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Our Team

We're here for our guests.

Group of five diverse volunteers working in a kitchen. They are opening cans of vegetables to be served at the soup kitchen.

Serving our community, daily.

Here are the passionate and dedicated individuals who make The Community Kitchens possible. From our leadership and kitchens teams who keep the day-to-day operations running smoothly, to our Board of Directors who guide the work we do, we strive to serve our community and put an end to hunger—one free meal at a time.

Leadershp Team

Our Leadership Team

Photo of the Community Kitchen's Director, Kim Speights. She is wearing black glasses and a floral dress with orange, yellow, and blue flowers.
Kimberly M. Speights

Executive Director

Meet Kimberly M. Speights, a beacon of resilience, purpose, and grace, shining her light across the globe. As a devoted community activist and advocate, she wholeheartedly embraces the philosophy of transformative change from within. Her unwavering dedication knows no bounds as she tirelessly strives to eliminate negative stigmas that afflict women, children, and the broader community. Whatever positive measures are required, she fearlessly takes on the challenge, empowering and uplifting those around her with unyielding determination.

Kimberly's unwavering passion lies in advocating for underserved and marginalized communities, and her driving force is to ensure equitable access to proper education for all. She fearlessly champions causes spanning from health communications and addressing disparities to advocating for comprehensive education. Kimberly's advocacy knows no bounds as she fights relentlessly for what is right and necessary to create a more just and inclusive society.

Kimberly joined Community Kitchens in January 2023 and brings her passion for service and an extensive knowledge of Birmingham. Kimberly grew up in Birmingham and most recently served as Community Engagement Manager of the UAB Live HealthSmart Alabama program.

Kimberly is the founder and emeritus Executive Director of Empowered to Overcome, a mentoring program for young women in Birmingham. She holds a master’s degree in human services counseling and is currently pursuing a PhD in Community Health Promotion at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

In April of 2013, Kimberly received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) “Outstanding Community Service” Medal.  In August of 2023, Kimberly was honored as an “Uncommon & Influential Women of Faith in Alabama” by She Leads Alabama.  In September of 2023, Kimberly was highlighted as "A Woman To Watch" by The Birmingham Business Journal.

Kimberly is married to Eldred and has two children, Kory and Faith.

Kitchens Team

Our Kitchens Team

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

2023 President: Walker Gann – President, Dent Moses, LLP​

Barvette Patterson, Secretary, Community Volunteer
Victor Adamo, Pro Assurance – Retired
Trinita Ashford, The Samaritan Foundation dba ConnectionHealth
Derrick Billups, Birmingham City Schools Board of Education
Colby Galloway, The Southern Company
Bob Greenberg, Temple Beth- El – Retired

Tenika Huffman, PNC Bank
Stuart Johnson, Raymond James
Jacob Marsh, Red Realty
Rashida Reese, Rebirth Marketing and Consulting
Lacinda Riesland, UAB Callahan Eye
Bridget Tytler, Maynard Nexsen
Tim Ryan, State Farm

In Memoriam Aeternam

Sonya Williams

Rev. Maurice Branscomb

Contact Us

The administrative staff can be reached by phone or email during the hours below.

Monday — Thursday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Thank you for contacting us! A member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

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