Woman-Run

Join host Erica Gee as she explores the power of collaborative leadership with the team at the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, discussing their bold vision to create a hunger-free Arkansas through community trust and systemic change."

Erica Gee: I’m Erica Gee, partner at Wright Lindsey Jennings and your host. Joining me are Sylvia Blain, Tomeka Williams, and Jennifer Buie of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. These women are powerhouses in hunger relief. Sylvia is the CEO, Tomeka is the Director of Operations, and Jennifer is the Director of Development.

Sylvia Blain: I approach leadership in a collaborative manner. I like to bring everyone in on what we’re working on. If you make decisions in a silo without team buy-in, your ideas won’t go anywhere. People have to feel they have ownership.

Temeka Williams: My leadership style is to exemplify what should be done and how it should be done the right way, following our policies and structure.

Jennifer Buie: My style is trying to maximize everyone around you. Every person at the Alliance is a fundraiser. They are walking, talking billboards for the mission. Relationship building takes time and trust. It’s about the relationship with the mission: creating a hunger-free Arkansas.

Erica Gee: Sylvia, you mentioned a lofty vision.

Sylvia Blain: We have a vision to eradicate hunger in Arkansas. We are the number one most food-insecure state in the country. The Alliance was formed through a Donald W. Reynolds Foundation grant that brought together five Feeding America food banks to work together.

Erica Gee: How are you responding to shifting government funding?

Sylvia Blain: Our mission isn't changing, but funding cuts are inevitable. We are in planning and action mode. The biggest challenge is uncertainty. For example, our SNAP-Ed nutrition program is set to be defunded in September, yet we haven't heard from the government on how to move forward. We have to plan for the worst-case scenario.

Jennifer Buie: Sustainable change starts with how we view hunger. It doesn’t always look like someone in a food pantry line. It’s a mom halving formula or a senior choosing between protein and prescriptions. 49% of Arkansans are "ALICE"—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They work every day but still can't afford groceries.

Sylvia Blain: One in five people in Arkansas is hungry. Hunger is not static; it’s inconsistent. The reason it persists is a lack of will. It is solvable.

Jennifer Buie: I wish people knew that hunger is in their community—likely even in their family line. The stigma behind getting help is alarming. To make an impact, go to our website and donate.

Erica Gee: Any upcoming events?

Jennifer Buie: September is Hunger Action Month. On Thursday, September 18th, we have our Hunger Action Breakfast. We’ll recognize 11 people around the state with "Acting Out Against Hunger" awards. Learn more at arhungeralliance.org.

Erica Gee: Any last words?

Sylvia Blain: We can always go deeper if you have another hour!

Erica Gee: I always have an hour for you. Thank you all for being here.

Join host Meredith Lowry In this episode of the Women Run podcast, you will learn about the multi-faceted life and career of Shamim Okolloh, a Little Rock-based banker, author, and community advocate.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

• The Intersection of Banking and Community Outreach: How Shamim serves as an access point for underserved communities in Arkansas, focusing on first-time homebuyers and small businesses.
• The Gender Gap in Commercial Lending: Why women represent a high percentage of banking employees but remain significantly underrepresented in commercial lending and C-suite leadership roles.
• Early Financial Education for Children: The importance of teaching children about money habits before age seven and how Shamim co-authored the Ella the Banker children's book series with her son, Liam.
• Building a Family Business: How Shamim uses her book series and her children's side businesses (lawn care and jewelry making) to teach real-world financial concepts like revenue, expenses, and compound interest.
• Resilience and Transparency: Shamim’s personal journey through public service, past reliance on government aid, and her recent diagnosis and recovery from Stage 2 breast cancer.

Highlights and Key Takeaways

• From Lab Scientist to Community Banker: Shamim began her career as a scientist working on bioremediation before pivoting to public service and banking to engage more directly with people.
• Changing the Narrative on Banking: The Ella the Banker series was born from a desire to show children that banking is a career option beyond the "bank robbery" tropes often seen in media.
• The "Bank of Mom": Liam learned the burden of debt firsthand by taking a commercial loan from his mother for his lawn care business, complete with a 5% interest rate and monthly statements.
• Cultural Representation: Shamim intentionally incorporated her Kenyan roots into her books, using Swahili names like Pesa Bank (Money Bank) and Nuru (Light), and ensuring diverse characters are represented.
• Destigmatizing Public Aid: Shamim openly discusses her past use of WIC, Medicaid, and downpayment assistance to show that these programs are temporary "stepping stones" toward stability and success.

