Taylor Wiseman

We’re joined by Megan Brown, co-founder and executive director of Hoper Found of Northeast Arkansas, an organization dedicated to serving human trafficking victims and survivors by providing resources including holistic case management. Megan’s journey of battling human trafficking began in college when a documentary inspired her, propelling her into the world of advocacy.

Megan, a licensed social worker and Arkansas State University alumna, and her team have impacted over 6,000 people through education and support. Listen to this episode as Megan combats human trafficking myths and discusses the impact she makes in her community. 

Megan's WIN Page

Arkansas State University

Hope Found of Northeast Arkansas

Hope Found of NEA – Red Flags of Human Trafficking

Hoper Found of NEA HELP Line; 1-877-688-4673

NEA Human Trafficking Hotline: 870-336-7256

Cat Frans, the executive director of the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA), shares her unique journey into the agriculture industry, despite not having a background in the industry. IPSA, formed in 1989, represents independent seed companies in the Midwest that specialize in corn and soybean production.

As the Executive Director, Cat runs the day-to-day operations of IPSA and works tirelessly to bring more benefits to its members. She emphasizes the importance of providing a unified voice and support for independent seed companies, advocating for their interests, and addressing their specific challenges. IPSA offers educational programs, networking opportunities, and keeps its members informed about the latest research and market trends.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of the WIN Podcast to learn more about Cat Frans' journey and the impactful work IPSA is doing for independent seed companies in the Midwest. Discover the fascinating world of seeds and agriculture as we delve into the inspiring story of Cat and the important role IPSA plays in the industry.

Cat's WIN Page

ComGroup.com

This week’s WIN guest is Nichole Parks, the Director of Programs at the Leading For Children, a national nonprofit that offers mutual early learning programs in communities to ensure all children thrive. Nichole, a Sherwood resident, supports the development and implementation of the organization’s programs and is part of the organization’s leadership team.

Despite growing up in an impoverished and segregated community, Nichole’s early childhood educators nurtured a sense of respect within her and her peers, leaving a lasting impact on her throughout her formative years. This foundation became instrumental in shaping her career centered around advocating for equity, particularly in the field of early education.

Tune into this episode to learn more about how Nichole’s commitment and leadership creates a brighter future for the next generation.

Nichole's WIN Page

Better Beginnings

ComGroup.com

Leading For Children

WIN Podcast Nomination

This week’s WIN guest is Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, the Director of Catholic Immigration Services and Refugee Resettlement at the Little Rock Diocese of Little Rock – Catholic Charities. Verkamp-Ruthven, a Charleston, Arkansas native, manages legal immigration programs in Springdale and Little Rock which provide services to low-income immigrants who may qualify for legal assistance.

She leads the refugee program which resettles newly arrived individuals and families into the community. In the wake of the Afghanistan government’s collapse in 2021, her team assisted a total of 91 Afghan refugees in building new lives in Arkansas.

Tune into this episode to witness the profound impact she makes on the lives of refugee families, and discover how she empowers these individuals to overcome obstacles and embrace new beginnings.

Boston College School of Social Work

ComGroup.com

Little Rock Diocese of Little Rock – Catholic Charities

WIN Nomination Form

WIN Webpage

Arkansas FFA State Secretary Laykin Williamson wasn’t always familiar with agriculture, but after seeing her sister grow in FFA, she was inspired to follow in her footsteps. In her position, she helps develop members’ leadership skills while advocating for the agriculture industry. Learn more about Laykin, her story and FFA by listening to her episode and by checking out her profile on ComGroup.com.

Laykin's WIN Page

ComGroup's Website

ComGroup's Instagram

ComGroup's Facebook

ComGroup's LinkedIn

ComGroup's Twitter

WIN Nomination Form

Arkansas FFA Website

FFA Website

Lauren Massey had no agriculture experience until she was placed in an agriculture class in high school. Through this class, she realized agriculture spanned beyond working on a farm. Now, as the Arkansas FFA State Vice President, she guides and supports Arkansas FFA members while advocating and supporting the agriculture industry. Learn more about Lauren, her position and FFA by listening to this episode and by checking out her profile on ComGroup.com.

