Clearing the Path 2021

Join us for a conversation about quality child care as critical infrastructure for a stronger, more inclusive workforce and economy.

Since the onset of the pandemic, more than one-third of parents, including more than two million women, have yet to return to the workforce, largely because of child care needs.

It is more critical than ever—for families and our economy—that child care is a central focus of Alabama’s workforce and recovery efforts.

On Friday, May 14, 2021, at 11 AM, The Women’s Fund of Greater Birmingham will host our annual Clearing the Path event. Held virtually, this year’s conversation will focus on how communities, businesses, and policymakers can collectively chart a path to strengthen quality child care and build an inclusive workforce in Alabama.

The event will include a robust dialogue about the impact of child care on Alabama’s economy and women in the workforce from a panel of public officials, corporate leaders, and industry experts, including:

• Alesia M. Jones (moderator), Chief Human Resources Officer, University of Alabama at Birmingham and former member of The Women’s Fund Board of Directors
• Nancy Buckner, Commissioner, Alabama Department of Human Resources, our state’s leading voice for social services that protect vulnerable populations
• Dr. Mia Cowan, Founder and Medical Director, MiBella Wellness Center, a small business in Birmingham, AL
• Chris Glaub, SVP, Corporate Benefits, Regions, a human resources professional at one of Birmingham’s largest employers
• Representative Bill Poole (House District 63), serving his second term in the Alabama House of Representatives, Chairman of the Ways and Means Education Committee
• Linda Smith, Director, Early Childhood Initiative at Bipartisan Policy Center, expert on federal and state early learning policy and programs

Guests will also receive an exclusive first look at our upcoming Clearing the Path report that will:

• Examine the impact of child care on Alabama’s workforce, especially women employees
• Map the availability, affordability, and quality of child care across Alabama
• Provide leaders and advocates with bright ideas to bolster child care in Alabama

Tickets + Info

Special thanks to our partners: