Women In Industry Podcast

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

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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.

Carla Gibson knew she was destined to work in nonprofits after earning degrees from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and Bellevue University. Her career began on the service provision side of nonprofits, but now as the vice president of programs at REACH Healthcare Foundation, she advances high-quality, affordable health care in the Kansas City area. In her position, Carla focuses on grantmaking and philanthropy and capitalizes on relationships with the community and local organizations.

Carla and her team piloted Centering Black Voices in 2020, an initiative providing resources, professional development and networking opportunities for Black-led organizations. Centering Black Voices aims to remove barriers, be responsive and increase partnership with the Black community. 

Listen to Carla’s episode to learn more about her professional journey and Centering Black Voices.

Bellevue University: https://www.bellevue.edu/

REACH Healthcare Foundation: https://reachhealth.org/

University of Nebraska - Omaha: https://www.unomaha.edu/

Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48985/phenomenal-woman

Marquita Little Numan became a family counselor after graduating from Hendrix College. After seeing many clients continuously struggle, Marquita realized systemic change was essential.

This fueled her to find a different way to make an impact, so she enrolled in the Clinton School of Public Service to understand how to ignite long-term change through advocacy, policy and philanthropy. 

Alliance for Early Success: www.earlysuccess.org            

Better Beginnings: https://arbetterbeginnings.com/

Clinton School of Public Service: https://www.clintonschool.uasys.edu/

Hendrix College: https://www.hendrix.edu/

Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls: https://www.oprahfoundation.org/portfolio-item/oprah-leadership-academy

As Peel Compton Foundation’s director of development, Jennifer connects the community of Bentonville, Arkansas through nature, education, recreation and preservation. She heads the organization’s philanthropy, marketing, events and customer service efforts.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and English from the University of Central Arkansas, Jennifer started her career in Washington D.C. working in various positions. After 9/11 and the anthrax scare in 2001, she moved back to Arkansas and began working in government at local and state levels. Eventually, Jennifer realized her passion lay in nonprofit work and accepted a position at the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. In 2020, she joined Peel Compton Foundation.

Jennifer is not surprised about her career path. Growing up, she knew she wanted to help others. In middle school, she was the president of a community-service club. Two projects she is involved in are the Buffalo 50th Anniversary at Compton Gardens and the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. Due to her contagious personality and passion for her career, Jennifer received WIN Podcast’s “Most Enthusiastic Guest” award.

Jennifer is also involved in other nonprofit organizations, including the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Arkansas & Northwest Arkansas Foodbank, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas and Autism Speaks. Jennifer and her husband have two children, including a son with autism, which fuels her advocacy for individuals with special needs.

Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance: https://arhungeralliance.org/

Arkansas Foodbank: https://arkansasfoodbank.org/

Autism Speaks: https://www.autismspeaks.org/provider/arkansas-autism-resource-outreach-center-aaroc             

Buffalo 50th Anniversary at Compton Gardens: https://www.peelcompton.org/events/buffalo-50th/

Coler Mountain Bike Preserve: https://www.peelcompton.org/spaces/visit-coler/

Compton Gardens and Arboretum: https://www.peelcompton.org/spaces/visit-compton-gardens/

Northwest Arkansas Foodbank: https://www.nwafoodbank.org/

Peel Compton Foundation: https://www.peelcompton.org/

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

Women’s Foundation of Arkansas: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/

Natalie Kovarik discusses her many roles in the agriculture industry. After being a full-time pharmacist for several years, Natalie helps her husband, Luke, manage their first-generation ranch outside of Ord, Nebraska, full-time. 

Now, Natalie uses her social media platforms to advocate for agriculture, emphasizing beef and climate conversations. She pioneered the apparel line “Ag is Not the Problem” and donates part of the proceeds to Agriculture in the Classroom. She also co-hosts Elevate the Podcast where she shares insight into ag storytelling.

Natalie’s motto is, “At the core of a successful entrepreneur is the seat of bravery.” Natalie attributes her success to her parents, paternal grandfather and her husband, Luke, for encouraging her to take risks and follow her dreams. 

