On this week’s episode, hosts Lisa Van Hook and Hannah Phillips are joined by Michelle Barnes of Real Images, Inc.. As the Executive Director and Founder, Barnes focuses on celebrating the power of women. The mission of Real Images, Inc. is simple, ensure that young girls and women are empowered and educated to become the healthiest versions of themselves through programs, scholarships, and service. Through initiatives like the MIRROR Project and various wellness workshops, the organization provides resources, support, and community for women and girls, focusing on self-image, mental health, and self-care. Join us for an inspiring conversation, to learn about Michelle’s journey to Real Images, her reflection on the importance of community, and the impact she’s making through her nonprofit.

Michelle Barnes' WIN Page: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/michelle-barnes

Real Images Inc.: https://www.realimages.org/

Dove Real Beauty Campaign: https://www.dove.com/us/en/stories/campaigns/real-beauty-pledge.html

Mirror Project: https://www.realimages.org/mirror

Mirror Award: https://www.realimages.org/mirroraward

#SlashTheShame Initiative: https://www.realimages.org/slashtheshame

University of Arkansas Little Rock: https://ualr.edu/

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority: https://www.deltasigmatheta.org/

University of Arkansas Little Rock Alumni Association: https://ualr.edu/development/alumni-association/

Arkansas School for Math, Sciences, + The Arts: https://www.asmsa.org/

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In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, we’re joined by Stacy Harper, founder of Light House Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit organization helping to improve the quality of life for children, teens, and their families living in under-served and marginalized communities of Northwest Arkansas.  

Throughout the episode, Stacy opens up about the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. She shares her thoughts on the power of dignity and living without fear despite facing an unexpected cancer diagnosis.

Tune in for an impactful conversation with Stacy Harper as she highlights how small actions can lead to big changes, and how her work is helping to bridge the gap between resources and the community.

Stacy's WIN Page: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/stacy-harper

Light House Solutions: https://www.lhsolutions.org/ 

Light House Solutions Social: 

https://www.facebook.com/Light-House-Solutions-258443104655791/

https://www.instagram.com/lighthousesolutions/

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Business & Management: https://uapb.edu/academics/sba/

Stacy on the Jennifer Hudson Show: https://youtu.be/eisiYZEa3qY

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

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In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, we’re joined by Karen McClard, Program Coordinator for the L.I.F.E. Cycle Project at Light House Solutions, Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting personal wellness through education, empowerment, and advocacy for menstrual equity. Karen’s inspiring journey from social work to advocating for period poverty awareness is filled with passion and purpose.

Throughout the episode, Karen opens up about the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. She shares her thoughts on the power of storytelling, community action, and the personal work required to create lasting change. Inspired by the resilience of those around her, Karen offers valuable insights for aspiring professionals on how to turn their passions into impactful careers.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation with Karen McClard as she highlights how small actions can lead to big changes, and how her work is helping to shape a future of menstrual equity and empowerment for women everywhere.

Karen's WIN Page: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/karen-mcclard

Light House Solutions: https://www.lhsolutions.org/ 

Light House Solutions Social: 

https://www.facebook.com/Light-House-Solutions-258443104655791/

https://www.instagram.com/lighthousesolutions/

L.I.F.E Cycle Project: https://www.lhsolutions.org/services-4

Second Helping NWA: https://secondhelpingnwa.com/

University of Arkansas School of Social Work: https://socialwork.uark.edu/

The Haden Institute: https://www.hadeninstitute.com/

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

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On this week's episode of the Women In Industry Podcast, we're excited to feature a special conversation between our Senior Producer Jacq LaBeff and our very own Lisa Van Hook. Recently promoted to President of The Communications Group, Lisa shares her inspiring journey from her early days in the industry to her current role as Madam President. She reflects on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. In addition to her new leadership role, Lisa was recently honored with the prestigious Crystal award from the Arkansas chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She offers a personal take on what this award means to her, the impact it has on her career, and its significance for the broader public relations community. Don’t miss this insightful and empowering conversation as Lisa delves into leadership, perseverance, and her vision for the future. 

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Join us as we sit down with Dr. Fredricka Sharkey, Director of Media Relations at the University of Central Arkansas, to explore her dynamic career journey from broadcast journalism to higher education leadership. Dr. Sharkey shares insights into her role in shaping UCA's narrative and the importance of storytelling in highlighting the university's growth and achievements.

We dive into UCA’s progressive initiatives, including the UCA Commitment program, which offers a debt-free pathway for students across Arkansas. Dr. Sharkey also reflects on the challenges of transitioning from journalism to higher education and how she continues to advocate for students and faculty through her work. "Being around students and professors who are always thirsting for new knowledge is what makes higher education so exciting."

Looking ahead, Dr. Sharkey offers valuable advice for young professionals, particularly women, on maintaining authenticity, networking effectively, and finding success in their careers. Her stories and experiences provide a rich perspective on leadership and the power of being true to oneself.

