February is Black History Month, a time to honor the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. At Children’s of Alabama, we are united in our mission and dedication in providing the finest pediatric healthcare to all children. Each of the employees featured here contribute to our core values of trust, teamwork, compassion, innovation and commitment. We thank them for sharing their stories of inspiration and impact.
Lantze Grissette
Benefit Counselor, 2 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
Before Children’s of Alabama, I was living and working in Atlanta for more than 20 years. When the opportunity opened up here at Children’s, it really was a no brainer: a tremendous opportunity to work for an organization that has such a stellar reputation.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
For inspiration, first and foremost I have to credit my Dad. He has always been there for me when things get tough. I look at his life and despite all of the hardship and trials he has endured, he finds a way to overcome obstacles without a complaint, a harsh word or blaming others. In fact, I have NEVER, ever heard him complain about anything EVER! He just pushes through with a smile. I love that guy!
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
My intent (like most people here at Children’s) is to help in any way I can. What I mean by that is you can make a one-time grand gesture or you can do the little things every day like smile, follow up or lend an ear to people’s troubles. As a benefits counselor, I believe it’s the smallest things that can make the biggest impact. I believe I am built to do just that.
Jacquese Smith, MS, MLS (ASCP) CM
Hematology and Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor, 4 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
Being born and raised in Birmingham, Children’s of Alabama has always been an institution known throughout the community for the significant impact in helping children when they are not feeling their best. When I decided to transition in my career, I could not think of a better place to join. Children’s aligns with my personal values of compassion, commitment, teamwork, trust and innovation.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
My parents Kendrick and Kimberly Foy have been an inspiration to me all of my life and have continuously provided the tools that I needed to be the best me I could be. My father taught me to be compassionate and fair while in areas of leadership; my mother taught me to be consistent and intentional with my actions. They encourage me to continue to set goals for myself, work hard to play hard and to never lose sight of the greatness in myself as well as in others.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
I hope to inspire others to never take the word “no” to mean “never” when it comes to obtaining your goals. Instead, take it as a “not right now” and a challenge to yourself to take the time to ready your mind, body and spirit for the achievement of the goal so that when the time comes for you to achieve it, you are equipped with the discipline to surpass even your own expectations.
April Hooper Weatherly
Assistant Director of Nursing, Inpatient Behavioral Health, 18 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I completed my undergraduate studies at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. I’d planned to spend the summer before graduation at home in Birmingham, but I also desired to work while I was here. I secured a position at Children’s of Alabama for the summer on what was 4 Southeast at the time. I loved the team and working on the unit, and it wasn’t long before I realized that I wanted to work in pediatrics. The summer was coming to an end, and I was preparing to return to school. I was informed about a scholarship program the hospital offered that provides tuition assistance in exchange for working at Children’s after graduation. I completed the necessary paperwork and soon after was notified I was a scholarship recipient. After graduation, I was thrilled to have an opportunity to return to 4 Southeast as a staff nurse. That moment has come full circle again as I serve in leadership on 4 Dearth, which comprises what was previously 4 Southeast.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
The African American who inspires me the most is my mom. She leads with a servant’s heart and is one of the most generous and caring people I know. As I’ve grown more in my professional career, Michelle Obama, Stacey Abrams, and Ketanji Brown Jackson are a source of inspiration. As an African American woman, I observed and analyzed how these women maneuvered in roles that were not traditionally inclusive. Their poise, tremendous restraint, graciousness and grit amid unwarranted attacks and attempts to disgrace and devalue their accomplishments are a playbook, of sorts, for those who feel pressure to quit when adversity comes their way.
How do you hope to inspire others?
The rarity of someone like me, an African American woman with a degree from an HBCU, serving in a leadership position, begs the question, how did you do it? I’m striving to create a legacy of hope by serving as an exemplar for those who need to see someone like them excel. I also hope to impact others by being a change agent, pushing forward difficult conversations where those with muted voices have a platform to share. I hope to inspire others by dispelling the myth that titles are the only measure of success or greatness. True success is diligence in work put before you, investing in yourself to nurture your craft, and doing what brings you happiness, not just financial gain. In the words of Stacey Abrams, “Not everyone’s ambitions will be world domination or Carnegie Hall, but we should be driven beyond what we know and feel safe doing.”
