Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1066955
When you're a strong leader, people take notice. Glenda Taylor was still a full- time Alabama Power employee when members of the Corporate Energizers selected her to be on their board. It was early 2011, and Taylor was an administrative assistant in General Services. As she passed the Electra Room in Corporate Headquarters, Taylor spoed some retired friends. "The Energizers were meeting downstairs, and I stopped to say hi to everyone," said Taylor, who is well-known for her welcoming smile and gregarious personality. "They asked if I'd be interested in joining the board." Not surprisingly, her friends wanted to recruit Taylor, a member of the Alabama Power Service Organization since its founding and a Magic City APSO past president. Within a few months, she was serving as Corporate Energizers secretary. In 2017, Taylor also began serving as secretary for the Energizers state board. "In APSO, I was in about every position on the board, except for treasurer," Taylor said, with a laugh. "Serving with the Energizers is a natural for me. I love giving to people, and it's a good organization." Energizers' goal of helping Alabama residents – like APSO's mission – appeals to Taylor. Open to retirees of Alabama Power, Southern Nuclear and Southern Company Services in Alabama, members of Energizers' 11 chapters yearly assist charitable groups that strengthen communities. Taylor said joining the Corporate Energizers allowed her to more easily transition into retirement. "Energizers provides lots of social interaction, with a chance to meet new friends and connect with former co- workers," Taylor said. "You go through all these feelings when you retire. Being in Energizers has helped me to fill my time and I get to see people. I get to keep up with friends that I wouldn't otherwise see since I retired. It's been a great way to keep my friendships and stay in touch." A SERVANT'S HEART When their group has a project, Taylor always joins in Taylor helps build the Corporate Energizers by Donna Cope PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL FREE 21