2025 SPEAKERS
Celia Swanson is an accomplished senior executive who spent 25+ years at Walmart Inc. championing its culture and its people. She is notably recognized as the first female executive vice president at Walmart Stores, Inc. breaking the glass ceiling for women. Her deep expertise in retail, large-scale transformation, company culture and multi-generational workforce engagement serves as the cornerstone of her career legacy.
Swanson joined Walmart Inc. in 1994 as Vice President of People at Sam’s Club. Based upon her contributions in this role, she experienced numerous promotions to senior vice president and executive vice president leading membership, marketing and logistics at Sam’s Club. As a member of the executive team, she saw the Sam’s Club division through five company president transitions.
Her growth at Sam’s Club led to succeeding roles at Walmart U.S. as SVP, Change Management and SVP, Talent Development. She completed her career at Walmart serving in a global HR capacity as SVP, Global Associate Experience. In that role, Swanson led global labor relations, global culture strategy and enhanced the foundation of the global associate experience.
Among her notable leadership assets, Swanson’s deep experience in culture and change management are not to go unnoticed. She earned a reputation for being a key culture ambassador throughout her career demonstrating a people-first mindset. In addition, she was hand-selected by the Walmart U.S. CEO to lead a cost-savings and associate engagement strategy transforming store operations for 1.4 million associates.
In addition to her professional career, Celia is known for her community leadership in Northwest Arkansas. She was recently selected by the Northwest Arkansas business community as the 2016 Athena Woman of the Year for her excellence in community service, board leadership and regional impact in Northwest Arkansas. She was also the only leader to receive the top two operations awards from Sam’s Club and Walmart U.S.
Originally from Nebraska, Celia is based in Bentonville, Ark. She enjoys traveling, the outdoors and spending time with close friends and family.
Celia received her bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and honorary MBA from the University of Nebraska. She recently completed the Northwestern/Kellogg Women’s Director Development Program. Her professional network includes National Association of Corporate Directors and Network of Executive Women.
Molly Alexander is an Operations Manager at the Listening Center at Walmart. She also continuously works closely with the Disability Action Network within Walmart and the corporate world to advocate for customers and associates with disabilities. Molly’s first role with the company in 2014 was teaching dance. She still hosts camps for students with special needs and helped teach the very first wheelchair dance class in the state of Arkansas. Molly has invented several sensory tools, and often speaks about this work. Molly has written a book, is a surrogate, and has travelled to 8 countries and 49 states. She has a wonderful husband and five beautiful children. She enjoys anything outdoors, such as camping, kayaking, and spelunking.
Tiffany Benitez is a seasoned technology leader with 23 years of experience across multiple industries, including finance, retail, and food manufacturing. She began her 12-year career at Bank of America, transitioning from the business side to technology after six years. Tiffany then moved to Walmart’s Global Data Technology organization, where she led portfolio strategy, Data Governance and the transformation to Agile and Product. She continued her career at Lowe’s, overseeing cyber-security strategy, data governance, GRC and communications, while also championing women in technology through BRG and Women in Tech leadership roles. As Senior Director at Tyson Foods, Tiffany led IT applications, business engagement, and S4 & Product transformation teams, co-chairing the Women’s Business Resource Group and leading Tyson’s Women in Technology group. Currently, Tiffany is the Head of Data Governance at Compass Group USA- Digital, where she drives the transformation of enterprise data governance. A passionate advocate for women, she is also the founder and president of Women in Technology of Northwest Arkansas, a National non-profit, with chapters expanded all over the US, dedicated to empowering women in tech. Tiffany is an author, speaker, and advocate for change, using her strong people skills to inspire growth and leadership.
Growing up, Anna Bertorello was always told she had a “big mouth,” so she decided to make a career out of it. Now, Anna serves as the Social Media Marketing Lead for Public Strategies, a nationally recognized consulting and contracting firm. Fueled by big dreams and big feelings, she is making a difference in the lives of financially vulnerable Oklahomans. Having grown up in a small Northwest Arkansas town, the importance of diversity, opportunity, and empowerment rang out to Anna, which she later channeled into Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Communications at the University of Arkansas.
Anna interned with Dress for Success NWA in the fall of 2023, where she learned a greater difference is made through accessibility and inspiring confidence. Blending her creative curiosity and passion for advocacy, Anna curates an online space where individuals can laugh, learn, and access resources to self-success. In both her personal and professional life, Anna is dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and creating a lasting impact that contributes to a better world.
At the age of 58, Mollie Campbell left an 8-year relationship with her abuser and launched head-first into a terrifying journey of domestic violence survival. Today she combines her 30-plus years of experience as a human resources professional and her lived experience with domestic violence to educate and advocate for other victims and survivors – to shine light on the topic of domestic violence and bring it out of the shadows into the light.
Tangel Clinard is a Quality Associate at Walmart’s Fashion Distribution Center 7842, where she has been a dedicated team member for nine years. In her current role, she collaborates with internal teams to manage order processing and freight operations, ensuring efficiency and excellence. She also serves as a Continuous Skills Development Lead Backup, furthering her commitment to professional growth and team development.
Passionate about quality and integrity, Tangel embraces Walmart’s culture of continuous learning and innovation. She recently graduated from Walmart’s Path to Lead program, a testament to her dedication to leadership and professional advancement.
Beyond her career, Tangel is a devoted wife, mother, and proud “Mama T” to two wonderful grandchildren. She finds joy in her faith, running, cycling, and volunteering. One of her aspirations is to give back to programs like Dress for Success, empowering women in her community. She firmly believes that every woman has the strength, intelligence, and resilience to overcome challenges and achieve success. Learning from and uplifting others is what makes this journey truly meaningful to her.
