Leigh’s presentation will demonstrate Project Management for two projects for nonprofit organization – The Catalyst Center for Business and Entrepreneurship.  The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship serves as a driver for economic growth in North Alabama by providing support for entrepreneurs and business owners in every stage of growth.  As one of the original founders, Leigh will share how others can participate with the Catalyst. 

VISTA Project – Volunteers in Service to America – Domestic Peace Corps Program – The Catalyst had nine (9) employees that were paid volunteers for the Catalyst.  Leigh will share the positive aspects of the VISTA project and lessons learned in adding nine new employees to assist in the organization and events of the Catalyst.

HOPE² – Helping Others by Promoting Employment & Entrepreneurship Project in Winston County Alabama – Leigh will share about the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant project and the desperate need for jobs in this community and how the Catalyst is providing outreach and support – and jobs.  Leigh will discuss the HUBZone program and how Huntsville businesses can utilize employees in Winston County.  Leigh will share positive outcomes and lots of lessons learned. 

Leigh Christian, a Madison Alabama native, owner and consultant of Plans To Prosper Consulting, which provides business consulting for government contracting businesses, and as Project Manager / Supervisor for the AmeriCorps VISTA grant for the Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship; and as Project Manager for the Helping Others by Promoting Employment and Entrepreneurship (HOPE 2 ) Project in Winston County Alabama. She provides business development, marketing, social media, training, strategy, security, contracting, and overall business operations support. She is also a co-founder of Empire ChristFit, a nonprofit Christian Ministry for Teens. Leigh is a co-founder of The Catalyst Center for Business; Entrepreneurship and the Women’s Economic Development Council and continues to be very involved in both. She also serves on the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, the Women in Defense Tennessee Valley Chapter and numerous other community and church boards. She has won numerous awards such as HASBAT Small Business Advocate Award, the Women Honoring Women – Community and Public Service Award and most recently the Huntsville Association of Technical Societies (HATS)’s Professional of the Year for the Huntsville Madison Community.

Attendees will receive 1 Leadership PDU