Hello, I’m Terri Sharpley Reynolds, and I’d like to share a little about my journey—one that has shaped who I am today and the work I do at Levitate Legal & Consulting.
The Beginning of My Career
After graduating from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2008, I was eager to make a difference. My first steps into the professional world were in the realm of politics, where I saw the power of effective leadership and community engagement. In 2009, I joined the Terri Sewell for U.S. Congress campaign as its Political Director. My role was to forge connections with elected officials and community leaders throughout Alabama’s Black Belt, and it was here that I found my passion for advocacy and public service.
In 2010, I began my career in government by serving as the inaugural District Director for Congresswoman Sewell. This was an incredibly formative time in my career—one where I learned the ins and outs of legislation, policy, and how to make meaningful change through governance. I was determined to be a voice for those who needed it most.
Venturing into Entrepreneurship
While my work in government and politics was incredibly rewarding, I realized I had a strong desire to build something of my own. In 2011, I ventured into consulting, providing community outreach and strategy services to a variety of clients—from corporations and non-profits to local governments and political campaigns. This was the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, where I could combine my legal background, public policy experience, and passion for community empowerment to help others.
In 2015, I took on a role that would further cement my dedication to public service: Director of Public Affairs for the Association of County Commissions of Alabama (ACCA). Here, I helped shape the organization’s 5-year strategic plan and advocated for investments in Alabama’s failing infrastructure during the 2019 legislative session. The work we did helped counties across the state, and I was proud to be part of a movement that made a real difference.
Joining Levitate Legal & Consulting
In my current role as Managing Attorney at Levitate Legal & Consulting, I leverage my legal and public affairs expertise to assist clients with navigating the complexities of legal compliance, program design, federal grants, and public policy analysis. Working with state associations, local governments, corporations, non-profit organizations, and HBCUs has allowed me to continue my passion for creating systems and structures that help communities thrive.
Diversity and Inclusion
In 2020, I returned to my campaign roots, serving as the State Director for Alabama on the Mike Bloomberg presidential campaign. This experience was a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership and public service. To further my commitment to these values, I completed a Diversity and Inclusion certification from Cornell University.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my career and the work I do today. At Levitate Legal & Consulting, I’m fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team, and I’m excited to continue making a positive impact in the legal, political, and nonprofit sectors.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my story. I look forward to the continued opportunity to serve our clients and the communities we work with.