Demi Nicholson
Lead Respiratory Therapist, 16 Years of Service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I’ve always enjoyed working with kids. I was a student studying respiratory therapy at UAB when Children’s of Alabama was introduced to me as a future place of employment after graduation. I thought it would be the best of both worlds…working with kids in my field of study!
What other African Americans have inspired you?
Of course I appreciate the well-known famous African Americans for their inspirational stories, lives, events, inventions and sacrifices…such as Martin Luther King, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes and other classic historical figures just to name a few….but my most inspirational African Americans are the ones who not only introduced me to God but also showed and taught me about God by the countless ways they love me. I am so blessed to be able to call them mom and dad! My parents…God showed out when he blessed me with them. My dad has since transitioned but his love for me lives on. I don’t have to look far at all to see or be reminded of their sacrifices, advice, life lessons, words of wisdom, charity and Christian lives that they have set before me. They are the wind beneath my wings and my biggest inspiration!
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
My motto is Live, Laugh, Love…love being the biggest! 1 Peter 4:8 tells us to love each other deeply! Laughter is the simplest form of happiness! When you’re enjoying, engaging and experiencing a good laugh, you aren’t thinking about any problems or negativity. Your undivided attention is on whatever it is that’s making you laugh and that in itself is the purest form of happiness, even if it’s only for a moment…what an amazing moment to LIVE in!
William Woods Jr.
3rd Shift Maintenance Supervisor, 28 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
After working 26 years in the military as a sergeant first class, I retired. At the time, my cousin was working in shipping and receiving at Children’s of Alabama and that is what brought me here when I finished active duty with the military.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
I thank God for my parents and family who have influenced me greatly. First, my wife, Mrs. Woods, along with my brother, Dana Woods, have inspired me. Dana is a battalion fire chief and fire marshal. Additionally, both of my cousins have been an influence: my cousin, Gary Richardson, is the Mayor of the city of Midfield, Alabama and my cousin Felicia Rucker Sumerlin was the first black female deputy chief for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. I also had great influences from my time in the military. Lieutenant General AC Roper was my brigade commander and General Colin Powell was our joint chief of staff when I enlisted in the military. I have been around so many great leaders, all of whom influenced me in some way.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
I hope to give outstanding service to all of our staff members and patients. I hope to continue to have great relationships with Children’s staff by checking in on them. For the maintenance department and 3rd shift, I hope to inspire those I work with by selflessly serving – putting my staff ahead of my needs. Lastly, I desire to impact others through esprit de corps, a feeling of pride, fellowship and common loyalty.
Shannon Parker
Lead medical social worker, 5 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I have always wanted to work at Children’s, since the beginning of my career as a Social Worker. After receiving my undergraduate degree from Miles College, I worked for the Alabama Department of Human Resources, focusing on Child Protection Services (CPS) for several years, advancing from caseworker to supervisor over investigations, ongoing family services, foster care and reunification services. Although I have experience working with adults as well, my specialization in graduate school at the University of Alabama was to work with children and families. Once I made my way here as a Medical Social Worker, I got a chance to witness the profession through a completely different lens. I had to put my skills of advocacy, assessment and intervention to the test, all while maintaining a level of compassion and understanding. To work for an organization whose primary focus is to serve and care for sick children, aiding families & eliminating barriers, all while withstanding the test of time, is truly amazing.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
My initial inspiration comes from my wonderful parents, Chester & Shirley Parker. They have always been my biggest supporters- encouraging me to never stop growing and advancing. In addition to my parents, Mary McLeod Bethune always stood out to me because of her educational activism and leadership. Then there is Shirley Chisholm, who was a huge advocate for early education and child welfare policies.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you hope to inspire others?
Whenever I engage with someone, I always hope that they see my genuineness and know that I truly care. I always make an effort to be present and available for my colleagues and the population I serve. I hope to encourage others to always be humble. Go about your day with the understanding that you will never know what the person next to you is truly going through so always be kind.
