Women's Foundation of Arkansas

09/11/2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Olivia Farrell Impact Award!

The Olivia Farrell Impact Award recognizes Arkansas companies that are advancing women and creating more inclusive workplaces. By completing the award questionnaire, businesses gain valuable insights into their workplace practices and become eligible for this prestigious honor, presented at the Arkansas Business of the Year Awards.

Applications are due October 20, 2026 for consideration at the Arkansas Business of the Year Awards on March 3, 2027, in Little Rock.

Learn more and apply: womensfoundationarkansas.org/initiatives/women-empowered/ -farrell-impact-award

09/10/2026

"Helping fuel WFA’s statewide programs and initiatives is its signature Power of the Purse luncheon. Primarily a fundraiser, the annual event also takes the opportunity to shine a light on women whose visionary leadership reshapes their fields. This year’s celebration will honor Women of the Year Mandy Macke in philanthropy, Marsha Martin in business and Lottie Holt Shackelford in public service."

Read more about the three remarkable women we are honoring at this year’s Power of the Purse in this month’s Little Rock Soirée magazine: https://www.littlerocksoiree.com/legends-luminaries-looking-ahead-for-wfa/

Photo courtesy of Little Rock Soirée and Jason Masters.

09/08/2026

🚨 Exciting news! The Tjuana Byrd Internship application opens TODAY!

Designed for college-aged women pursuing STEAM degrees who are enrolled at an Arkansas college or university, the Tjuana Byrd Internship Program provides valuable, hands-on experience with leading STEAM employers across Central Arkansas.

This paid internship is an incredible opportunity for rising college juniors, seniors, and recent graduates to build professional skills, expand their networks, and explore meaningful career pathways in STEAM fields.

Ready to take the next step? Applications close November 1! Learn more about the program and how to apply here: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/girls-of-promise/ -byrd-summer-internship

WFA is the only statewide foundation focused solely on women and girls in AR!

09/03/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible recognition of WFA supporter and former Board President, Cindy Conger! 💗

For many years, Cindy has generously shared her time, treasure and talent with the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, helping create a brighter future for women and girls across our state.

Her leadership and commitment have helped open pathways to economic mobility and opportunity, making a lasting impact on Arkansas women and girls today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

We are so grateful for Cindy’s continued investment in the mission of WFA and for the difference she continues to make in the lives of women and girls across Arkansas. Congratulations, Cindy! 🎉

AFP Arkansas is honored to present Cindy Conger with the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Nov 5th.

Cindy's philanthropy has strengthened organizations across Arkansas, including the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, UA Little Rock, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Her impact goes beyond her generosity— through decades of leadership, service, and advocacy, she has inspired others to invest in the causes and communities they care about.

We are proud to celebrate Cindy and the lasting legacy she continues to build across Arkansas. Get your tickets & Join AFP Arkansas on November 5 for National Philanthropy Day! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festival-of-philanthropy-2026-tickets-1994623858655

09/03/2026

Two women. Two very different paths. One extraordinary legacy.

Today, we celebrate Dolly Parton and Gloria Steinem, two women who have used their voices, talents, and influence to create greater possibilities for women and girls.

Dolly Parton built a legacy rooted in generosity, education, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to dream big. Gloria Steinem helped redefine what was possible for women by challenging expectations, opening doors, and inspiring generations to lead with courage and conviction.

Their paths have looked very different, but their legacies share something powerful: they used the opportunities they were given to create opportunities for others.

At the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, we believe that is what leadership looks like; lifting as you climb, investing in the next generation, and leaving Arkansas stronger than you found it.

Here’s to the women who came before us, the women leading today, and the girls who will carry the work forward. ❤️

09/02/2026

✨ WEM Hub Wednesday Spotlight ✨

This week's spotlight shines on Kanesha Adams, founder of The Learning Lounge in Pine Bluff!

Kanesha's innovative microschool is creating personalized learning experiences that help students thrive—and it's earning national recognition. The Learning Lounge was recently named one of 26 contenders for the prestigious $1 million Yass Prize, often called the "Pulitzer of Education Innovation."

We're proud to celebrate women entrepreneurs like Kanesha who are transforming their communities through bold ideas and lasting impact.

Read more about The Learning Lounge and Kanesha's vision: https://www.pbcommercial.com/transforming-education-how-the-learning-lounge-contends-for-1-million-yass-prize/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAT-pShwZG9mBWZkaWQWUNWUAfqFJlq56RVA1nIXztq32CjyjWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR63e8h1GKa-5c6y6EvCQ1Mb3f1-eXmBWeRgnRZa6SGNh09Bv4VQZdQiaEVVjA_aem_KLsq6kdVUKGiOgrGATm-9g

09/01/2026

✨The 2026 Power of the Purse outfit mood boards have arrived! ✨

With just one month until Power of the Purse, it's time to start planning your look! Whether you're embracing vintage glamour, making a bold statement, or adding a pop of color, our mood boards are filled with inspiration to help you create the perfect ensemble for one of Arkansas's most anticipated events.

As we count down to October 1, we're preparing to celebrate three remarkable women:

✨ Marsha Martin – Woman of the Year in Business
✨ Mandy Macke – Woman of the Year in Philanthropy
✨ Lottie Shackelford – Woman of the Year in Public Service

We can't wait to see your style shine as we gather to honor these extraordinary leaders and support opportunities for women and girls across Arkansas!

08/31/2026

See Christian Ford, a 2026 Tjuana Byrd Intern, front and center with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders at the Natural State Kickoff Classic for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff!

We love seeing what our Tjuana Byrd Interns are doing after the program and celebrating their achievements every chance we get! 🎉

08/28/2026

Investing in rural moms means investing in the future of Arkansas. 💙

We’re thrilled to celebrate Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announcement of $150 million in grant funding for rural health projects, including significant investments in the Doula Alliance of Arkansas and NYITCOM at Arkansas State to strengthen maternal health care in rural Arkansas counties.

This investment comes at an important time. “Our Holding It All Together: Working Moms and Childcare in Arkansas” research highlights the many challenges Arkansas mothers face as they navigate work, caregiving, and access to essential supports. For families in rural communities, access to quality maternal and child care can be especially difficult.

Investments that bring more resources, providers, and support closer to where Arkansas families live can make a meaningful difference, not only for mothers and babies, but for the health and economic strength of communities across our state.

Arkansas is putting nearly $150 million toward expanding health care in rural communities, with projects ranging from emergency generators and telehealth equipm

08/27/2026

Hey Northwest Arkansas! You're invited to join the Women's Foundation of Arkansas and Woman-Run for a Women-Owned Business Mixer! ✨

Connect, collaborate, and grow with fellow women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners from across Northwest Arkansas. Join us for an evening of networking, idea-sharing, and meaningful connections while learning more about the incredible women-owned businesses making an impact in our communities. Light refreshments will be provided!

Interested in attending? Contact Sarah Grace Hall at [email protected] to RSVP.

We look forward to connecting with you!

WFA is the only statewide foundation focused solely on women and girls in AR!