Since moving to Birmingham 20 years ago, Regina Waller has seen her life and career evolve.

“Although I have called Birmingham home for the last 20 years, I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia,” Waller said. “I am a communications and education professional with more than 25 years of experience. I began my professional career as an investigative broadcast journalist in 1989. My role as a journalist includes covering political, education, and crime and feature stories. I began working as a public/media relations leader shortly after my twins, Richard Anthony and Rachel, were born. Throughout my career, I have worked in corporate, private and non-profit entities. Currently, I have taken on one the biggest challenges in my career: working as a high school teacher.”

Waller has become a mother figure for many of her students, but raising her twins has always been her top priority.

“When it comes to juggling the components of my life, I know that prayer and flexibility are my two strongest weapons,” she said. “I have been in some very tough spots professionally and personally. Without God, I know I would not have overcome the trials I have faced. As a working mother, I have to be flexible, especially when my children were young. I have been very blessed in having employers over the years who understand that for me, my family came first.

“The easiest thing about being a mom is knowing that I have been blessed with the most wonderful children…who have grown into exceptional young adults… I always say that Anthony and Rachel are the two biggest blessings I have ever received. They are wonderful gifts, and God expects me to do my best in raising them. I have watched them grow, and now, they are completing their first year of college. While watching them grow up is wonderful, knowing that with each passing day they are no longer my ‘babies’ is probably the hardest thing about being their mother.”

Although it’s somewhat bittersweet, Waller is excited to embrace this new season of her life.

“I think it’s time that I step out and create my own opportunities,” she said. “For much of my career, I have worked to secure opportunities that would enhance my goals, education, skills and talents. Throughout my career, I have been hit with organizational layoffs, reductions in force, and other career setbacks. The goal now is to not focus on the ‘what ifs’ or beat myself up worrying about why I haven’t reached the professional levels I have pushed for. I know my potential and the positive benefits I have to offer any company. With that understanding, it is time that I create my own niche in this city.”