Meet GEMBHAM Retreat Leaders

Pamela Bowen, PhD

Pamela G. Bowen, PhD, FNP-BC, BBA is an Associate Professor, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, and a three-time graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing. Dr. Bowen’s research primarily focuses on developing interventions that will reduce health disparities and health inequities. She has personally witnessed the struggles people with limited resources must overcome as it relates to adopting healthier lifestyle behaviors.

“I want to be a mentor in order to provide encouragement and support to empower young people to be whatever they dream professionally and personally. I didn't have a professional mentor growing up and I would like to pay forward the knowledge I have obtained to help someone else.”

Elizabeth Crooks, DNP

Elizabeth Crooks, DNP, RN, CNE, is a registered nurse with a clinical background in critical care, emergency nursing, and helicopter medivac transport. Dr. Crooks is a faculty member at the UAB School of Nursing where she develops curricula focused on the social determinants of health and teaches community and public health in both the graduate and undergraduate programs. She has a strong commitment to promoting health and wellness among youth.

“As the health officer for GEMBHAM Retreat, I am eager to support the young women who attend as they discover more about themselves and develop a vision for a healthy future.”

Flora Giles, PhD

Flora Giles is a retired educator, elementary, middle and high school Guidance Counselor with 33 years of service. Previously, she was an Alabama State Licensed Social Worker. She received her PhD in Theology in 2022. For many years as an educator and a mentor, Dr. Giles has made a significant impact and a meaningful difference by touching so many lives, servicing youth, young adults and seniors, and providing assistance to social service agencies.

“My work experiences, skills, knowledge, values and compassion made me the person that I am. Giving back to the community has been a passion, and an enjoyable time for me to serve since my young adult life. I love being an advocate for young girls, and always encourage them to become knowledgeable young women, dream big and set goals in life.”

Marion Gropen

Marion Gropen has 25 years of experience in the financial and operations side of book publishing, all focused on helping companies keep more of the money they make, and on picking the best possible courses of action for those companies. She advises on the day to day financial and operational issues, as well as larger challenges such as vetting companies for sale or purchase. Books are her first love, and helping companies survive and thrive so that they can continue to make more great books is very satisfying to her. Marion has an MBA in finance, and did graduate work in physics.

Marion likes challenges, and has learned not to mind falling flat on her face every once-in-a while (literally or otherwise), because “you always improve when you pick yourself back up.”

Angela Hidalgo

Angela I. Hidalgo is a sophomore at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, majoring in Entrepreneurship, along with a double minor in Spanish and Legal Affairs. After completing undergrad, Angela plans to attend Law school. Her goal is to become an immigration attorney and own a bookstore. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, traveling, and shopping.

“I became a mentor because I want to help young kids who want to be better for themselves. I want to help educate young kids and be a person they can confide in – the person I wish I had when I was their age. My goal is to help girls grow, do better for themselves and others, and achieve their goal.”

April MacLennan

A former state government attorney with the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, April Jackson-MacLennan is Of Counsel with the Law Office of Sterling L. DeRamus, LLC, and a legal consultant for start-up for profit and nonprofit entities. April specializes in regulated industries including international business and immigration law, labor and employment and tax-exempt business compliance. April’s policy work focuses on empowering women and girls, increasing access to legal help, social services, health care and education in historically disadvantaged communities, and educating the community on the intersectional issues of U.S. domestic policy and the U.S. legal system. Prior to her legal and policy career, April worked in international development and in federal government contracting with diverse teams from across the globe and is professionally fluent in French.

“A “girl mom,” she is passionate about education and empowerment of girls the world over, because she understands the unique challenges young girls face growing up in an age of increased technological access and she recognizes the power of having strong female mentors.”

Soody Nelson

Soody Nelson has more than 40 years of leadership and international experience in the financial services industry and in management consulting for corporations, and for not-for-profit organizations. She is the founding partner of Arta Advisors, LLC. Soody is the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Crisis Center Inc., a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Birmingham Arts Education Collaborative in Birmingham, Alabama; and the Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the Encyclopaedia Iranica Foundation in New York. Since 1984, Soody has actively volunteered in various programs and organizations including the United Nations Volunteer Development Council and the Junior League of New York, and has provided mentorship and support to young adults and professionals.

“My deep belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their potential and goals, guides my desire and interest in mentorship. As a mentor, I can play a critical role and have a positive impact on another person’s development and advancement, while learning myself.”

Desland Robinson

Desland Robinson was born and raised on the west side of Birmingham, Alabama. She lived briefly in Huntsville only to realize her heart was with her hometown. Desland is a two-time graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Management and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Development. A seasoned career professional presently serving as Talent Acquisition Manager with Shipt HQ in downtown Birmingham, Desland oversees campus recruiting and diversity programs. She has more than 10 years of experience in early career professional development and building of industry partnerships within the Birmingham community and surrounding areas. Over the past 10 years, Desland has served as a recruiter, career advisor, small business advocate, and connector of talent within industries such as insurance, tech and engineering. She currently serves on leadership council for Boys and Girls Club of Central Alabama. In her spare time, she likes to hit the pavement training for her next half-marathon, completing craft projects with her kids, chilling with her husband, Everett, binging on Netflix shows after their 9 year old daughter and 6 year old son have been tucked in for the night. Connect with Desland Robinson on LinkedIn.

“The ability to serve in a mentoring capacity provides the opportunity to encourage and enable an individual’s personal and professional development.”

Ana Sullivan

Ana Sullivan leads the mission and operations of the Crisis Center in Birmingham, AL as its Executive Director. The Crisis Center provides Intervention and Prevention Services, Sexual Assault Support Services, Mental Health Services and Recovery Support Services primarily in Central Alabama, including Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, St. Clair, Shelby, and Walker Counties. Ana is passionate about empowering people in their greatest time of need, and as they move from a crisis stage toward healing. She was previously a Psychology Instructor at Virginia College, and the Clinical Coordinator at Behavioral Health Systems in Birmingham, Alabama. Ana completed her Doctor of Philosophy - Counseling Psychology course studies at University of Southern Mississippi, has a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Auburn University at Montgomery and a Bachelor of Psychology and Business from the University of Alabama.

“Mentoring others is a role that is so important to me. We all need mentors in life. It was later in life before I connected with a true mentor and this person has had a profound impact on my own growth and development. She has helped me rise above so many challenges and to become even more grounded in myself and what I want in life. I want to pass this on and help others in the way I have been helped. I want to be a mentor for the retreat because I believe it provides such an invaluable experience for the girls attending in which their hearts and minds are opened to new possibilities and can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives.”

Nikki Woods, PT, MSPT, PRPC

Nikki M. Woods is certified in pelvic rehabilitation. She has been an Outpatient Orthopedics Physical Therapist since 2000. She is the Director of Pelvic Health at TherapySouth, where she created the specialty Pelvic Rehabilitation program in 2006. She received her BS in Exercise Science from UA and Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

“I have been a certified exercise instructor since 1992 and health and wellness, including the practice of yoga and Pilates is a lifelong passion of mine. As the Director of Pelvic Health, my role is to mentor, train, grow and support new therapists wishing to specialize in the field of pelvic health. Our profession is one that keeps training, learning, developing, as well as educating and instructing others.

You may say I am a lifelong mentor in my field, however, I was fortunate to have had many people pour themselves into my life over the years. It is a privilege to be able to return what was given to me by investing in young women and encouraging their potential.”