On March 4, 2020, I was announced as the leader of Woodlawn United. The next day, on my 36th birthday, I stepped into not just a new year of life, but a new chapter of leadership. Today, as I celebrate another year, I reflect on the past five years of leading Woodlawn United—a journey filled with growth, challenges, and transformation. Just weeks after stepping into this role, the world shut down—testing my resilience, challenging my leadership, and pushing me to embrace what it truly means to stand firm and stay the course. In that moment, countless people reached out with belief, well wishes, and trust. I carried that with me—not just as encouragement but as a reminder of my responsibility to preserve what’s good, improve what needs change, and foster progress. Leadership, like salt and light, requires distinction—it’s about being a steady guide and bringing hope, even in uncertain times. Through difficult and, at times, unpopular decisions—prioritizing long-term impact over short-term comfort, shifting resources to ensure sustainability, and challenging the status quo to create meaningful change—I’ve seen the power of staying the course reflected in:

• $60M+ in investments fueling housing, economic growth, and infrastructure
• Expanding service reach from 5,000 to 8,000 residents
• Growing homeownership from 18% to 28%, creating pathways for generational stability
• 20+ new businesses launched, strengthening the local economy
• Achieving a 36% reduction in crime through holistic public safety efforts
• 40+ emerging leaders trained through the WE Lead Fellowship, many of whom are now driving change as community connectors, organizational leaders, and advocates for progress

None of this has been easy, and none of it has been done alone. A dedicated team, a committed Board of Directors, engaged residents, and strong partners have been instrumental in this progress. A special thank you to my family and friends who have stood by me, lifted me in prayer, reminded me of my strength, and given me space to just be. Your love and support have been a constant source of encouragement. As I celebrate another year of life and leadership, I believe the best is yet to come. To everyone who has walked this journey with me—thank you. Your belief in this work continues to fuel the mission. The work continues.

When people ask me what success looks like in Woodlawn, I often point to the simple things—the everyday moments that might go unnoticed but speak volumes about how far we’ve come. Just last evening, I sat on my front porch, enjoying the cooling Alabama air, watching families stroll down our streets, children’s laughter echoing off the historic homes that line our neighborhood. These moments aren’t captured in statistics, but they tell our story better than any numbers could. Yet, our community was recently reminded of how fragile safety can be with the tragic loss of Gerald Lomax, a young life taken far too soon. This heartbreaking event underscores why our mission to build a safer Woodlawn is more urgent than ever. It’s a stark reminder that safety isn’t just about lowering crime rates; it’s about ensuring that every resident—every child, parent, and neighbor—feels secure and supported. As CEO of Woodlawn United, I’ve seen firsthand how far we’ve come. Through partnerships with the Woodlawn Business Association, Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, Alabama Power, and the Birmingham Police Department, we’ve made significant strides, achieving a 36% decrease in crime from 2021 to 2023. But the real success lies beyond these numbers. It’s in the small victories: homes where residents feel secure enough to let natural light stream through their windows; children walking confidently to i3 Academy; and elderly neighbors who can once again tend their gardens in the evening hours. These are the quiet triumphs that define our community. But we know safety can’t be achieved through technology or policing alone. It’s the result of a collective effort, with residents taking ownership of their neighborhood—whether that’s joining neighborhood watch programs, attending community meetings, or simply looking out for one another. This sense of shared responsibility has created an “ecosystem of security” that is foundational to our progress. The recent $8 million CRISI Railroad Grant we secured is another important step. Improving hazardous railroad crossings isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade—it means safer routes for families, better connectivity, and enhanced emergency response times. All of these changes contribute to a Woodlawn where people feel safe, connected, and proud to call home. Perhaps what makes me most proud is the return of front porch culture. In many urban areas, fear had driven people indoors, behind closed doors. But in Woodlawn, porches have become spaces for connection once again—places where neighbors chat, where children play, and where the rhythms of community life are embraced. The recent tragedy reminds us that the journey to building a safe and vibrant community is ongoing. It’s not just about reducing crime; it’s about fostering a place where every child, senior, and family can thrive. That’s the Woodlawn we’re building—one front porch, one conversation, and one moment of community at a time. – Mashonda S. Taylor, CEO of Woodlawn United Mashonda S. Taylor is the CEO of Woodlawn United and a proud Woodlawn resident. Under her leadership, Woodlawn United continues to work towards its vision of a safe, vibrant community where everyone can contribute to the growth of Greater Birmingham.

