Women's Foundation of Arkansas

06/25/2026

Thank you to longtime program partner and sponsor Arvest Bank for helping our Tjuana Byrd Interns learn about the importance of saving, investing, and planning for their financial futures!

Each year, Arvest Bank hosts our interns for a special dinner at Arthur's Prime Steakhouse, where they participate in a financial literacy session focused on a topic chosen by the interns themselves. This year, the Tjuana Byrd Interns learned about effective saving strategies, why early financial planning is critical, and the importance of investing in yourself.

This dinner is always a highlight of the summer, and the WFA is incredibly grateful for our partnership with Arvest Bank and their continued investment in the next generation of women leaders!

06/24/2026

✨ WEM Hub Wednesday Spotlight ✨

This week, we're featuring Dr. Lillian West, founder of Bear Fruit Direct Primary Care!

Based in Little Rock, Bear Fruit Direct Primary Care is a membership-based internal medicine practice providing affordable, relationship-driven healthcare. By removing insurance barriers for primary care, Bear Fruit DPC offers same- and next-day appointments, extended visit times, 24/7 direct access to a physician, transparent pricing, discounted lab services, and in-house medications. Their innovative model helps individuals and employers reduce healthcare costs while improving access to quality care.

As a WEM Hub alumna, Dr. West has found tremendous value in the program's resources and support.

"Through the support of WEM Hub, I've gained access to expert mentorship across key areas of business development, increased exposure within the community, and valuable educational resources that have strengthened both my operations and long-term growth strategy. To any woman considering applying for the program, I would say it is an invaluable investment in your professional journey and business success."

We're proud to support women entrepreneurs like Dr. West who are making a difference in their communities while growing thriving businesses.

Learn more about Bear Fruit Direct Primary Care:
📞 501-301-4607
🌐 www.bearfruitdpc.com
📱 Facebook & Instagram:

06/23/2026

We're excited to spotlight four incredible members of the 2026 Tjuana Byrd Internship Program! These young women are spending their summer interning at Arkansas Children's.

✨ Kiria Flowers
✨ Esther Olorunkunle
✨ Tara Henry
✨ Autumn Green

Throughout their internships, these young women are gaining hands-on experience, building professional networks, and exploring careers in STEAM while contributing to one of Arkansas's leading healthcare organizations.

We're proud to partner with Arkansas Children's to provide opportunities that help talented young women turn their education into real-world experience and take the next step toward their future careers.

Join us in celebrating Kiria, Esther, Tara, and Autumn as they make the most of this incredible summer experience!

06/19/2026

Today, we celebrate Juneteenth—a day of reflection, remembrance, and recognition of the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity for all.

At the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, we are especially proud to celebrate the contributions, leadership, and resilience of Black women across Arkansas. Their impact strengthens our communities, businesses, schools, and economy every day.

As we honor Juneteenth, we remain committed to investing in women, breaking down barriers, and creating pathways to economic security that help build a more equitable future for women and girls in Arkansas.

06/18/2026

Reminder: Sunday is the last day to apply to be a WEM Hub mentor for our upcoming cohort!

We are looking for business mentors who can provide guidance, connections, and encouragement to WEM Hub participants as they grow their businesses. Don't miss this opportunity to help another woman entrepreneur thrive!

WEM Hub is growing—and so are the opportunities available to participants!

New this year, every WEM Hub participant will be matched with a business mentor who can provide personalized guidance, valuable connections, and encouragement as they work toward their business goals. Through one-on-one mentorship, expanded networking opportunities, and increased social capital, this new program component is designed to help women entrepreneurs thrive.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Applications are open now through June 21. Learn more and apply here: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/initiatives/women-empowered/

06/18/2026

Our Tjuana Byrd Interns had a great time yesterday learning about the aviation industry and exploring potential career opportunities at Clinton National Airport! Thank you to everyone who participated in the panel and shared their career experiences, as well as to our wonderful airport tour guides!

06/17/2026

✨ WEM Hub Wednesday Alumna Spotlight ✨

This week, we're highlighting Allicia Talbert, owner of Talbert Lawn Services!

Talbert Lawn Services provides high-quality lawn care and janitorial services for residential, commercial, and government clients throughout Central Arkansas. Beyond maintaining beautiful properties, Allicia is committed to creating opportunities through second-chance employment, helping individuals with prior records build new paths and give back to their communities.

As a WEM Hub alumna, Allicia credits the program with helping her business through a critical time: "WEM Hub saved my business! If it hadn't been for the grant, my business would have likely closed. I lost my most important piece of equipment—a newly purchased zero-turn mower—to a repair shop fire. The grant came at a time when I desperately needed it and couldn't afford to take on any additional business debt."

Learn more about Talbert Lawn Services:
📞 501-517-7992
🌐 talbertlawnservices.com

06/16/2026

Meet the 2026 WFA Summer Intern, Ava!

Ava is a senior at Cabot High School and an active leader in her school and community. She serves as Secretary of the National English Honor Society, Reporter for the National Honor Society, and is a Varsity Tennis player. Passionate about supporting military-connected students, Ava founded the Hearts A Part mentorship program and helped organize Cabot School District’s first Purple Up Palooza. She has also been selected to represent Cabot at both the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference and Arkansas Girls State. After high school, Ava plans to attend college and pursue a career in public policy.

We are so excited to have her on the team this summer. Welcome, Ava!

06/15/2026

Last Friday, our Tjuana Byrd Interns toured Big River Steel in Osceola, Arkansas!

Big River Steel is the largest steel producer in North America, right here in Arkansas. We loved seeing the steel mill in action and hearing from women who work at BRS, as well as local women leaders who are making an impact in their communities.

Thank you to Big River Steel for opening your doors to our interns and giving them an inside look at the steel industry!

06/11/2026

On Tuesday, our Tjuana Byrd Interns attended a business etiquette dinner! Longtime friend of WFA, Trudy Redus, coached the interns on the do’s and don’ts of business dining, shared professional etiquette best practices, and much more.

Thank you to Entergy Arkansas for sponsoring this event and speaking with our interns about the impact Entergy has on communities across the state. We loved hearing from Brandi Hinkle, Katrina Brown, and Marshunda Jones as they shared insights about their roles at Entergy and their career journeys.

We're excited to see these young women put their new skills to use throughout the rest of the summer!