Martha G. Lavender has dedicated her career to proactive leadership and personal investment in those around her. As a servant-leader, she has a strong passion for women and children’s health, but her impact on other nursing disciplines is felt internationally through her tireless community service, frequent publications, professional organizational involvement, and speaking engagements. She brings enthusiasm, passion and critical thinking to every role and her dedication is unmatched. After working as a clinical nurse her career turned to educating the future generation of nurses. Her love for patient care carried over into education where she found an ease in teaching, touching more lives than is possible to quantify. A role model for nurses, she demonstrated that the focus on community and service is of upmost importance. Martha’s national influence came to the forefront when The Center for Domestic Preparedness tapped her to provide training oversight for major governmental entities, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. She served as the Dean of Health Sciences at Gadsden State Community College and currently serves as a Visiting Professor at UAB School of Nursing teaching health policy and leadership. Martha’s commitment to professional service through elected and volunteer positions is recognized Martha also serves as the President of the Alabama Board of Nursing and is the Owner and President of MGL Consulting, Inc. Martha’s style of nursing management, educational excellence, and quality leadership has effectively influenced health delivery for the communities served. With an expansive career that has brought both honor and fame to the profession of nursing, Martha Lavender has genuinely made a difference in the future of Alabama and the nation.