Birmingham, Alabama, 2nd September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Suha Atiyeh, a prominent marketing strategist renowned for her work in digital transformation and brand storytelling, is set to take on a new leadership role, spearheading a major community-focused initiative at Innovation Depot, one of the Southeast’s largest and most successful technology incubators. The new program, called the “Founders Forward Initiative,” is designed to provide comprehensive, hands-on mentorship and strategic support to a new generation of entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities in Birmingham. Atiyeh’s new role signals a deeper commitment to her belief that a city’s economic health and its creative vibrancy are deeply intertwined and that a thriving tech ecosystem must be built on a foundation of equitable opportunity.
The Founders Forward Initiative is a direct response to the need for more targeted resources for founders who have great ideas but may lack the access to networks, mentorship, and capital that are often crucial for success. The program will offer a robust curriculum that goes beyond standard business fundamentals, focusing instead on a holistic approach that mirrors Atiyeh’s own marketing philosophy. Participants will receive one-on-one coaching in crafting compelling brand narratives, developing data-driven growth strategies, and building lasting customer loyalty. This hands-on approach is designed to transform promising ideas into sustainable, market-ready businesses.
The Strategic Vision Behind Founders Forward
Atiyeh’s strategic vision for the initiative is to create a microcosm of a successful, modern business within the incubator. The program will be highly selective, accepting a small cohort of founders each year to ensure personalized attention and deep engagement. The curriculum will be divided into three key phases. The first phase, Brand Blueprint, will help founders articulate their core values and develop an authentic brand identity. The second, Growth Engine, will focus on building out scalable marketing funnels and performance measurement systems. The final phase, Community Connection, will prepare founders to engage with investors, media, and the broader Birmingham business community.
Atiyeh believes that for a business to thrive, it must be more than just profitable; it must have a purpose. This ethos will be a central pillar of the initiative. “True innovation is about solving real-world problems in a way that builds trust and creates value for everyone,” Atiyeh commented. “The Founders Forward Initiative isn’t just about creating new companies; it’s about empowering a new kind of leader—one who understands that their business can be a force for good in our community. I am thrilled to be a part of this important work.” Her deep experience in creating brand narratives that resonate with a human element will be a critical component of the program’s success.
Leveraging Proven Experience
Atiyeh’s proven track record as a marketing strategist makes her the ideal leader for this program. Over the past decade, she has guided a diverse portfolio of clients, from rapidly growing SaaS startups to established consumer goods brands, through complex market dynamics. Her experience at the intersection of data-driven insights and creative storytelling has enabled her to build marketing engines that not only acquire customers but foster lasting brand loyalty. At a previous role at a global marketing agency, Atiyeh spearheaded integrated campaigns that consistently delivered significant growth in market share and customer engagement.
One of her most cited accomplishments involves her work with a local e-commerce retailer. When the brand was struggling with digital saturation and declining online sales, Atiyeh designed a multi-channel content campaign that re-centered the brand’s identity on its local roots and artisanal products. The strategy, which included a revamped social media presence and an influencer marketing initiative with local artists and makers, led to a 50% increase in website traffic and a 35% surge in direct-to-consumer sales within 18 months. Her ability to translate complex business challenges into relatable and impactful marketing solutions will be invaluable to the founders she mentors.
A Broader Commitment to Birmingham
Atiyeh’s leadership of the Founders Forward Initiative is a natural extension of her long-standing commitment to Birmingham’s tech and creative scenes. A proud graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she has been a dedicated mentor at Innovation Depot for several years, providing informal guidance and support to countless young entrepreneurs. Her new role formalizes this work and gives her a platform to create a structured and impactful program that will benefit the city for years to come.
In addition to her work at Innovation Depot, Atiyeh is a respected member of the board of Art Connects, a local non-profit dedicated to making art education accessible to underserved communities. Her involvement has helped the organization secure critical funding and expand its programming to reach thousands of students across the city. Her dual focus on both the commercial and creative sectors reflects her belief in the power of a holistic community.
The Future of Innovation in the Magic City
The Founders Forward Initiative is a bold step forward for both Innovation Depot and the city of Birmingham. It represents a collective commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where talent and innovation are not limited by background or circumstance. With Atiyeh at the helm, the program is poised to become a national model for how business incubators can proactively invest in their communities and cultivate a new generation of diverse, purpose-driven leaders. The first cohort of the Founders Forward Initiative is scheduled to be announced this fall, with the program officially launching in early 2026.
About Suha Atiyeh
Suha Atiyeh is a seasoned and innovative marketing strategist based in Birmingham, Alabama, with over a decade of experience crafting compelling brand narratives that drive measurable growth. Her expertise lies at the intersection of data-driven insights and creative storytelling, enabling her to build marketing engines that not only acquire customers but foster lasting brand loyalty. A proud graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a B.S. in Marketing, Suha is a passionate advocate for Birmingham’s burgeoning tech and creative scenes. When she isn’t dissecting market trends or optimizing campaign funnels, she can be found mentoring aspiring marketers at the Innovation Depot and serving on the board of a local arts non-profit. Her work is defined by a relentless focus on results and a deep understanding of the evolving consumer landscape.