Lauren's WIN Page

ComGroup's Website

ComGroup's Instagram

ComGroup's Facebook

ComGroup's LinkedIn

ComGroup's Twitter

WIN Nomination Form

Arkansas FFA Website

FFA Website

Agriculture is in Arkansas FFA State President Reese Mitchell’s DNA. Although Reese is a fourth-generation Arkansas FFA state officer, she pursued the organization because of the vast agriculture and leadership opportunities it offered. In her position, Reese advocates for the agriculture industry by representing the association with government officials, business and industry leaders. Reese is optimistic about the next generation of agriculture leaders FFA is cultivating and hopes to better the lives of farmers and rural communities with a nontraditional agriculture career path. Listen to Reese’s episode to learn more about FFA and her position.

Reese's WIN Page

ComGroup's Website

ComGroup's Instagram

ComGroup's Facebook

ComGroup's LinkedIn

ComGroup's Twitter

WIN Nomination Form

Arkansas FFA Website

FFA Website

When Anna Beth Gorman accepted her position as the executive director at the Arkansas Women’s Foundation, there was enough money to pay her salary for two months. However, she was confident she could propel the organization to reach its potential. She succeeded. In her position, Anna Beth establishes projects and programs to help girls and women facing systemic issues through grants, educational resources and advancement opportunities that allow them to achieve economic mobility.

Anna Beth’s passion for women and girls is rooted in her lifelong involvement in the Girl Scouts and as an alumna of Hollins University, an all-girls college. After earning a Master of Public Administration degree in nonprofit, public and organizational management from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Anna Beth learned how to make a difference at a larger scale.

If you know an inspirational woman, nominate her to be featured on the #podcast: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry-nomination

Anna Beth Gorman’s Women In Industry Webpage: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/anna-beth-gorman

Girl Scouts: https://www.girlscouts.org/
Women’s Foundation of Arkansas: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/

Women In Industry Nomination Podcast Nomination: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry-nomination

Women In Industry Webpage: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry

Michelle Wynn packed her bags and moved to Northwest Arkansas after graduating from the University of Central Arkansas without knowing what her career held, but then she volunteered for Child Care Aware NWA. Her boss emphasized the importance of early childhood education and community investment. Now, aside from being a superhero raising 10-year-old twin boys, Michelle is the co-director of Child Care Aware where she advocates for early child care providers and quality care. She also educates businesses to partner with providers to benefit working parents.

In this WIN Podcast episode, Michelle discusses the necessity of accessible child care and indulges in conversation with Co-Host Carson Horn, a new father, in his search to find quality care for his daughter. Listen to Michelle’s episode to learn about the difference she makes in the early education industry.

Resources: 

Better Beginnings: https://arbetterbeginnings.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwteOaBhDuARIsADBqReigOYcrrv_CwIundEgawqhwqZ6Kg5sZiR5joLPBAyA4JTBzWomRz7YaAsUTEALw_wcB

Child Care Aware NWA: https://www.nwachildcare.org/

The Communications Group’s Free Website Audit: https://www.comgroup.com/free-website-audit-form

University of Central Arkansas: https://uca.edu/

Women In Industry Podcast Nomination Form: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry-nomination

Creshelle Nash, M.D., M.P.H., C.H.I.E, leads Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield's efforts to combat health disparities in Arkansas. As the medical director for health equity and programs, Dr. Nash strategically plans public programs and products to improve health equity.

Health equity is personal for Dr. Nash. She was born prematurely to teenage parents in rural Arkansas in the ‘60s, and her father inspired her by helping found Arkansas Community Foundation. Dr. Nash, a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, practiced medicine for 15 years. She grew disturbed because many patients struggled due to systemic issues. This motivated her to obtain a master’s degree in public health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Eventually, Dr. Nash realized her impact would be greater at Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Listen to Dr. Creshelle Nash’s episode to learn about her professional journey and impact on Arkansas’ health equity.