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Help Us Build a Safer Woodlawn Together Our commitment to a safer, thriving Woodlawn depends on the voices of those who call it home. By taking part in the Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI) survey, you’re helping us shape the future of our community with insights that matter. As a thank-you for your time, we’re offering a $50 gift card per household that participates. Join us in building a safer, more connected Woodlawn—one voice at a time. Click here to learn more. 

On April 18th, 12 passionate individuals, aiming to better their communities, completed the Woodlawn Effect Fellowship Program (WE Lead). We proudly celebrated with this group as they became the second cohort of WE Lead Fellows.

WE Lead is designed to address the community’s gap in access to leadership development opportunities. Led by Woodlawn Resident and Woodlawn United Founding Board Member, Myeisha Hutchinson, the intergenerational program is designed to refine and grow participants’ leadership skills and challenge them to step outside their comfort zones.

Graduates are prepared to assess, identify, and solve problems in their community and are actively creating positive changes. During the closing ceremony, WE Lead Fellows presented proposals to address issues facing their communities, including community cleanliness and wellness projects.

Rounding out the evening, we were pleased to welcome back Timothy Lanier, WE Lead Fellow Class I, who gave a charge to the graduating fellows, as well as Toi Thronton, WBRC FOX6 Anchor, and Jason Avery, Woodlawn Community President, who joined a leadership panel discussion moderated by WE Lead Program Facilitator, Jason Meadows.

Wayne Honeycutt, Jr. | Owner of The Shop

Today we honor Black History Month by shining a light on local barbershop owner Wayne Honeycutt, Jr. Wayne has owned The Shop for over 40 years and currently serves as President of the Woodlawn Business Association. 

The barbershop is a special place in the Black Community, as it serves as a hub for leadership development, education, and cultural enrichment. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Wayne was instilled with a vision for Black Excellence and has been dedicated to providing top-notch services to his customers, family, and community. 

To continue elevating and supporting Black Culture, Wayne believes WE must continue amplifying messages of Black Excellence, owning properties, building legacies, and positively impacting the community. 

Anita Craig | Owner of Trvl Love Koffee 

Anita Craig is a driven, family-oriented coffee connoisseur who dared to take a chance in the coffee industry. As the owner of Trvl Love Koffee, Anita is breaking barriers and creating opportunities for individuals to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Despite not being a coffee drinker, she specializes in African and Indonesian coffees and is passionate about telling their stories. With a culinary degree and a background in bartending, Anita always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur. 

Seeing individuals who look like you succeed in business inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. In addition, representation leads to a more inclusive and innovative business community where everyone feels valued and heard. Today, Anita is helping to create a gathering spot that uplifts and feeds Woodlawn’s soul. 

Remember, support is a verb that requires a lot of intentionality, so let’s continue to elevate and support Black culture and businesses in Woodlawn! Visit Trvl Love Coffee inside Woodlawn Marketplace Wednesday – Saturday 7am – 3pm!

Teretia Jones | Woodlawn Resident 

Meet Teretia Jones, a proud resident of Woodlawn for over 38 years. 

Ms. Jones is now a retiree from Otis Elevator 40! Teretia has seen the Woodlawn Community as it ebbed and flowed over the years. 

Teretia reminisces about being the first Black family on her street, where she serves her community faithfully. Ms. Jones prefers leading from the back by actively supporting Woodlawn’s leaders and engaging with the neighborhood association to build a resilient and inclusive community. This Black History Month, we asked Teretia what it means to her, her thoughts on building equity and inclusivity in our communities, and her advice: “Don’t let the naysayers say you can’t do it. Instead, surround yourself with people who support you and your diverse thoughts.” 

Together, WE will continue to champion Black culture in Woodlawn, have meaningful conversations, and make a positive impact that will create legacies of equity and inclusiveness for future generations.

