Meet Ivan W. Holloway, the Executive Director of Urban Impact. Having extensive experience in Community Economic Financial Services, he has previously held roles such as Executive Director of A Step Forward, Vice President and Managing Director of Seedco Financial Alabama (TruFund Financial), and Assistant City Planner of Athens, AL. Ivan’s work and passions have allowed him to work across the country and even to South Africa. Currently, he serves on the United Way Visiting Allocation Team, is a Deacon and Treasurer at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, and a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Ivan is married to Deborah F. Stoves, who is a high school Media Specialist at Ramsay High School. They have twin sons, Ivan Travis and Evan Lloyd, both seniors at Alabama A&M University. 

Meet Carla Youngblood, a Certified Public Accountant and Urban Impact’s Operations Director. Born and raised in Birmingham, Carla is a proud Alumna of Phillips High School and Birmingham-Southern College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Additionally, she graduated from the University of Alabama-Birmingham with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Carla started her career in the Historic Fourth Avenue Business District working for Dr. A. G. Gaston at Citizens Federal Bank. Thirteen years ago, she returned to the district to work for Urban Impact, Inc. She is currently the Vice-President of the Summit Speakers Toastmasters and a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. In her free time, Carla enjoys playing cards and is a stand-up comedian.

Meet Roy Stoves, a distinguished professional with over 30 years of experience in architecture and construction. He specializes in effective project management, business development, and building strong relationships between owners and design teams. Currently, he serves as the Real Estate and Economic Development Director for Urban Impact. Roy’s diverse portfolio includes healthcare, education, recreational spaces, and cultural institutions. In addition to his professional roles, he has also been an Adjunct Instructor at Virginia College and ITT Technical in Birmingham. Roy has been married for 38 years, has three children, and is a proud grandfather. His life and career reflect his passion for professional excellence, community engagement, and strong family values. 

Meet Courtney Craig, an experienced Program Manager with over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector. She specializes in driving economic empowerment for underserved entrepreneurs and underrepresented economies. Courtney utilizes her expertise in wraparound initiatives and relationship building to establish vital partnerships and offer mentorship, funding, and essential services to aspiring entrepreneurs. With a background in Youth and Community Studies, she designs inclusive programs that address systemic barriers and foster sustainable economic growth. Currently, Courtney serves as the Program Manager of Urban Impact, Inc. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and experiencing diverse communities, which further fuels her commitment to positive change.

Meet William Hodges III, a business consultant raised in an entrepreneurial family in Saint Louis, Missouri. Bill has a B.S. in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and began his banking career in Saint Louis with Bank of America. He has served in various financial service organizations for over thirty years, including commercial real estate and business consulting firms where he represented high-profile clients. Currently, William is the Loan Fund Manager at Urban Impact’s Birmingham Community Loan Fund (BCIF), where he delivers measurable results to his clients. Bill has been a Tuscaloosa resident since 2004 and is passionate about traveling, concerts, and serving with his brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Meet Benjamin Jackson, our Small Business Coordinator from Alabama’s Black Belt region. While living in Selma, Ben was exposed to the spirit of the Civil Rights movement. However, it was growing up in Uniontown (Perry County) that laid the foundation for his ambitions and sparked his interest in the advancement of Black Alabamians. Ben earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Montevallo in 2019. He is also a poet and aspiring sociologist. In his free time, Ben enjoys podcasting, bartending, playing pool, and traveling. 

Meet Jordan Croft, the District Coordinator of Urban Impact. Over the years, Jordan has rooted himself in the nonprofit sector to support his community’s growth and safety. He is an alumnus of A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, AL. Jordan has always had a keen interest in history, event planning, and spoken word poetry. Jordan has also guided tours in multiple museums, the city of Birmingham, and Madison Square Garden in New York City. He now operates Birmingham Heritage Tours LLC, a local tourism company providing tours of the city of Birmingham with a focus on black history and the Civil Rights Movement that took place there. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys exploring the city, growing vegetables, cooking, and playing video games.

Meet Joe’l Bethany Brock, a creative professional specializing in photography, film, and storytelling. Originally from Birmingham, she is thrilled to be back home and join Urban Impact as the Public Relations and Storyteller. Joe’l graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media, concentrating in Film Management. With a diverse background in the arts, Joe’l brings a unique perspective to her role. Her passion for storytelling is evident in her work; she constantly seeks new and innovative ways to convey her community’s stories. In her free time, Joe’l enjoys baking, photography, and spending time with her pets.