Dr. Fredricka Sharkey's WIN Page: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/fredricka-sharkey

University Central Arkansas: https://uca.edu/communication/facultystaff/dr-riva-r-brown/

UCA Global Learning:  https://uca.edu/global-learning/contact-us/

UCA Commitment Program: www.uca.edu/commitment

ComGroup: https://comgroup.com

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In this episode, we’re excited to speak with Sericia Nelson, the executive editor of Noir Magazine, a publication dedicated to highlighting the rich culture and achievements of African Americans in Arkansas. “We want [Arkansans] to be awed by the photography. We didn't want it to feel like anything around here. I touched every single word on the page. I'm super proud of that.” 

But she hasn’t always been at Noir Magazine, Sericia’s diverse career includes roles in public relations and communications consulting in various fields. From politics to philanthropies, Sericia shares her journey both personal and professional explaining that each role added to her extensive skill set and deepened her commitment to impactful storytelling. She also discusses the importance of mentorship and representation, highlighting how having role models who share similar experiences has motivated her to give back and support the next generation of leaders.

Looking ahead, Sericia outlines her vision for Noir Magazine and leaves this impactful message for women everywhere: “It's that crazy confidence, along with determination, crazy determination. That has got me where I am. So, women have got to tune out the noise, tune out what the media, a lot of the media likes to portray us as, we gotta center ourselves and know exactly who we are and our value proposition. There's something that we were created to do and you gotta know what that is. Then you have got to nurture that and bring that to the marketplace. But you definitely always be authentically you.”

Sericia's WIN Page

Noir Magazine

University of Arkansas Little Rock

ComGroup’s Website

ComGroup’s Instagram

ComGroup’s Facebook

ComGroup’s LinkedIn

ComGroup’s Twitter

ComGroup’s YouTube

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In our first-ever mini-sode of the award-winning WIN Podcast, Jacq LaBeff sits down with Belinda Farmer, the Director of the McClinton Cancer Center at Hillcrest Health Center in Waco, Texas. Belinda shares her inspiring professional journey, her deep faith, and her heartwarming experiences as a mother and foster mom.

ComGroup.com

WIN Podcast Nomination

Belinda's LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Women in Industry (WIN) podcast, host Lisa Van Hook, Executive Vice President at the Communications Group, welcomes Shaneil “PJ” Yarbrough, an early childhood education professional. PJ shares her inspiring journey from being a fifth-grade teacher to becoming the Early Childhood Trainer Manager at the University of Arkansas Early Care and Education Project.

PJ’s experiences in foster care profoundly shaped her commitment to creating safe educational environments for young children. She discusses her roles in Head Start, Arkansas Better Chance, and as Executive Director of a residential foster home, emphasizing the importance of supporting early childhood professionals and advocating for equitable policies and better compensation.

Co-host Lora Mosley, a PR specialist at ComGroup, joins the discussion to explore the challenges and successes in early childhood education. PJ highlights the critical role of family child care providers, the need for high standards, mental health awareness, and research-based professional development.

Listeners are encouraged to support early childhood education and recognize inspirational women by visiting the WIN page on comgroup.com. This episode offers valuable insights and a call to action, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of early childhood education and the women leading the way.

PJ’s WIN Page

PJ’s UofA ECEP page

Arkansas State Childhood Services

ComGroup’s Website

ComGroup’s Instagram

ComGroup’s Facebook

ComGroup’s LinkedIn

ComGroup’s Twitter

ComGroup’s YouTube

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We're pleased to welcome back Amy Wills, a versatile professional who has moved through different career paths, from founding her own business to spearheading marketing efforts at the Atticus Group.

On this episode, we'll dive into Amy's journey, discussing her transition from the finance sector to entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover Amy's insights on crafting brand voice and authentic social media engagement, alongside her dedication to community initiatives and societal impact. We'll also explore the importance of embracing discomfort in marketing, adapting to change, and prioritizing personal well-being. Tune in for a compelling discussion on career transitions, embracing change, and personal well-being.

Amy’s previous episode 

Amy’s WIN page

Northeast Arkansas Advocacy Center

WOOF Social

ComGroup's Website

ComGroup's Instagram

ComGroup's Facebook

ComGroup's LinkedIn

ComGroup's Twitter

ComGroup's YouTube

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In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, we spoke with Dr. Riva Brown, Associate Professor of Public Relations at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and a dedicated Global Learning Specialist.

Dr. Brown shares her journey from journalism to higher education, highlighting her teaching philosophy focused on real-world experiential learning and service opportunities for students. She explains the concept of service learning, emphasizing its role in enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to assist non-profit organizations.

As a Global Learning Specialist, Dr. Brown is passionate about providing students with international experiences through collaborative online international learning (COIL). Inspired by her personal experiences during Hurricane Katrina, she emphasizes the importance of authentic community involvement and shares her involvement in disaster relief efforts with the American Red Cross.

The episode concludes with gratitude from the hosts and an invitation for listeners to engage with the WIN Podcast community. Dr. Brown's insights into education, service, and global engagement offer a compelling narrative that resonates with listeners passionate about making a positive impact.

Dr. Riva Brown's WIN Page: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/riva-brown

COIL: https://collab-edu.com/hub/coil/p/whatiscoil

American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/

University Central Arkansas: https://uca.edu/communication/facultystaff/dr-riva-r-brown/

UCA Global Learning:  https://uca.edu/global-learning/contact-us/

ComGroup: https://comgroup.com

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