Women's Foundation of Arkansas

10/23/2026

⏰ ONE WEEK LEFT TO APPLY!⏰

Applications for the 2027 Olivia Farrell Impact Award close October 31!

The Olivia Farrell Impact Award recognizes Arkansas companies that are leading the way in creating inclusive, supportive, and high-performing workplaces. The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas invites eligible companies to apply for this award celebrating workplace practices that advance women and promote gender equity.

Application deadline: October 31, 2026

🔗 Apply today: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/initiatives/women-empowered/ -farrell-impact-awar

10/23/2026

Way to go, Maddie!!

On Wednesday, our Director of Strategic Initiatives, Maddie San Juan, participated in the inaugural cohort of Create at the Capitol with Create Little Rock. Cohort members learned about policy development from legislators and state representatives.

We can’t wait to hear more about what Maddie learned and see how those insights inform WFA’s advocacy work!

10/21/2026

Last week, members of our current WEM Hub cohort and program alumnae participated in an educational session with inVeritas on how to incorporate AI into their businesses!

Each month, WEM Hub members meet for a virtual educational session to learn new skills, explore strategies for scaling their businesses, and strengthen their business management knowledge. We’re grateful for partners like inVeritas who share their expertise and help our WEM Hub entrepreneurs navigate important topics like this!

10/20/2026

Applications close for the 2027 Tjuana Byrd Internship Program in less than TWO WEEKS!

This is an incredible opportunity for college women to gain hands-on experience with some of Central Arkansas’ top STEAM companies, develop professional skills, and build valuable connections.

The Tjuana Byrd Internship Program stands out from the rest! We provide FREE housing for all interns, PAID internships starting at $15/hour, and so much more.

Don’t miss your chance to spend the summer gaining experience, building your network, and preparing for your future career! Applications close November 1st!

Apply today: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/girls-of-promise/ -byrd-summer-internship

10/19/2026

Two states. $20 million. One goal: cut maternal deaths in half. 💜

On October 1st at the Heartland Summit, Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announced $10 million each for Arkansas and Kentucky over the next five years to bring proven maternal health solutions to more rural communities.

Nearly half the counties in both states have no labor & delivery unit. This funding will help put more providers where moms need them, expand home visits, strengthen data, and support families for the full year after birth.

Most maternal deaths are preventable. Healthy moms → healthy families → healthy communities.

Read the full release: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/10/01/3373371/0/en/healthy-moms-healthy-babies-america-hmhba-announces-20-million-in-state-grants-for-arkansas-and-kentucky.html

10/19/2026

We are excited to share that our Director of Strategic Initiatives, Maddie San Juan, has been selected to be a part of the inaugural cohort of Create at the Capitol!

Maddie will be heading to the capitol this Wednesday to engage directly with our elected officials and legislative leaders to learn about the policy process in the Arkansas legislature. Stay tuned to hear more!

Meet the inaugural cohort of Create at the Capitol! 🎉

Selected through a competitive application process, these emerging leaders will spend a day at the Arkansas State Capitol engaging directly with statewide elected officials, legislative leaders and lobbyists to gain a firsthand understanding of the issues shaping Arkansas.

They’ll learn how policy is developed, explore the legislative process and even have the opportunity to develop and advance their own bill.

At Create Little Rock, we believe investing in young professionals means investing in the future of our state. Create at the Capitol is designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, relationships and civic experience to make an impact in Arkansas. 💪

10/16/2026

Last Friday, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas CEO Anna Beth Gorman spoke with THV11 about the recent closure of two YMCA child care facilities and the broader challenges facing Arkansas families and child care providers.

“In the last 12 to 18 months, we've seen a lot of changes to the childcare sector, and we've seen a lot of changes to state support for funding, and they're no longer able to sustain their business model.”

Access to reliable, affordable child care is essential to women’s economic security and opportunity. As Arkansas families navigate these challenges, it’s critical that we continue the conversation about the role child care plays in our workforce and economy.

🎥 Watch Anna Beth’s full interview with THV11: https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/ymca-childcare-closures-arkansas/91-d8eb08f6-3585-4265-ae10-f8fc07a3687e

10/15/2026

✨ Applications are OPEN for the 2027 Girls of Promise® Conference!✨

Calling all 8th-grade girls across Arkansas interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (STEAM)!

Join us for a FREE, one-day conference where students can explore exciting STEAM careers, participate in hands-on sessions, build new skills, and connect with women mentors who are making an impact in their fields. Know an 8th-grade girl who would love this opportunity? Share this post with her family, teachers, or school counselors!

📅 Applications close January 31, 2027. Learn more about the conference and how to apply: https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/girls-of-promise-conference-2027/

📩 Questions? Email [email protected].

10/13/2026

It's T-Byrd Tuesday! ✨

Kiria was one of our 2026 Tjuana Byrd Interns, working in the biomedical engineering department at Arkansas Children’s. At graduation, Kiria shared her experience in the program, and hearing her speak reminded us just how meaningful this opportunity had become for her.

What makes this program so special is that it provides more than hands-on experience in STEAM careers. It also gives young women a community of peers who understand their journeys, encourage one another, and build relationships that will support them as they grow into young professionals.

Applications for the 2027 Tjuana Byrd Internship Program are open! Take it from Kiria and apply today. You don’t want to miss out on this GEM of a program. 😉

🔗 https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/girls-of-promise/ -byrd-summer-internship

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

10/09/2026

Three years after its revival, Little Rock Soirée magazine and the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas have again teamed up to announce the 2026 Top 100 Women of Arkansas.

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas is proud to partner with Little Rock Soirée to celebrate 100 extraordinary women whose leadership, accomplishments and service are shaping Arkansas’ future. With more than 400 nominations submitted from across the state, this year’s honorees represent the incredible depth of women’s leadership across industries and communities.

Originally established by Olivia Farrell, the initiative helped lay the foundation for WFA and continues to celebrate the women creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of leaders. We believe visibility matters. By recognizing women’s impact, we help shape the perception of who leads, who holds influence and who belongs at the table.

The 2026 honorees will be featured in a dedicated print publication and digital feature this December. You can read the full list here: https://www.littlerocksoiree.com/womens-foundation-of-arkansas-little-rock-soiree-announce-2026-top-100-women-of-arkansas/