Judge Stephenson, a highly respected legal professional, serves as the esteemed District County judge for Washington County in the beautiful state of Arkansas. During our enlightening session with Judge Stephenson, she candidly and insightfully delved into the crucial topic of peer pressure, shedding light on its intricate dynamics and offering invaluable guidance on navigating its challenges. Equally significant, she emphasized the numerous advantages that discipline bestows upon individuals, skillfully illustrating its power to shape character and foster personal growth.

Mrs. Bunyard, a dedicated professional, plays a crucial role at the esteemed Don Tyson School of Innovation. As the CCR Oral Communications Educator, she spearheads the students' understanding of the significance of not only academic prowess but also human skills, soft skills, and effective leadership. With her passion and expertise, she instills in her students the ability to communicate articulately, collaborate harmoniously, and lead with confidence, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive in the dynamic world beyond the classroom walls. Mrs. Bunyard's unwavering commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals truly sets her apart, leaving such an impact on the young minds of our group.

Mark, a dedicated employee at CCOA, which stands for Credit Counseling of Arkansas, took the time out of his busy schedule to enlighten and engage our students in a discussion centered around the fundamental aspects of money management. His expertise and passion for financial literacy shone through, as he imparted invaluable knowledge and practical tips that our students could apply to their everyday lives. With his guidance, our students gained a better understanding of how to handle their finances responsibly, setting them on a path towards a brighter and more secure financial future.

Delia, a highly accomplished individual, dedicates her expertise to the Economic Opportunity Agency of Washington County as the commendable Executive Director. Her passion for leadership goes beyond her role as she effortlessly imparts her wisdom and experience to others. Delia's influential leadership style led her to spearhead an entire class centered around the art of leadership, empowering aspiring individuals with the necessary skills to excel in their own respective fields.

Adrienne, with her extensive experience spanning over 20 years in the political arena, has contributed her strategic expertise to numerous presidential campaigns. Combining her deep understanding of political dynamics with her leadership as the president of Elrod Strategies, she specializes in crafting effective communication strategies and fostering meaningful connections with influencers within various industries. Through her dynamic and innovative approach, Adrienne continues to shape the landscape of strategic communications and influencer engagement, leaving an indelible mark on the political and business realms alike.

LaTricia, a highly influential leader, holds the esteemed title of Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Southern Bancorp. With passion and unparalleled expertise, she leads by example and inspires those around her to embrace the transformative power of diversity, inclusion, and equity. In an engaging session led by LaTricia, students had the unique opportunity to delve into the countless facets of these vital concepts, discovering their profound significance in fostering a more harmonious and just society. Through her enlightening teachings, she empowered students to envision a future where every voice is heard, every perspective valued, and every individual uplifted, creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

Martha, a driven and innovative individual, proudly works for Startup Junkie, a thriving company based out of Northwest Arkansas. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, she recently took on the role of leading a class on the art of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Her passion for entrepreneurship shines through as she shares valuable insights and strategies with the students, empowering them to pursue their dreams and take the leap into the world of startups and innovation.

Jaclyn, a talented individual, has found herself at the heart of the media industry. Working tirelessly at Good Day NWA as both a co-host and producer, she is determined to deliver quality content that captivates audiences every day. Her diverse skill set also extends beyond her television roles, as she takes on the role of a content creator for Nextstar Media Group Inc., where she continues to showcase her creativity and storytelling abilities. Recently, Jaclyn had the opportunity to lead a class centered around the concept of growth mindset. Eager to further expand her horizons and enhance her personal development, she delved into the teachings with great enthusiasm..

Mr. Hudnall, a talented professional, is an integral part of the team at 7Brew, a beloved local establishment cherished by the community. With his impressive skills and creativity, he has been entrusted with numerous projects, working alongside renowned companies to design compelling visuals and captivating graphics. During his enlightening session at L.I.F.E. Prep, Mr. Hudnall delved into the journey of entrepreneurship, offering invaluable insights on what it takes to become a successful business owner. To further enhance the students' learning experience, he generously arranged an exclusive tour of the 7Brew Headquarters, allowing them to witness firsthand the inner workings of the thriving establishment.

Sarah, an enthusiastic representative of the University of Arkansas, had the opportunity to inspire and guide our students on their educational journey. As a part of her role, she organizes engaging sessions that not only educate students on the college experience but also fuel their curiosity and passion for learning. During this session, she took them on a captivating tour of the U of A campus, allowing them to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and envision their future as proud Razorbacks. Through her efforts, Sarah empowers students to make informed decisions about their higher education and instills in them the belief that they can reach their full potential at the University of Arkansas.

Chad, an employee at TheatreSquared, showcased his passion for creative thinking by leading a truly one-of-a-kind class. Not content with merely imparting knowledge in a traditional classroom setting, Chad took the students on an immersive journey through the very heart of the theatre. Guiding them through every nook and cranny of the facility, he provided an insider's perspective that ignited their imaginations and encouraged them to think outside the box. Chad's innovative approach to teaching left a lasting impression on his students, inspiring them to explore the limitless possibilities of their own creativity.

