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.
Mike Stamps
Director of Security and Parking, 1.5 Years of Service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I was drawn to Children’s of Alabama by a profound desire to contribute to an institution deeply rooted in compassion and service. Inspired by the opportunity to utilize my background in criminal justice, I envisioned making meaningful strides within the security and parking departments. Children’s stood out as a beacon of hope and healing, where I could align my professional skills with a noble cause, fostering safety and well-being for all who enter its doors.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
Reflecting on my journey, the influence of my father and his gospel ensemble, “The Gospel Tornadoes,” cannot be overstated. Their tireless dedication to both their craft and familial responsibilities served as a profound example of resilience and fortitude. From early mornings to late nights, their unwavering commitment to excellence resonated deeply with me, shaping my character and instilling a steadfast resolve to pursue excellence in all endeavors. Their legacy of perseverance, compassion, and community engagement continues to inspire my actions and aspirations.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
My vision at Children’s is grounded in a steadfast commitment to excellence, integrity and inclusivity. Through collaborative leadership and a relentless pursuit of excellence, I aim to cultivate a culture where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive. By fostering strong relationships built on trust and accountability, I aspire to inspire a collective sense of purpose and unity among staff and patients. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, innovation and service, where the impact of our collective efforts resonates far beyond the confines of security and parking.
Carolyn McCorvey, RN, BSN, CPN
Diabetes Educator, 18 Years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
Prior to relocating to Birmingham, I lived in Millbrook, Alabama and worked at Jackson Hospital for nine years. I had the opportunity to solidify my passion to work with children, and admire the level of care Children’s of Alabama provided. 18 years ago, as a pediatric nurse, I sought to join a team that provided a high level of care. I quickly realized Children’s was a place where I could grow, develop leadership skills and become a game changer by providing quality care to children and families we strive to serve.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
I credit my mother and father for molding me into the person I am today. My father worked in maintenance. There was almost absolutely nothing he could not fix. Amazingly, he could make things work properly in nontraditional ways. He taught me how to think outside the box. I apply this skill in my work environment. Sometimes in my educational practice I must be innovative in providing teaching needs.
My mother was the first African American bank teller in our small town. She sought the opportunity and opened doors to more diverse hiring practices. Besides being an amazing bank teller, my mother was an amazing caregiver. Her caregiving skills extended beyond her immediate family. I learned from my her to treat people as if they were my own family members, and to advocate for my patients and families.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I want to continue to bridge the gap in health care inequality. My favorite part about being a diabetes educator is seeking and providing educational resources to families with medical deficits in underserved communities across the state.
I plan to continue to educate parents and children, to help them make healthy lifestyle choices and to take an active role in maintaining healthy lifestyle choices.
Priscilla Moore
Guest Services and Inforamtion Desk Representative, 12 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
As a child, I was constantly in and out of Children’s of Alabama. It’s like this was my second home! I also love being around kids — they make my day and my job fulfilling!
What other African Americans have inspired you?
I look up to my mom and dad. I want to have their attributes. They’re wise, kind and God-fearing. They always taught me to keep God first, and everything else will fall into place!
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I hope people see the good in me; the love and kindness I have for others. I want to be remembered as a positive light to others.
Ophelia Nichols
Dental Assistant, 55 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
When I first was looking for a job, I came here through a youth training program. It was just before my birthday, and I was going to be 20. I trained for about three months, and they hired me! That was 55 years ago. The people that I work with are so good. Everyone in the dental clinic feels like family, and I love coming to work.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
I would say Martin Luther King Jr. He helped a lot during that time and made a big impact. Also, my mom is my inspiration. She worked so hard throughout my life, and I know I got my work ethic from her. I had eight siblings, so there were nine of us growing up. She worked and took care of all of us, so I got that mentality from her.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I hope to inspire folks by being kind and trying to help folks out. It’s important to treat people right. Treat them like you want to be treated. If everybody did that, it would be a much better world. It’s important to remember to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
DeWayne Carroll
VDI Operations Support Engineer, 2 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
Prior to coming to work for Children’s, I was working at another hospital and that is where I met Glenn Owens. I continued to work there after Glenn resigned. We stayed in touch even after he left the company. So, when I called him one day just say hello, he mentioned that he had an opening on his staff at Children’s of Alabama. I told him I would take it, and he sort of laughed and said “would you really?” and I said “yes, I have always wanted to work for Children’s.” Glenn made a big impact on me, and he is the reason why I am here today.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
My mother and grandmother inspired me their entire lives. I saw my mother work and push herself hard many days to get what she needed for her family. She never took any shortcuts and whatever she did she did it to the best of her abilities. When it comes to my grandmother there is one lesson that will forever be engrained in me is to never let a problem beat you. There is not a problem on God’s green earth that doesn’t have a solution, you just have to find it. I took those lessons and brought them with me to Children’s.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I pray that I would leave a positive impact on whoever I come across in life, not just at Children’s. I would like to think being a positive role model and sowing into someone else like so many have taken time out of their lives to sow into me.
Johnicia “Jo” Whitlow
Patient REGISTRATION Manager, 20 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
I was working at United Healthcare and our department consolidated to South Florida. After briefly contemplating moving, a former employee called me and told me about the Access Leadership position open at Children’s. I applied, came in for several interviews, and the rest is history.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
My parents and grandparents for sure are my inspirations. My parents always pushed me and my siblings to be the best that we could be and that we could do anything that we put our minds to. My grandparents inspired me in the same way-sharing stories about their upbringing and wanting more for their children and grandchildren. Hearing their stories of endurance and resilience was a driving force in my life.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I always say that a first impression is a lasting impression. As I walk through the hospital, I always try to smile and greet folks. One day, in particular, a person had been walking behind me from the McWane to Benjamin Russell building and said, “You know, everybody in the hospital knows you!” I chuckled at myself.
Live, Laugh, and Love are words that consistently resonate with me. Live life to the fullest. Laugh often. Love those around you. I genuinely love what I do and being able to interact with my team, patients, families and clinicians. I am not just a manager; I am a counselor, a listening ear, a social worker and a teacher all wrapped up in one, and I love it.
People interaction is my superpower. I try to lead by example, jumping in the trenches and working elbow to elbow when needed. I attempt to take negative situations and make the best of it-looking at the situation with rose-colored glasses and seeing the positive in that situation.
Eugene Mauldin
Specialty Floor tech, 9 years of service
What brought you to Children’s of Alabama?
There wasn’t a specific reason I came to Children’s of Alabama. I applied and was granted the opportunity which I am very grateful for. I have met and worked with so many great people during my time at Children’s.
What other African Americans have inspired you?
Growing up and hearing quotes and speeches from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was so inspiring in my life. We as people are one, no matter the color of our skin. I was very impacted by him in that way.
What kind of impact do you hope to have? How do you wish to inspire others?
I hope my dedication and willingness to do my best daily in every way to the task I’m given is done with quality and perfection!