Key Quotes

• On the lack of women in leadership: "Even if the industry does have a lot of women, we tend to be support staff or in the retail role, we're not the people driving the engine of banks, and that's the commercial side."
• On teaching children about debt: "He did not like paying $17 interest more than the minimum payment... and he was like, 'You know what, I'm a work hard and pay this off,' and he paid it off in two months."
• On life after a cancer diagnosis: "I'm more cognizant of my time... I've really slowed down a lot and I just put my energy into things that matter to me the most."
• On her personal journey: "A decade ago, I was on welfare... so to be on the other side of building my own story... and knowing what's possible for other people in the community... I really try to be vulnerable and transparent."

Welcome to Episode Seven of Woman-Run – The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings’ PR & Marketing Director, Rickie Smith. Rickie is joined by Dr. Shaneil Ealy, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN)—the nonprofit behind the Women’s Leadership Academy, Business Showcase, and Wind Down Wednesday events. Dr. Ealy shares how WLN helps women grow through mentorship, community, and confidence-building.

In this episode, you’ll learn: • How WLN evolved from a university outreach program into a statewide nonprofit focused on personal growth as the foundation of professional success. • What makes the Women’s Leadership Academy unique—seven months of training, scholarships, and service projects like Babies in Bloom. • How WLN’s “brave spaces” help women confront impostor syndrome and build authentic connections. • Practical ways to expand your network—find mentors, use free resources like The Conductor in Conway, and host accountability “work parties.” • Why affordability and access matter: $10 memberships, scholarships, evening sessions, and family-friendly scheduling. • What’s next—statewide Academy expansion, a youth track in the Showcase, and the Level Up Entrepreneurship Conference on capital, marketing, and AI.

Highlights & Takeaways: • Mentorship multiplies impact: mentees become mentors who open doors for others. • Accessibility is intentional: WLN limits cost and meets women where they are. • Service builds leaders: Academy cohorts raise funds and implement projects that ripple for generations. • Culture is created: value people, stay flexible, celebrate wins. • Connection > competition: low-pressure events like Wind Down Wednesday foster organic collaboration. • Balance is a myth: align priorities with your season and rest intentionally.

Mentioned in the Episode: Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) • Women’s Leadership Academy • Women’s Business Showcase • Gold Rush Gala • International Women’s Day Brunch / Shelly Mehl Empowerment Award • Level Up Entrepreneurship Conference • The Conductor (Conway)

Links & Events: Website – WLNArkansas.org | Social – @WLNArkansas (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) • Gold Rush Gala: Oct 2 @ Legacy Acres, Conway • Wind Down Wednesday: 2nd Wed monthly | 5–7 PM | rotating locations • International Women’s Day Brunch: March (annual) • Women’s Business Showcase: annual @ UCA | expanding 2026 • Level Up Entrepreneurship Conference: spring 2026

Programs & Membership: • Women’s Leadership Academy – 7-month program; applications open now; scholarships available. • Membership Directory – $10 individual | $25 business | corporate tier coming. • Workshops & networking on topics like leading in male-dominated industries and women/wealth/wine.

Enjoy this motivating conversation about mentorship, access, and community—and how WLN is raising a new generation of Arkansas women leaders. Follow Woman-Run and WLN for updates and ways to get involved.

Welcome to Episode Six of Woman-Run – The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Jennifer L. Smith. Jennifer is joined by Dr. Diane Wilder, a medical oncologist at CARTI. Dr. Wilder shares her extraordinary journey from a South Texas ranch to medical school at 38, reflecting on resilience, purpose, and the art of caring—for patients and for oneself.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How early life on a Texas ranch and years in Mexico shaped Dr. Wilder’s empathy, curiosity, and love of service.
• Why she left a successful corporate career to pursue medicine later in life—and how perseverance opened unexpected doors.
• The emotional realities of balancing family, loss, and medical training, and how those experiences inform her patient care today.
• The three pillars that drew her to oncology: lifelong patient relationships, holistic care, and ever-evolving science.
• How CARTI’s team-based approach surrounds patients with both technical excellence and human compassion.
• Simple, evidence-based wellness practices—from “50-10” movement breaks to the 80/20 nutrition rule—that sustain both physicians and patients.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• “Just stir the spaghetti pot.” — Dr. Wilder’s counselor’s advice on honest perseverance through hardship.
• Going to medical school at 38 required rebuilding scientific foundations but proved that courage outweighs age.
• Oncology offers a model for whole-person medicine: integrating nutrition, psychology, and precision science.
• CARTI’s collaborative culture ensures patients are never alone—care extends well beyond the exam room.
• Small, consistent movement (“activity snacks”) improves health as effectively as longer workouts.
• Each life stage for women brings its own beauty, strength, and opportunity.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• CARTI (Cancer Center of Arkansas)
• Exercise is Medicine (global initiative)
• American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR)
• American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines
• Highland Park Schools (Dallas)
• Runge and Goliad, Texas

Quotes:

“We tell them: the road looks dark; put one foot in front of the other. It’s a step of faith.” — Dr. Diane Wilder

“Each age in a woman’s life is wonderful and glorious, and it has its unique challenges, but it is a place of beauty and a place of opportunity.” — Dr. Diane Wilder

Enjoy this inspiring conversation about resilience, compassion, and redefining success at every age. Follow Woman-Run: The Podcast and Wright Lindsey Jennings for more stories of women leading with courage and purpose.

