Pickens native first Alabamian to be hired to national nonprofit for Black women's health

A Pickens County native is the first Alabama hire for GirlTREK, a national nonprofit addressing Black women's health, which has launched a drive to recruit 1,000 new "crew leaders" in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi as part of its Southern Strategy.

She goes by Instructor Forte' and is the President Emeritus of the Black Alumni Network at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). 

"As a native of Pickens County, the Alabama Black Belt and graduate of a small school system, this journey has been phenomenal," she said in a press release. "It paved the way for my collegiate experience at The University of Alabama Birmingham."

She heads the Southern Headquarters in Montgomery. 

At GirlTREK crew leaders organize walks to promote health among Black women. They will receive training and resources to enable them to lead local walking teams and wellness events.

"We know the South has long been ground zero for some of the worst health disparities in the country, particularly for Black women,” Forte' said. “By recruiting and equipping local leaders in Alabama and beyond, we are addressing these inequities head-on. This drive will help us build a stronger network of women committed to walking for their health and leading their communities toward lasting change."

Anyone who is interested in becoming a crew leader can find more information on girltrek.org or Text “Tubman” to 46696.