Minority Business Awards: Rising Star

Minority Business Awards: Rising Star

Date: Sunday, August 9, 2009, 11:00pm CDT – Last Modified: Friday, August 7, 2009, 10:25am CDT

verybody’s racing to be green these days. But L’Tryce Slade got there first. After earning a law degree from the University of North Carolina, she worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Highway Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, among others.

L’Tryce Slade, Slade LET Planning

Everybody’s racing to be green these days. But L’Tryce Slade got there first.

After earning a law degree from the University of North Carolina, she worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Highway Administration and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, among others.

“I have been interested in environmental issues since I was a child. Even before recycling became what it is I was trying to get my parents to do it,” she said. “I shadowed a trash man when I was in high school and I was excited about it. I wanted to know where the trash went and I noticed it was always in minority and impoverished areas.

“So then I became interested in equity issues around environment issues. I sought out different internship opportunities that allowed me to work around those issues, and that was what allowed me to start a business like this.”

The business is Slade Land Use, Environmental and Transportation Planning. Its work lies at the intersection of environmental and economic concerns.

At the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex site, for instance, Slade is studying hydrology issues that could impact facilities, streetscapes and the human environment.

Her work in Enon Ridge is helping to revitalize a historic Birmingham community. She also finds time to take part in academia.

As an adjunct instructor at ITT Technical Institute “she offers her professional experiences and expertise, teaching classes in environmental issues, economics and certain aspects of the legal field,” said Associate Dean Delia Lewis.

“I know that our students are very lucky to have such an accomplished community leader and businesswoman as an instructor.”

The recognitions have rolled in. Most recently she was elected the first African American female chair of the African American Business Council.

As she considers her work, Slade sees a future full of promise.

“I feel like the work I do is more like a ministry,” she said.

“It’s not just about me. I am very passionate about rebirthing communities, I am passionate about revitalization.”