Lizi Arbogast / TPI Karen Treadwell wins the Woman of the Year award at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce's annual Lead Forward conference on Friday afternoon.
On a busy Friday morning, Karen Treadwell was exactly where she feels most comfortable: behind a camera, documenting a special moment for her close friend. As the 2026 Lead Forward women’s conference in Alexander City reached its finale on April 24, Treadwell was busy filming what she thought was the crowning moment for her friend, Emily Williams.
But as the presenter continued to describe the impact of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year, tears began to well in Treadwell’s eyes – it became clear the nominee wasn’t in fact Williams, but rather Treadwell herself.
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Lizi Arbogast / TPI Woman of the Year Karen Treadwell says the pillars of her life are faith and family.
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Submitted / TPI Woman of the Year Karen Treadwell, center, is flanked by her daughters Adeline, left, and Scout.
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