Links:

Ag in the Classroom: https://agclassroom.org/

Ag is Not the Problem: https://agisnottheproblem.com/

Elevate Ag Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevateyouragstory             

Elevate Ag Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliekovarik/?hl=en        

Elevate Ag Website: https://www.elevateyouragstory.com/summit

Elevate the Podcast: https://pod.link/1615443750

Kovarik Cattle Company: https://www.kovarikcattleco.com/

Natalie Kovarik Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliekovarik/?hl=en

Natalie Kovarik Website: https://nataliekovarik.com/

The Kovariks YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrMOUfhkebizhXTnxELPWrg         

Geania discusses her career path to become an advocate for early childhood education, educators and children. After graduating from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Geania began working as an elementary teacher, but, eventually, she realized she could make a greater impact on children by aiding adults who work with children.

Geania, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna with a Master of Public Administration in non-profit and organizational management, facilitates relationships and collective decision-making among partners and allies to build healthy professional and educational environments. She also works part-time at the Arkansas State University Childhood Services, where she implements professional development for early care and education professionals across the state.

Aside from being a child advocate, Geania is a nature enthusiast, which stems from her father being a forester. Geania says, “If we take care of our children and we take care of our environment, everything else will be okay.” She resides in Malvern on the Ouachita River with her husband, Matt, of 34 years. Geania and Matt enjoy spending time with their two sons, daughter-in-law and two “above-average” grandchildren.

CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment | EN - Gallup

Arkansas Early Childhood Association | AECA

A-State (astate.edu)

Geania B. Dickey - dot2dot consulting, LLC’s Services | LinkedIn

Dot2Dot Consulting

Remmel Dam - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

James Heckman - Wikipedia

Home - AR Better Beginnings

Fundraiser by Lance Brownfield: The Bricks - Malvern City Skatepark (gofundme.com)

If you have an inspirational woman in your life, nominate her to be a guest on the Women In Industry podcast.

Nominate a Woman

Madison Travis, a Southern Arkansas University alumna, grew up with a passion to work in the agriculture industry. As the crop insurance servicing agent at Rabo AgriFinance, she educates clients about federal crop insurance options to enhance their risk management strategies. Tune in to learn more about Madison and her story in ag.  

Nominate a Woman

Learn more about Carson Horn

Learn more about Lisa Van Hook

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While studying agriculture business at Arkansas State University, Sydney Belew became determined to work for AgHeritage Farm Credit Services. As AgHeritage’s customer specialist, Sydney assists loan officers and supports customers to secure loans in rural and agricultural markets. Learn more about Sydney and her agricultural journey in this week's episode.

ComGroup's Website

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ComGroup's YouTube

In February, three current or former Arkansas FFA Association state officers participated in the WIN Podcast. As a token of appreciation for their participation, ComGroup donated $300 to the Arkansas FFA Foundation. Foundation Executive, Jennifer Cook, earmarked ComGroup’s donation to honor the late Leslie Morelock Roye – a pioneer for girls in the Arkansas FFA Association – by commemorating her corduroy jacket in the Blue Jacket Society, which honors alumni members by showcasing their FFA jackets at Camp Couchdale.

“There are some people that make such a profound impact on this world that they're not ever really going to be forgotten,” Jennifer said. “I think that's going to be a neat way to remember her.”

Learn more about Leslie’s story by listening to the podcast today.

ComGroup's Website

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ComGroup's YouTube

Meet Mischa Martin, the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services. Mischa developed a passion for helping others at a young age and now, as an attorney, oversees child abuse and neglect cases. Tune in as this UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law graduate shares more of her story.

ComGroup's Website

ComGroup's Instagram

ComGroup's Facebook

ComGroup's LinkedIn

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ComGroup's YouTube

In March, the Arkansas Women in Ag (AWIA) held their annual conference in Little Rock. Five women active within the organization take a deep look into the 2022 conference on the latest episode of WIN. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the impact the organization has on the Arkansas agriculture industry.

ComGroup's Website

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