Welcome to Episode Five of Woman Run – The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Meredith Lowry. Meredith is joined by Keesa Smith, Executive Director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Keesa traces the organization’s nearly 50-year history, explains major policy wins, and outlines the urgent work on maternal health, childcare, and safety-net programs across Arkansas.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The origin and mission of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and why focusing on children advances whole-family economic mobility.
• How ARKids (Arkansas’s child health program) was built and why state-led solutions matter.
• The role of SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid in stabilizing families — and common myths about program users.
• Recent policy wins (school breakfast expansion; Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Act) and the ongoing fight to extend postpartum Medicaid to 12 months.
• Practical barriers to maternal care (provider shortages, transportation, coverage gaps) and why postpartum coverage saves lives.
• How community fundraising (Soup Sunday) and new data tools (the children’s fiscal map) power advocacy and local investment.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Arkansas Advocates played a lead role in creating ARKids — an Arkansas model copied elsewhere.
• Extending postpartum Medicaid remains a top priority; Arkansas currently provides only 60 days of postpartum coverage versus 12 months in most states.
• Many people who rely on SNAP or Medicaid are working families; safety-net programs are often short-term bridges, not lifetime dependency.
• Childcare affordability is a workforce issue: high child-care costs reduce labor force participation and hurt local business.
• The new children’s fiscal map offers county-level visibility on how dollars for children are spent — a tool for smarter policymaking.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
• ARKids (children’s health coverage)
• SNAP, WIC, Medicaid
• Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Act
• Soup Sunday (fundraiser)
• Children’s fiscal map (new resource)

Quotes:

• “One out of three births in Arkansas are paid for by Medicaid.” — Keesa Smith

Enjoy this episode, as an urgent, data-driven conversation about maternal health, childcare, and policies that strengthen Arkansas families. Follow Woman-Run and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families for updates and ways to help.

Welcome to Episode Four of Woman-Run, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings Public Relations and Marketing Director Rickie Smith. Rickie is joined by Mandy Richardson, Publisher of Soirée Magazine and Founder of the Women’s Leadership Symposium & Summits. Mandy shares lessons from her deadline‑driven publishing and events career, her leadership philosophy, and practical tips for building culture, balance, and community in business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Mandy pivoted from a student‑loan role during the 2008 federal program shutdown into a dynamic career in publishing and event management.
• The real difference between an editor’s role versus a publisher’s responsibilities—managing P&L, vision, and sales for multiple consumer‑focused products.
• Strategies for seeking honest feedback: finding mentors who’ll tell you what you need to hear, whether it’s a spouse, best friend, or a former executive colleague.
• Why culture‑first companies invest in surprise perks—from in‑office playrooms to financial wellness programs—to keep employees engaged and valued.
• Best practices for pitching media and speaking at industry events: tailor your angle to each outlet’s audience and always come prepared well in advance.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• “Publishing is 80% spreadsheets and deadlines—and 20% magic.” How Mandy balances left‑brain data work with right‑brain creative shoots.
• The origin story of the Women’s Leadership Symposium & Summits: a grassroots launch in 2018 to fill a statewide gap in general leadership training for women.
• Mandy’s leadership style: delegate, build trust, and never ask others to do work you wouldn’t tackle yourself.
• The “quiet leader” paradox: running high‑profile magazines and summits while personally avoiding the spotlight.
• Work–life reality check: ditch the myth of balance, focus on presence, and guard your mental health by setting clear email boundaries.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Soirée Magazine
• Women’s Leadership Symposium & Summit
• Wright Lindsey Jennings

Quotes:

“I really don’t enjoy the spotlight—being front and center is out of necessity for the job.” – Mandy Richardson

“In publishing, plan six months ahead for print; digital can pivot overnight.” – Mandy Richardson

“If you’re not happy outside the office, you won’t perform well inside it.” – Mandy Richardson

Enjoy this candid conversation to discover new ways to lead, collaborate, and thrive—both in business and beyond.

