She Is Building Communities the Right Way.
Construction may build structures, but land use and planning shape communities—and that responsibility is what makes the work meaningful. That is L’Tryce Slade’s mantra. “Every project begins with land, but great leadership begins with understanding the work. I built my career by learning every part of the process so that when we shape communities, we do it with purpose, credibility, and impact,” she says.
“All meaningful development begins with the land. Construction, land use, and planning sit at the intersection of vision and reality, where ideas become places that shape communities for generations. That responsibility is what confirms for me that I am in the right business.”
Early in her career, Slade made a personal commitment that if she was going to lead a firm in this industry, she wanted to truly understand the work, not just the title. In a small business environment, that means learning every aspect of the operation: sales, project management, operations, and client relationships. While no one can do everything alone, having a working knowledge of each discipline builds credibility and allows you to lead with confidence.
“What continues to inspire me is the constant growth. Every project presents new challenges, new partnerships, and new opportunities to create spaces that improve how people live, work, and move through their communities. Being part of that process reminds me daily that this is exactly where I am meant to be.”
Slade has also become heavily involved in philanthropy. That vision of the giving nature of the city led to the creation of the Slade Foundation and Slade Tech Labs, innovative initiatives designed to expand STEAM education and workforce development opportunities for students across the Birmingham area.
“My goal is to open doors and help create pathways for young people to see themselves in industries like engineering, construction, technology, and planning. Since launching the Slade Foundation, we have been inspired by the willingness of individuals, companies, and institutions across the city to invest in initiatives that strengthen our community. Birmingham has a unique spirit of generosity where people not only give financially, but also share their time, expertise, and relationships to help meaningful ideas grow. That collaborative spirit is what makes initiatives like Slade Tech Labs possible, and we welcome partners who share our vision of expanding STEAM education and workforce development opportunities for the next generation.”
Metro Birmingham’s greatest strength is its culture of connection. It is a city where relationships matter, and people are genuinely willing to open doors and share opportunities to help others grow. “Birmingham has developed a strong network of organizations and programs dedicated to supporting small businesses. These resources help entrepreneurs access mentorship, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships that allow businesses to scale and succeed. That spirit of collaboration makes Birmingham an exceptional place to build and grow a company,” Slade says.
“My goal is to open doors and help create pathways for young people to see themselves in industries like engineering, construction, technology, and planning.”
Slade’s personal journey has been challenging.
“When women lead with confidence in industries where we’ve been underrepresented, we don’t just build companies, we open doors for the next generation. Like many women in leadership, my journey has included both triumphs and detours. One of the most important lessons I have learned is the power of being comfortable in my own skin, with both the successes and the challenges that have shaped me.
“I have experienced some of the same struggles many women face, and those experiences have made me a survivor. Rather than judging others whose journeys may look different, those moments have deepened my compassion and strengthened my commitment to help other women find their voice and confidence.
“Along the way I have confronted imposter syndrome, infertility, domestic violence, sexual harassment, discrimination, and the grief of losing my mother. Fortunately, these experiences did not occur all at once, but each of them shaped my perspective and resilience. Through it all, I have tried to face challenges with grace and a smile. Often, recognition or an achievement would arrive in the middle of a difficult season, serving as a reminder to keep moving forward,” Slade says.
Over time, she also learned the importance of caring for the whole person. “Earlier in my journey, I did not fully understand the value of therapy or emotional support. Today, I encourage women from all walks of life to prioritize their emotional, financial, spiritual, and physical health. My faith community has also been an important source of grounding for me. Since moving to Birmingham, I have been blessed to be part of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church community, and that support became especially meaningful after the loss of my mother.
“Another deeply personal chapter of my life was my infertility journey, which ultimately led to surrogacy and the joyful arrival of our son. Experiences like that remind me that balancing personal life and professional ambition can look different for every woman.”
These life experiences have profoundly shaped how she leads. “As my company celebrates 20 years, I have begun reflecting on what the next chapter of my professional career should look like. While I am proud of the impact our firm has made in construction, land use, and planning, I believe the next 20 years must be, about something even bigger.”
Ultimately, Slade says her journey has taught her that leadership is not just about building projects. It is about building people, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
