Speakers

Michele Coley, Allstate

Michele Coley, is the only African American female Allstate Agent in the state of Alabama. She holds a Business Administration degree from Stillman College. She serves on the West Alabama Chamber Executive Board, the city of Tuscaloosa Elevate Advisory Council. Michele also is a member of the University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies Board of Visitors. Recently she was appointed to the City of Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustments as a Supernumerary. Michele is very passionate about young people and their education. She mentors and sponsors reading/positive behavior initiatives at several city and county schools. Michele is a business owner, wife of 25 years and devoted mother.

Kathi Riddle, Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts

Kathi has twenty-seven years of experience in Finance, Pricing, Revenue Management, Forecasting, Strategic Planning and International Business. She is responsible for day-to-day, long-term strategic Financial Planning/Analysis for WDW Operations, including Theme Parks, Resorts, Disney Springs, Water Parks and Sports. Kathi led the Revenue Management & Analytic teams for Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Resort to drive revenue/profits for Disney’s Asia Parks and Resorts. Kathi graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1992, with her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with a double major in Accounting and Spanish and received her MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2001.

Martina Winston, Protective Life

Martina Winston is an energetic, passionate Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience. As a 2nd Vice President and Senior HR Partner with Protective for almost 6 years, Martina spends her time coaching senior and executive leaders through HR strategic business support around people, talent, succession planning, and engagement. In addition, Martina leads Protective’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts and global talent programs in partnership with Protective’s parent, Dai-ichi Life based in Tokyo, Japan.

Not only is Martina passionate about her work, but she is also extremely engaged with her community. Volunteering with organizations like the Junior League of Birmingham, Childcare Resources, Collat Jewish Family Services, Baptist Health Foundation, Pelham High School Cheer Booster, and Pelham Parks & Rec. Serving gives Martina energy and she believes this is a part of her purpose and reason.

Martina, a Southside of Chicago native living in Pelham, AL with her husband Corey and two children Jada (15) and Jordan (12) with their dog Barkley Snow and cat Mitten Tide. When Martina isn’t working or serving her community she enjoys cheering on her Pelham Panthers, The Alabama Crimson Tide and exploring the world with her family.

Daphne Palmer, Culverhouse School of Accountancy

Daphne Palmer, CPA, is a native of Forkland, a small town in Greene County, Alabama. A first-generation college graduate, Daphne holds a B.S. Business Commerce with a concentration in Accounting and a Masters of Accountancy, both from The University of Alabama. She began her professional career in the Atlanta office of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, one of the “Big Four” public accounting firms. There she worked in the Audit practice, mainly in the manufacturing industry. After short time at PwC, Daphne left public accounting and accepted an Assistant Controller position at Industrial Warehouse Services, Inc., a trucking company in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where she had worked throughout college.

Back in Tuscaloosa, near her Alma Mater, Daphne was able to take advantage of an opportunity to teach Introductory Accounting at The University of Alabama as an adjunct basis. Beginning in fall 2015, Daphne became a full time Lecturer at the university, teaching Introductory Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, and Accounting Information Systems. She also serves students by providing life coaching and works on various recruitment and diversity and inclusiveness initiatives.

She hopes to provide students with guidance and mentoring, and to develop them in an out of the classroom. Her life motto is “I will help you Help Yourself”. She is also very passionate about raising awareness of the accounting profession among under-represented high school students. Outside of her career, Daphne wears many hats. She is a daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She is the president of a non-profit organization Mind over Matter Youth Empowerment. The organization provides leadership, guidance, and mentorship that will equip young girls with the necessary tools for empowering their mind. In her spare time, Daphne enjoys spending time with her family, growing spiritually, being crafty, and coordinating various events.

Amy Bramlett, Manager, C&IS Satellite Office

Amy Bramlett manages the Career Center at C&IS.  As a career consultant, program manager, and advocate, Amy has spent the last nine years helping students navigate a variety of complex career development and salary negotiation challenges. When she was approached about becoming an AAUW salary negotiation facilitator, she jumped at the chance to share in AAUW’s mission to close the gender pay gap by empowering women to negotiate salary and benefits. Bramlett believes that women should have a deep understanding of the value that they bring to a workplace and a strategic approach to how they articulate their value.

Paige Miller, Career Consultant

Paige Miller is a Career Consultant at The University of Alabama Career Center. She has over seventeen years of experience working in higher education as well as spending many years working in the non- profit world. Miller serves as a facilitator for AAUW Start Smart workshops and Safe Zone trainings. She enjoys working with college students to empower them to meet their goals. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The University of Alabama.