Albine Bennett is determined and dedicated to making a difference in her community, particularly in the lives of women in northeast Mississippi. Originally from Riga, Latvia, she came to the U.S. with her family at the age of 9. Despite the challenges of learning a new language, Albine’s passion for her community and empowering women only grew stronger and became a major driving force in her life.
In addition to her role as Vice President and Director of Environmental, Social, and Governance Operations at Cadence, Albine is deeply involved in the nonprofit sector of northeast Mississippi. She serves on various boards and holds advisory positions at numerous organizations, including NEMS Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Friends of Lee County Library, Girls and Boys Clubs of NMS, University of Mississippi Tupelo and Booneville, ICC Senior College/Adult Education, and Sanctuary Hospice. She has also participated in leadership programs such as CDF’s Jim Ingram Leadership Institute and the inaugural Appalachian Regional Commission’s Leadership Institute, where she was the only woman from Mississippi present.
Albine is passionate about people, learning with intention, and positive growth. With an idea and a desire to inspire and lead women in northeast Mississippi, Bennett began and self-funded the “She Achieved Podcast,” providing a platform for local women to share inspiring stories that motivate and empower others.
The podcast is a series of conversations with extraordinary women in northeast Mississippi and beyond who dared to follow their inner calling. Despite their challenges in business or community, they consistently and relentlessly pursued greatness. “She Achieved” inspires listeners to chase their dreams and aspirations just like the ladies interviewed. These strong and talented women share their stories with Albine to empower others and give them the strength to become who they were created to be.
“As women, we change so much over the years. We truly evolve. Women are walking around everywhere with these incredible stories, and I’m passionate about providing them with a platform to do so. We need to support and lift one another; that’s how amazing things happen,” Bennett said.
Bennett is also the driving force behind Women Entrepreneurs of Northeast Mississippi, connecting and empowering female business owners in the region. She created the Facebook page a few years ago, thinking that women in the Northeast Mississippi area needed to connect with one another. Now, nearly 1,000 women are connected to each other, with monthly events hosted, seminars taught, and connections shared. Answering the question, “Can one person make a difference?” The answer is yes, and Albine Bennett is undoubtedly making a difference.
In addition to her career and being a cornerstone in the greater Tupelo community, Albine is a wife and a mother who cherishes times with her family. Albine and her husband, Jayme, are raising their 11-year-old daughter, and Albine strives to be a strong example for her daughter each day. “We keep the lines of communication open. That’s so important at this age and at any age. I’m very grateful that she comes and talks to me about what’s happening in her life as a middle schooler,” Bennett said.
Like many women, Albine Bennett wears many different hats each day. She’s passionate about people, service, her community, and, recently, pickleball! Bennett’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of community support and giving back, extending far beyond her professional success and embodying the motto “bloom where you are planted.”
