United Way Announces West Alabama Young Leaders Award Winners

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The United Way of West Alabama’s (UWWA) Young Leaders Society (YLS) is on Wednesday announced winners of the 7th Annual West Alabama Young Leaders Awards or WAYLAs.

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The awards will be presented during a luncheon ceremony in the Embassy Suites Ballroom on Monday, Feb. 27. In addition to a trophy, the names of the winners will be displayed on a perpetual plaque, and each will receive a $500 donation to be given a West Alabama nonprofit of their choice.

The WAYLAs are presented annually to honorees ages 21-45 who have improved the quality of life in the area through volunteerism, community service, corporate stewardship, or government advocacy.

“This event is one of the highlights of our year,” UWWA President & CEO Jackie Wuska said. “It’s refreshing to learn the ways these outstanding young leaders are working to improve our communities in a variety of ways. I think everyone in the room leaves inspired to do more for others.”

Here's a look at the honorees, along with their nomination information.

The David Reynolds Inspiration Award — Tripp Powell/Entrepreneur & Community Volunteer

Powell often serves quietly, behind the scenes. While active in many civic and community organizations, it’s what he does outside of his affiliations that stand out. He learned about a program in Houston connecting youth to police officers. He traveled there to learn more and brought “TAPS” back to Tuscaloosa, where he also purchased a coat and tie for each student graduating the program. In working with suicide prevention, he learned the Kristen Amerson Youth Foundation needed a brick & mortar location, so he located and financed the first physical office. He understands the community’s needs and finds solutions. Powell serves as the co-chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters Capital Campaign and is the immediate past president of the Chamber of West Alabama.

United in Service Award —Tyler Davidson/Stillman College

"Davidson became active in the community during his undergraduate years at Stillman. Now employed there, he uses his position to continue helping the community by leading the College’s Operation Angel Tree for the Salvation Army, partnering with Tuscaloosa Housing Authority to provide meals for families during the holidays, and has sponsored Boy Scouts Pack 3601, housed at Stillman. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Child Abuse Prevention Services where he helps with fundraising. He is active with United Way where he leads as an executive team member of the Young Leaders Society and a member of the Volunteer Allocations Team. He is also a member of the UNCF National Alumni Council."

United in Service Award — Sheriah Gibson/ Posh Occasions by Sheriah

"Gibson successfully lends her time, talent and resources at the Cultural Arts Center and as owner of Posh Occasions, to helping other people and organizations. She volunteers with the Junior Cosmos Study Club where she advises young African American girls. She also volunteers with Turning Point, YMCA, Junior League of Tuscaloosa, Children’s Hands-On Museum, Alabama A& M Debutantes, Temporary Emergency Services, Community Soup Bowl, West Alabama Food Bank, Child Abuse Prevention Services and Arts Council of Tuscaloosa. Through Junior League, she has also helped facilitate fundraisers to benefit Tuscaloosa Angels and Holt Elementary."

United in Service Award — Briana Houston/Simplified Medical Management

"Houston is always the one leading the charge to serve the community at Simplified Medical Management/The Radiology Clinic. She is very active in the company’s involvement with United Way, from coordinating a Day of Action team each year and serving as a Loaned Executive and Employee Campaign Champion to volunteering for Secretary and VP of Community Service on the Young Leaders Society’s executive team. She serves as Chair of the Easterseals’ Board of Directors and even had the task of hiring a new Executive Director during her tenure. She’s a Relay for Life Team Captain, a Stride Against Breast Cancer Team Captain, and leads her company’s involvement with Buhl Elementary for Adopt-A-School."

United in Service Award — Madolyn Kirby/Matrix, LLC

"Kirby is actively engaged in both her church and community. As the Senior Warden of the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church, she has served on the Outreach Committee, helped design the Outreach Hub, coordinates the annual Christmas for Foster Children program through DHR, and has worked the annual toy sale and in the resale shop. Kirby also serves on the Board of Directors for Family Counseling Service and Temporary Emergency Services. She is a member of Junior League of Tuscaloosa and volunteers with Junior Achievement and the Community Soup Bowl."

United in Service Award — Dr. JJ Wedgworth/University Charter School (Sumter County)

"Dr. Wedgworth’s primarily role is Head of School of Sumter County’s University Charter School, but her leadership and service does not end there. She often helps with the athletic program and volunteers as the assistant volleyball coach. She is also active in her church, Livingston United Methodist Church, where she has been the Administrative Council Chairman. Wedgworth represents her Livingston community as an active member of Livingston Alive (a downtown revitalization group), the City of Livingston Recreation Board of Directors and the City of Livingston Industrial Development Board of Directors."

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