BBJ unveils its Top Birmingham Women for 2022
by Stephanie Rebman, Birmingham Business Journal
The Birmingham Business Journal has unveiled the winners in its Top Birmingham Women awards for 2022.
These awards recognize women who have risen to the pinnacle of their industries or fields and who have a long and tangible track record of results and impact in the community and their industries. Meet the winners in the attached gallery.
Longtime readers likely recall the Top Birmingham Women distinction from years ago, which was eventually succeeded by the Women To Watch awards. Women to Watch honorees will also be unveiled this week.
Due to the overwhelming number of nominations we receive each year and the tremendous wave of emerging leaders in our business community that are worthy of recognition, the BBJ decided to revive Top Birmingham Women in 2020 in conjunction with the 10th annual women’s Summit. It will continue as long as there is interest to honor Birmingham’s top women.
Winners were selected from nominations received at BBJ.com, and will be recognized at the 2022 Women’s Summit, which will be held Friday, Sept. 23 at Ross Bridge in Hoover. You can find a speaker lineup and registration details here.
Meet last year’s Top Birmingham Women here.
Article originally published by Birmingham Business Journal.
Tammy Cohen
Architect, Interior Designer, President
CCR Architecture & Interiors
Hometown: Montgomery
How did you get to where you are in your career?
An amazing team of talented architects and designers have helped CCR and myself become a respected boutique firm that cares about the built environment in our community. Education, experience at several types and sizes of design firms and 40 years of practicing have formed the person I am today.
What drives you to succeed?
A strong commitment to our clients; fulfilling their dreams and seeing happy end users in our developments. We remind ourselves daily that we provide an exceptional service to the public.
What challenges have you overcome?
I have met a few naysayers over the years, but drowning out the negativity and seeing thriving businesses and neighborhoods keeps me going.
What are three things you’ve learned in the pandemic?
I have learned that everyone copes with challenges differently. We must be accommodating and helpful in these stressful times. Family and health always come first in our decisions going forward.
How do you balance your home life with your work?
My life and work are very intertwined since I work downstairs and live upstairs. But it makes travel easy and my day is much more efficient saving the drive time. When I go home, I have learned to not look at emails until the next morning at work. Work can always wait.
What advice do you have for women who are trying to advance their career?
Try things that are out of your comfort zone. I am always surprised when I dread a task or a difficult meeting and it turns out fine every time. It may take a while to find the right job or team, but we learn from every experience.
What would you do differently if you had to do it again?
I would try not to worry about the future; everything works out and may lead to a different path but the events along the way make it memorable.
What is the most promising thing happening in Birmingham right now?
Our young people and diversity! It is so exciting to meet folks that have returned to Birmingham because they want to be here and be part of the renaissance of our beautiful city.
What does Birmingham need to work on to move to the next level?
We need to work on our self-image and be proud of what we have accomplished. We also need to foster more communication and sharing amongst our many neighborhoods.
Article originally published by Birmingham Business Journal.