Lori Mills is a social worker at UAB Family Clinic and an adjunct professor for the UAB School of Social Work. She lives with her husband John, son JT, 10, and daughter Kate, 8, in Trussville. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family. Lori was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in March 2023 and underwent a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction throughout the year. She has served as a volunteer and support group leader for the Young Women with Breast Cancer group at Forge. Lori’s journey with breast cancer has brought many ups and downs, but has also brought connection, friendships and opportunities. Last year, her family was given a generous gift, and while discussing how thankful they were, Lori says her 1--year-old spoke up and said “Wow, people are really good.” Lori firmly believes her experience with cancer has been worth it if it means her children can experience the good the world has to offer. While breast cancer has not been an experience she would hope for anyone, Lori chooses to find the good. Lori is immensely grateful to her husband and family, her breast cancer girls, amazingfriends and the team at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Words fail, but thank you to each of you," said Lori.

Cheri Fashion is a custom apparel company founded in Birmingham in 2013. Designer and founder Tiffanie Alexander designs tuxedos, prom gowns, streetwear, dancewear and more. She has been interested in fashion since she was 12. Tiffanie fell in love with a garment while watching Model TV and saw a model walk down the runway in a red Valentino gown. The gown flowed with such elegance. It was beaded with a touch of red lace. From watching this gown, she became interested in fashion. She started sketching garments from memory and experimenting with many colors. Over time she began to become inspired by nature, music and culture. Her design philosophy is that clothes are a way of expression-everyone should love what they are wearing. Her target market is for women in their late 20s to late 40s. She loves to use vibrant colors, such as reds, blues, greens and pinks. Today she continues to expound upon her design aesthetic. She continues to learn about different design techniques, technology and fabrics. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in apparel and textiles, in which she attended on academic scholarship. She attended LIM College in New York where she majored in the business of fashion. As a graduate student, she learned how to operate asuccessful business. She learned managerial skills and built a solid foundation in fashion. She has collaborated with other companies, has showcased her work in New York in 2018 and 2019, and has participated in many fashion shows in Alabama. She has taught sewing lessons within her community. She is in the process of writing a book about her fashion journey. In addition, she has just accepted a role as an Adjunct Professor, teaching fashion drawing, at the University of North Alabama. To sum it up, she has broadened her horizon in the fashion industry. She has thrived in the industry and is pavingthe way for many Black fashion designers