About PWAC
Progressive Women’s Action Coalition was formed in January 2025 by women in DeKalb County, Alabama, with Fort Payne serving as the coalition’s meeting hub. What began as a small group of organizers has grown into a collaborative coalition focused on lasting impact in rural Northeast Alabama.
Our Mission
We are a progressive, women-led organization dedicated to providing aid, education, and advocacy in rural northeast Alabama. We are united in our commitment to progress and equity for all, striving to build a stronger, more inclusive future.
How We Work
PWAC meets in person in Fort Payne every other week for structured, collaborative meetings. Members gather to share updates, discuss priorities, set goals, and determine the direction of upcoming initiatives. Our work is shaped through open conversation, shared leadership, and collective decision-making.
Membership is open to women — including trans women — as well as nonbinary and gender-expansive individuals who feel at home in a women-centered space and share a commitment to equity and collective action.
Being a member means showing up in ways that matter — to meetings in Fort Payne, to events across DeKalb County, Alabama, and to volunteer service throughout the community. It means adding your voice to thoughtful discussion, helping shape the coalition’s direction, and contributing your time and talents to work that makes a tangible difference locally.
It also means building meaningful relationships alongside others who care deeply about creating positive change where we live.
We believe that all people deserve dignity and respect — regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religious belief, ability, financial situation, or immigration status.
That commitment is what brought us together — and it continues to guide our work.
Leadership
PWAC is led by a volunteer team of women committed to building a stronger, more equitable future in DeKalb County, Alabama.
Michelle
President
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Michelle serves as President of the Progressive Women’s Action Coalition and is passionate about civic education, advocacy, and supporting underserved communities. She helped form the coalition out of a desire to bring together women from all backgrounds to work toward common goals and fill a need in DeKalb County. She is a mother of four and a full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science. She and her family live in DeKalb County and are deeply committed to giving back to the community they call home.
Lexi
Vice President
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Lexi serves as Vice President of PWAC and understands firsthand how policy decisions impact families, women, and local communities. Her involvement has centered on volunteering, advocacy, and supporting initiatives that uplift women and families. She joined the coalition believing that progress requires courage, collaboration, and action. As a mother of two, she is especially motivated to fight for a more equitable and inclusive future, with a focus on protecting rights, expanding opportunities, and ensuring all women—regardless of background—have a seat at the table.
Cara
Secretary
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Cara serves as Secretary of PWAC and is deeply committed to supporting and empowering her community. Her work is rooted in a love for humanity and the belief that all people are connected and equally deserving of liberty, equity, dignity, inclusion, and compassion. At home, she shares life with her partner, their homeschooled child, and two spoiled rescue cats. Yoga, meditation, and journaling are sustaining personal practices, and she enjoys spending time in nature, music, and a good book whenever she can.
Joan
Treasurer
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Joan serves as Treasurer of PWAC and is a working mom from Fort Payne. She enjoys collaborating with a group of inspiring, progressive women on events and projects that support the community in creative and meaningful ways.
Angie
Social Media Coordinator
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Angie serves as Social Media Coordinator for PWAC and works as a nurse. She joined the coalition to help provide aid and advocacy within her community, with a focus on ensuring everyone feels socially accepted and supported. Her work centers on outreach and education for those in need—with no strings attached. She is a wife and mother of two daughters.
Join the Coalition
If you’re ready to add your voice and be part of the work, we’d love to welcome you.