Juliana Bolivar, Director of the Small Business Development Center at Troy University’s IDEA Bank, has been named to the Alabama Leadership Initiative Class VII for 2024-2025.
Leadership Alabama is a statewide program of Alabama leaders engaged in creating a network for positive change. Originally introduced in 1995, Leadership Alabama is for emerging leaders and complements existing leadership networks and programs.
The program has three goals: education, connections, and personal development. Upon graduation, class participants are not only better equipped to contribute to Alabama’s forward movement, but also play a significant role in shaping Alabama’s future.
Bolivar became the center Director for the Alabama SBDC at Troy University in January 2021, bringing to her role 10 years as a small business consultant. No stranger to business and entrepreneurship, she was raised by small business owners and had a front-row seat to the successes and failures inherent to running a business. She started her own business at the age of 16.
“I am honored to be part of the Alabama Leadership Initiative Class VII and eager to connect with other passionate leaders nationwide,” Bolivar said. “This is an incredible opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and explore ways to collaborate to strengthen and support growth in our communities.”
The upcoming program year begins Nov. 6. ALI Class VII members will meet in Montgomery, Auburn and Birmingham and will be led by Lydia Barnett, Leadership Alabama’s new ALI Director. Presentations and group discussions will not only encourage members to critically examine their preconceptions about their state, their communities and themselves, but also inspire personal growth.
“The Initiative exposes young professionals to decision-makers in Alabama who are sensitive to the challenges we face as a state, and it provides the participants with the unique opportunity to step inside the circle of decision-makers and problem solvers who mold the future of our state,” said Ashley Kaplan, Leadership Alabama’s executive director.
The Leadership Alabama Board of Directors expanded the ALI program in 2017 to a six-month program comprised of three, two-day sessions to offer young professionals the opportunity to develop personal leadership skills and establish ongoing relationships with other young leaders across the state.