Since Woodlawn United’s founding in 2010, its mission has been to serve as a catalyst and facilitator for the transformation and revitalization of the Woodlawn community in Birmingham into a vibrant and sustainable community in which its residents have an opportunity to thrive. The WE Lead was developed to address the Woodlawn Community’s gap in access to leadership development opportunities. This 14-week community-focused program seeks to identify individuals who desire to improve their community and give voice to traditionally underrepresented community members. WE Lead fellows will engage in weekly training to learn from political, business, and community leaders. As a cohort, participants will partake in initiatives to address current issues impacting Woodlawn. The program goals for WE Lead Fellows are:   · Increased participation in formal and informal neighborhood leadership. · Understanding of complex systemic issues. · Increased resident participation in community-based organizations while serving in various leadership roles. · Be connected to a vast network of community and civic leaders. · An understanding of public/private partnerships and how to leverage funds.   PARTICIPATION QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS Ideal applicants must demonstrate a commitment to Woodlawn and neighboring communities with a desire to serve their community through positions of impact (e.g., volunteerism, advocacy, non-profit boards, etc.). Each session is an integral part of the program, and participants are required to attend at least 90% of the sessions or 10 out of the 11 sessions to successfully complete the fellowship and receive the program financial stipend. Applications are due Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 5:00pm. Apply at: https://woodlawnunited.formstack.com/forms/welead. The 2022-2023 fellowship program year is scheduled as follows: • Tuesday, November 1, 2022 • Tuesday, November 29, 2022 • Tuesday, December 13, 2022 • Tuesday, January 10, 2023 • Tuesday, January 24, 2023 • Tuesday, February 7, 2023 • Tuesday, February 21, 2023 • Tuesday, March 7, 2023 • Tuesday, March 21, 2023 • Tuesday, April 4, 2023 • Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Birmingham, Ala. – Woodlawn United  (WU), formerly Woodlawn Foundation, a community quarterback that leads an alliance of partners committed to breaking the cycle of poverty in Birmingham’s historic Woodlawn community, is growing its team. Woodlawn United is excited to announce the hire of Meghan Ann Hellenga as its Deputy Director. As Deputy Director, Meghan Ann will assist the organization in extending its capacity to ensure that the organization can continue to meet the needs of the Woodlawn Community through fundraising, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.  Hellenga brings years of fundraising and organizational experience. During her time at the Birmingham Museum of Art (BMA), she worked with the team to secure funding of more than $7 million annually. She was also instrumental in the development, planning, and fundraising strategies at the BMA. Before her time at the BMA, she served as director of development at AIDS Alabama before becoming the organization’s administrative director of programs. In addition, she implemented fundraising initiatives and cultivated community partnerships. “Over the next few years, Meghan Ann will work with partners to identify resources that foster equity and opportunity for Woodlawn residents,” stated Mashonda Taylor, Executive Director of Woodlawn United. “Meghan Ann will work alongside residents and local stakeholders to help prioritize initiatives and leverage resources across three main pillars: cradle-to-college/career education pathway, high-quality mixed-income housing, and community wellness programs.”   Woodlawn United facilitates a holistic approach to community revitalization. Community partners, residents, business owners, and civic leaders work collectively to elevate initiatives to grow a safe and healthy community where children learn and play, families live in quality housing, parents work in stable jobs, businesses thrive, and everyone contributes to the growth of Greater Birmingham. It follows a model established by Purpose Built Communities, an organization that helps communities across the country implement proven and practical strategies to increase equity and resiliency. “I think it’s important for our organization to amplify the story of the Woodlawn Effect,” said Meghan Ann Hellenga, Deputy Director for Woodlawn United. “If adequately resourced, the work happening in Woodlawn will continue to provide equitable opportunities for all residents in the community to thrive and serve as a model for other communities throughout the city and region.” About Woodlawn United  Woodlawn United (WU) is a community-based 501(c)3 organization that facilitates community revitalization in the Woodlawn Community of Birmingham, AL. Woodlawn United works to grow a safe, healthy community where children learn and play, families live in quality housing, parents work in stable jobs, businesses thrive, and everyone contributes to the growth of Greater Birmingham.