Lucia Cape
TESTIMONIAL
Lucia Cape
Senior Vice President of Economic Development
Huntsville/Madison County Chamber
lcape@hsvchamber.org
Lucia Cape is Senior Vice President of Economic Development for the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber. She leads the Chamber’s efforts to recruit companies and workforce, and has served in her role for 20 years. Lucia was heavily involved in past BRAC relocation efforts. She and her husband have two college-aged children who graduated from Huntsville City Schools.
Q: Where do you live?
I live in Huntsville, about 3 miles northeast of downtown, with a 7-minute commute by car.
Q: Where are you from and how did you get to the Redstone region?
My father was an Army EOD officer for 22 years. I was born in Aberdeen MD, and we moved nine times before I finished high school, living on Redstone twice. My parents and siblings moved to Huntsville when my dad retired from active duty, and I eventually joined my family here 25 years ago when I married a Huntsville native.
Q: If you raised/are raising kids, please share about their education experience:
My kids are now 18 and 20. They attended public magnet schools in the Huntsville city system. The K-8 magnet (Academy for Academics and Arts) focused on performing and visual arts. My kids both participated in theater and show choir, and my daughter took dance. The academic foundation they received was so strong, particularly in science and math, that they both applied to and were accepted at New Century Technology High School, the highest ranked high school in North Alabama and #2 statewide. The school is also the most diverse and very inclusive.
My daughter is now a rising senior at the University of Alabama in Huntsville pursuing a degree in systems and industrial engineering, and my son will be a freshman at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa pursuing a degree in chemistry. We have loved their time in Huntsville City Schools and would recommend the magnets for students with specific interests. There are several magnet schools in Huntsville.
Q: What is an ideal weekend for you? OR Name your three favorite things about living in the Redstone Region.
My ideal weekend would include a walk on one of the trails on Monte Sano, which start about two blocks from my house. Depending on the route, this could take from 30 minutes to four hours. Next up would be at late lunch with my family at Stovehouse, where we can each get our favorite cuisine, followed by live music at the Orion or the Tip Top Café or the Straight to Ale speakeasy. Most weekends there is something in Big Spring Park downtown with entertainment and food trucks, so I keep a blanket in my car to spread out on. And I like to end the weekend on my back patio listening to the frogs, cicadas and owls while my husband grills.
Q: What is one thing you would like Space Command personnel to know about the region?
Most of us “aren’t from around here” but now call it home. After years of being a nomad, I found a community where I could engage and make a difference.