Welcome to Episode Three of Woman-Run The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Meredith Lowry. Meredith is joined by Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas. Anna Beth shares compelling stories, insightful advice, and her passion for empowering women and driving economic mobility across Arkansas.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The powerful origin story behind the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, sparked by a bold challenge to showcase the capabilities of women leaders.
• How data-driven research guides initiatives aimed at economic mobility for Arkansas women, shaping meaningful programs and community support.
• Anna Beth’s experiences and strategies for effectively convening diverse groups to collaborate and foster positive statewide change.
• Key insights into supporting Main Street businesses, overcoming barriers to accessing resources, and the crucial role social capital plays in entrepreneurial success.
• Important discussions around the nuanced challenges faced by working mothers, including childcare, maternal health, and economic empowerment.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Anna Beth’s journey of transforming the Women's Foundation of Arkansas through intentional, data-informed initiatives.
• Practical steps the Foundation takes to bridge gaps in financial literacy, mentorship, and community support for women entrepreneurs.
• How the Women's Economic Mobility Hub addresses specific needs of women entrepreneurs, particularly women of color in the Arkansas Delta.
• The critical importance of reframing conversations around equity, access, and the tangible resources women need to succeed.
• Why addressing childcare costs and supporting working mothers is essential for a thriving economic future in Arkansas.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
• Power of the Purse
• Women’s Economic Mobility Hub
• Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center (ASBTDC)

Quotes:

• “The work of equity is about giving someone the roadmap based on where they live and the barriers they face.” – Anna Beth Gorman
• “If women are successful in our state, the whole state will be successful.” – Anna Beth Gorman

Enjoy this inspiring conversation designed to foster community-building, promote economic empowerment, and advocate for meaningful change for women across Arkansas.

Welcome to Episode Two of Woman Run – The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Meredith Lowry. Meredith is joined by Natalie Bartholomew, Northwest Arkansas Community President for First Community Bank and founder of the Girl Banker Community. Natalie shares powerful stories, practical career advice, and her unique approach to building community in banking and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Natalie discovered her passion for banking growing up on her family’s farm and transitioned into a leadership role in a male‑dominated industry.
• Strategies for finding and nurturing honest mentors—both good and “bad” bosses—and leveraging those relationships for personal growth.
• What it really takes to cultivate a thriving company culture, from “walking the talk” to hiring a dedicated culture officer.
• The origin story and keys to explosive growth for the Girl Banker Facebook community, now over 11,000 members strong.
• Lessons from high‑pressure speaking engagements, including how Natalie balances self‑care, family priorities, and professional commitments.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Natalie’s surprising twin‑sister reveal: “I can’t be taken seriously without high heels—yet I love muck boots.”
• Why First Community Bank made culture a priority by empowering 600+ employees with dedicated mental‑health and career‑coaching support.
• How a simple Facebook group ballooned from 600 to 11,000 members overnight during the pandemic, providing real‑time peer support.
• Behind‑the‑scenes mishaps—altitude sickness in Colorado and a seven‑minute Vegas keynote—demonstrating the importance of preparation and hydration.
• Natalie’s final advice: give yourself grace, enjoy each phase of life, and surround yourself with people who genuinely lift you up.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• First Community Bank
• Girl Banker Community
• ABA Bank Marketing Conference

Quotes:

“Empowerment starts with trust—and letting your team do their job.” – Natalie Bartholomew “If you’re not happy outside the office, you won’t perform well inside it.” – Natalie Bartholomew

Enjoy this insightful conversation designed to inspire mentorship, culture‑building, and a balanced approach to career success.

Welcome to the debut episode of Woman Run - The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Erika Gee. Erika is joined by Mimi San Pedro, the vibrant former Chief Strategy Officer of The Venture Center and the driving force behind the transformative Women Achieve mentorship program. Mimi shares powerful stories, practical career advice, and her unique approach to life and business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Mimi leveraged relationships to navigate her dynamic career, from computer science to advertising, and ultimately entrepreneurship.
• Insights into creating and sustaining long-term mentorship relationships, including Mimi’s personal experiences and lessons from influential mentors.
• Mimi’s strategies for proactive living, including her habit of intentionally scheduling fun, fostering joy, and staying engaged both personally and professionally.
• The importance of community-building, collaboration, and cultivating genuine connections as critical drivers of success.
• Mimi's vision for empowering women, including her passion for helping more women enter politics through mentorship and practical support.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Mimi's surprising hidden talent and her unique background story.
• How structured planning and disciplined approaches can enhance career and personal growth.
• Why Mimi advocates for breaking bread as an essential yet overlooked element in successful relationship-building.
• Practical tips for incorporating joy and fun into everyday life—even when it feels challenging.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Venture Center
• Women Achieve Program

Quotes:

• “Your wealth is your friends." – Mimi San Pedro
• “Keep it moving.” – Mimi’s mother's guiding philosophy

Enjoy this insightful and uplifting conversation designed to empower your career, enrich your relationships, and encourage a joyful approach to life.