Sgt Murphy, a dedicated officer for the city of Fayetteville, not only displays commendable commitment to his duties but also takes on the additional responsibility of serving as their representative for public relations. Recently, in a thought-provoking conversation, he shed light on the various challenges faced by teenagers in our community and shared valuable insights on how to overcome them. His guidance and support for the younger generation left an indelible impact on their path to a brighter future.

In his role as the Sr. Director of Payor Relations at Sam's Club, Mr. McCarter has gained extensive expertise in effectively communicating with various stakeholders in the healthcare industry. During his highly engaging session, he delved into the profound impact that carefully chosen words can have on cultivating strong relationships and driving successful outcomes. Mr. McCarter emphasized that true leaders possess a unique and distinct language, which enables them to inspire and motivate others to reach their full potential. He artfully shared practical strategies and insights on how to harness the power of language to foster collaboration, facilitate innovation, and drive positive change within organizations.

Mrs. Williams, passionately runs Glass Ivy, a company specializing in innovative marketing solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of other businesses. During the captivating session she led, Mrs. Williams shared her remarkable journey to triumph, shedding light on the challenges she faced and the pivotal decisions she made along the way. Through her inspiring storytelling, she empowered the audience with invaluable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, leaving them inspired and motivated to forge their own paths to success.

Mrs. Bradley operates a therapeutic art studio, nestled in a cozy corner of our bustling city, where the walls are adorned with vibrant masterpieces. The mission of this sanctuary is not only to restore families and strengthen individual lives but to weave the tapestry of healing through the power of art. It is a place where imaginations flourish, ideas blossom, and artistic expressions find their voice. Within the studio, licensed counselors stand ready, like compassionate guides on a journey of self-discovery, offering support and solace to those who seek it. Under Mrs. Bradley's guidance, our students embarked on a transformative creative session, painting their emotions onto the canvas, giving voice to their innermost thoughts. Through each brushstroke, they learned to embrace their own unique beauty and value, fostering a newfound sense of self-love that left a lasting imprint on their hearts and minds.

Boyd is a incredibly knowledgeable and experienced software engineer at Kroger. Recognizing the importance of fostering critical thinking skills among aspiring engineers, he took it upon himself to lead an engaging and enlightening class. In this unique learning experience, Boyd guided the students through the fascinating process of designing and constructing racecars. From the initial creative concepts to the intricate structural components, this hands-on project not only allowed the students to showcase their creativity but also honed their problem-solving abilities. Through Boyd's expert guidance, the class proved to be an inspiring journey that empowered the students to think like successful software engineers.

Travis, an ambitious entrepreneur, took the plunge into the business world in 2008, when he founded his thriving catfish restaurant. Located in Arkansas, this eatery has become immensely popular among locals and has even expanded its presence across various locations throughout the state. During our recent gathering, Travis generously imparted his extensive knowledge and invaluable insights on the art of running a prosperous business. From navigating the initial hurdles to sustaining success, his expert advice provided our group with a wealth of inspiration and guidance.

During the presentation, Dr. Colbert, a knowledgeable and seasoned education manager, passionately delved into the intricate realm of education and the tremendous responsibility of leading. With an array of insightful anecdotes and thought-provoking examples, Dr. Colbert engaged our students on the challenges and rewards that come with shaping the minds of future generations. Demonstrating a deep understanding of pedagogical strategies and effective communication techniques, Dr. Colbert's expertise truly illuminated the importance and impact of leadership in the field of education.

Mantrel Hampton is a successful business owner who is local to Northwest Arkansas. He has mastered his craft and uses his trade as a foundation for a thriving business. He talked to the learners about the different trades available, how to build a business around a trade, and the importance of trade businesses in the future.

Dr. Syard Evans is the CEO at Arkansas Support Network, a nonprofit organization providing community-based support to individuals with disabilities. She has a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Education and Research from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Evans has a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas.

Dr. Evans was a member of the 2018 Arkansas Business Class of 40 Under 40 and is a frequent speaker at national and international events.

Barbara Mills, CFP®, CWS®, RICP, works for Arvest Wealth Management as the SVP, Senior Client Advisor. She shared the basics and strategies of financial literacy with the students to help prepare them as they approach adulthood. She has a proven track record and a passion for helping others.

Since the Arrival of ChatGPT and other AI interfaces, artificial intelligence has continued to grow in popularity. Mr. Merritt helped the students understand its uses and limitations. His expertise, industry perspectives, and general information helped the students to better navigate this space.

Dr. Ramon Balderas is an experienced DEI and Higher Education Consultant. He’s skilled in Facilitation, Training, Consulting, Academic Counseling, Event Planning, Customer Service, Recruiting, Curriculum Development, Community Building, and Public Speaking. Dr. Balderas’s master’s degree focused on Higher Education/Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas and he received his doctoral degree in Higher Education in 2022.