Meet our Harvest Honorees
HONOREE:
MRS. MECHELLE WILDER
ARC REALTY, FOUNDING PARTNER
Mechelle Sippial Wilder is a respected business leader, community advocate, and dedicated servant whose impact has been felt across Alabama through her professional excellence and commitment to strengthening the lives of others. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Mechelle is a founding partner of ARC Realty, the largest privately owned real estate company in Alabama, and has spent more than 26 years building a distinguished career in real estate. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Samford University and a Juris Doctor from Birmingham School of Law.
Throughout her career, Mechelle has been recognized for both her leadership and service. She has served in numerous leadership roles throughout the state, including as Chairwoman of the Shelby County Chamber, President of the Birmingham Association of Realtors MLS Board, Trustee of Samford University, and board member for several organizations focused on economic development, education, healthcare, and community advancement. Her contributions have earned her numerous honors, including recognition among Alabama’s Top 50 Women Leaders and Birmingham’s Top Women in Business.
For the past [X] years, Mechelle has faithfully served Cornerstone Schools of Alabama as a member of the Board of Directors, helping guide and strengthen the school’s mission of empowering students to glorify God. Her leadership, generosity, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of Christian education have made a lasting impact on countless students and families. Through her service to Cornerstone and the broader community, she exemplifies the values of faith, excellence, and servant leadership.
Mechelle and her husband, Rev. Dr. Thomas Lee Wilder Jr., recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. Together they have four children, Charis (Denton), Gilia (Patrick), Thomas III, and Kendra (Donkor), and are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren. Whether leading in business, serving her community, or investing in future generations, Mechelle reflects a lifelong commitment to creating opportunities for others to thrive.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
MRS. ELIZABETH “BUFFIE” HYMER
CIVIC VOUNTEER
For more than a decade, Elizabeth “Buffie” Hymer has faithfully served Cornerstone Schools of Alabama through leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to the school’s Kingdom Purpose of Empowering Students to Glorify God. A native of Anniston, Alabama, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville State University before beginning her career in healthcare. After moving to Birmingham in 1991, she worked in Labor and Delivery at St. Vincent’s Hospital until becoming a full-time mother to her daughters, Bailey and Anna.
As her children grew older, Buffie felt called to invest her time and talents in serving others. That calling led her to Cornerstone, where she has served on the Women’s Service Board for more than ten years and currently serves on the Board of Directors as well. Throughout her time at Cornerstone, she has mentored students, supported fundraising efforts, and helped advance the mission through events such as Harvest of Hope. She credits Cornerstone with providing meaningful opportunities to stay connected with students, build lasting friendships, and make a difference in the lives of others.
Her passion for service extends beyond Cornerstone. She also serves on the Board of Directors at WellHouse, where she mentors women who are survivors of human trafficking. She and her husband, Ralph, recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, and they attend The Church at Liberty Park. Buffie enjoys spending time with family at the lake, participating in Bible study, traveling, and playing tennis with friends on her 4.0 team at Old Overton. Whether serving students, mentoring women, or supporting those around her, Buffie exemplifies a life marked by faith, compassion, and servant leadership.