The Women’s Leadership Network at the University of Central Arkansas has announced its 2024 cohort for the Women’s Leadership Academy, a transformative program designed to encourage service through leadership.
A luncheon to announce the new class is Monday, Nov. 13, at Rogue Roundabout in Conway from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contributions from this event will go toward programming for WLA.
The Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) is dedicated to empowering, enriching, and embracing women in our region, facilitating their leadership development. The academy is an initiative through the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) at UCA.
The 2024 Women’s Leadership Academy cohort includes the following individuals:
- Tricia Burris, Asst. Director of Career Services, Hendrix College
- Breanne Burton, Executive Director, Rise House Arkansas
- Helen Carroll, Guest Experience Manager, Genesis of Conway
- Meghan Cowan, Assistant Director of Procurement and Travel Card Services, UCA
- Jessica Feltz, Conservation Social Scientist, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
- Najeé Fletcher, Owner of Najeé Photos
- Wendy R. Francis, CPA, Owner WRF Consulting, LLC
- Sheila Franklin, Conway Public School District Board Member
- Lindsey French, Area Production Manager, Centennial Bank
- Eve Geiggar, Women Empowerment Life Coach
- Millie Goins, Assistant Director of Student Wellness and Programs, UCA
- Mari Green, Owner and Director of Joy, Lincoln Avenue Gift Co.
- Grace Henley, Deputy Director of Public Events and Training, Office of the Arkansas Attorney General
- Megan Hurtt, County Coordinator, The CALL in Faulkner and Conway Counties
- Cozetta Jones, M.A., A.P.R., Lecturer, UAPB
- Denicha Kemp, Assistant Director/Career Coach of Career Services, UCA
- Jenny Y. Kyle, Director of Student Activities, Hendrix College
- Talesha Little, Owner of A Little Bartending
- Jenn McKenzie, Associate Director of Admission, Hendrix College
- Kathy Rickards, Owner of Oak Street Automotive
- Raegan Sharp, District Representative, Office of Congressman French Hill
- Danielle Sims, Family Service Worker Supervisor, Arkansas Division of Children and Family Service
- Zadie St. Louis, Graduate Assistant for Center for Community and Economic Development, UCA
For seven months beginning in January, these 23 leaders will gain access to expert speakers, hands-on experiences, community service, and a personalized portfolio project. The WLA, a partnership with the UCA Division of Outreach and Community Engagement and WLN (501c3), equips its participants with essential knowledge in business, education, healthcare, community development, and government and service.
“Service is a significant component of the Women’s Leadership Academy,” said Shaneil Ealy, associate vice president of Outreach and Community Engagement and WLN president. “Our leadership academy provides a platform for women to take on leadership roles that will not only benefit the women personally and professionally but also their community as a whole.”
For more information about the Women’s Leadership Academy, visit uca.edu/outreach/women or call (501) 450-5261.
