Alabama in 2009 and has been serving as the Assistant Vice President for Finance and Operations Shared Administrative Services since 2021. She serves as the Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors for The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and on Executive Board of the Tuscaloosa County Chapter of The University of Alabama National Alumni Association. She is the chair of the 2025 cohort of Leadership Tuscaloosa and recently presented at the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers’ (SACUBO) Annual Meeting and the Shared Services and Outsourcing Network’s Higher Education Shared Services & Outsourcing Week conference in 2024. Alyson was also a recent contributor to NACBUO’s Career Conversations podcast discussing genuine connections and leaving a legacy in your place of leadership.

Alyson has been married to Ben since 2011, and they have two beautiful daughters, Minnie and Amelia.

Marleshia Hall, Poppin' Sisters Popcorn & Treats

Dr. Marleshia Hall is an experienced educator and leader with over 16 years of teaching experience. She serves as the Division Chair of Natural Sciences and a Biology Instructor at Shelton State Community College, where she oversees faculty, manages academic programs, and supports student success.

Dr. Hall earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stillman College and holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology, a Master’s in Biology, and a Master’s in General Human Environmental Sciences with a focus on Rural Community Health from The University of Alabama.

Beyond academia, Dr. Hall is an entrepreneur and co-owner of Poppin’ Sisters Popcorn & Treats®️, a gourmet popcorn company specializing in over 25 flavors of sweet and savory popcorn, along with other handcrafted treats, and shaved ice. Her business reflects her passion for quality, creativity, and bringing joy to others through food.

In her free time, Dr. Hall enjoys spending time with family, especially her nieces and nephews, who lovingly call her the “fun auntie.” She is also a devoted worship leader and Sunday school teacher at Miracle Deliverance Temple in Boligee, Alabama.

Diana Torres, Tuscaloosa Latino Coalition

Diana Torres is a Colombian-born social communicator and journalist, married for 18 years with a 16-year-old daughter, with whom she shares a love for tennis. Due to her husband's career, she has moved internationally more than six times, which inspired her to create her own creative communications and marketing company, serving clients in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

In addition to running her business, Diana is currently a Spanish teacher for middle and high school students at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She loves working and serving her community. In Michigan, she contributed to the Haiti project at St. Patrick’s and St. Anthony’s Church in Grand Haven, raising funds for the school there, while also volunteering to create strategies for Michigan Works. In Tuscaloosa, she has been involved with the Tuscaloosa Latino Coalition and Success by 6, a program of United Way of West Alabama.

Diana is defined by creativity, empathy, love, service, and hard work.