Rachel Cox is a dynamic leader and native of Northwest Arkansas with 20 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and CEO. As the Executive Director/CEO of Dress for Success NWA, she passionately empowers families and women, leveraging her personal journey as a former teen mom and single parent. A published author, talented photographer, and mom of seven, including her adopted children, Rachel draws on her diverse experiences to inspire others. She is also a TikTok influencer focused on women’s issues, sharing her insights to uplift her audience. Rachel holds four degrees in Art, Communication, Science, and HR and is back in grad school finishing her Masters in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling.
Nidhi Dahiya is an award-winning portrait and headshot photographer, speaker, and business coach known for helping women see themselves in a whole new light—both in portraits and in business. As the founder of a luxury photography studio, Nidhi specializes in creating transformative, empowering experiences that showcase her clients’ confidence, authenticity, and inner strength.
With a background in coaching and entrepreneurship, Nidhi brings a unique blend of artistic vision and business strategy to her work. She is passionate about helping women show up powerfully and unapologetically in their lives and careers. Through her signature photo sessions and coaching programs, she helps women step into visibility, embrace their worth, and elevate their personal and professional brands.
Nidhi is not just redefining what it means to be seen—she’s redefining what it means to be a successful woman: powerful, visible, and confidently herself.
Angelita Rodriguez Dobbs is a proud Latina, bilingual educator-in-training, and first-generation college student. She will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May 2025 and her master’s degree in May 2026. A former paraprofessional with 22 years of classroom experience and once a single mother, Angelita has walked a journey defined by resilience, faith, and relentless determination.
Today, she is a Dress for Success Ambassador, multi-homeowner, and small business owner, using every platform she holds to help others break generational cycles, build generational wealth, and leave lasting legacies. While she has been the first in many spaces, her mission is to ensure she is never the last.
Angelita’s work is rooted in her cultural identity, and the values of family, authenticity, and perseverance. She is deeply committed to empowering women, uplifting underrepresented voices, and making sure all students—especially first-generation and bilingual learners—feel seen, supported, and inspired.
She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, having joined as an undergraduate at 50 years old. She was also recently honored as the Outstanding Childhood Education Major at the University of Arkansas, a recognition that reflects her dedication, leadership, and excellence in the field of education.
Her message is clear: “Success isn’t just about what I achieve, it’s about how many people I bring with me.” Whether mentoring, teaching, or speaking, Angelita leads with heart, purpose, and the belief that real change begins when we rise together.
Erika Finnestead is a seasoned marketing executive, public speaker, and community advocate with over 15 years of experience in strategic branding and nonprofit engagement. Known for her dynamic energy and signature teal hair, Erika has collaborated with national brands and led impactful campaigns for organizations across Northwest Arkansas. She is passionate about empowering women through mentorship and storytelling. Erika is proud to serve as a moderator for this year’s empowHER: Con, supporting the mission of Dress for Success to uplift and equip women for economic independence and success.
Jordan Franklin is the Founder of Gumption a hiring platform and the CEO of Stratice, LLC, a woman owned IT staffing firm. Jordan has over a decade of being a disruptor in IT Recruitment space, providing consulting, strategic growth, workforce development, business development and many other staffing services with a new age flare. Jordan has extensive knowledge of working with State, Local and Educational (SLED) entities and Federal Clients throughout the United States, as well as many other industries such as: not-for-profit, for-profit, and health and human services, many of which can be found on the Fortune 50 list. Under Jordan’s dynamic leadership, Stratice, LLC has been ranked 271 on Inc. 5000’s list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in the United States and ranked 8th on Inc. 5000’s list for Fastest Growing IT Management Companies in the country. Jordan has been named in the 15 most influential people in staffing by World Staffing Association, been on the countries 40 under 40, and has been nominated for CEO of the year by Arkansas Business two times. She loves volunteering and finds Networking the her favorite hobby!
Tina E. Gilbert is a distinguished Founder, Chief People Strategist, and Author, renowned for her expertise as an interactive workshop leader, facilitator, and leadership coach. With over twenty-five years of experience in the Human Resource industry, Tina hails from Little Rock, Arkansas.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on Marketing from the University of Central Arkansas. Continuing her educational journey, Tina pursued a Master of Arts in Management Leadership at Webster University. A perpetual learner, Tina is driven by a passion to help individuals discover and achieve their highest potential in life. In 2011, she realized her long-held dream with the establishment of Next Level Training Solutions Group LLC. This venture has evolved into a world-class business renowned for its innovative and high-quality training, workshops, and Human Resources services.
Tina is committed to delivering excellence and has successfully deployed her mission of providing top-notch services and programs that yield tangible results. She is the author of the groundbreaking book and journal, ‘Next Level Thinking – 90 Days to Inspire Your Best Life,’ showcasing her prowess in coaching and training. This accomplishment positions her as a formidable leader qualified to teach her course, ‘How to Inspire Your Best Life.’ Tina’s professional certifications include being a Certified Facilitator with Development Dimensions International, a Certified Facilitator Trainer with Achieve Global, and a Certified Trainer and Coach with The John Maxwell Team. Furthermore, she holds certifications as a Minority Business Enterprise with the State of Arkansas and a Women’s Business Enterprise with the National Council. Additionally, Tina is certified in leadership coaching, specializing in Personal Leadership Effectiveness under the guidance of Dr. Ron Jenson.
Debbie Griffin is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in communication, marketing, project management, and team building. Recently retired from her role as Director of Administration for the City of Bentonville, Debbie played a pivotal part in shaping the city’s physical development and economic vitality. Her passion for fostering business growth was evident as she advocated for both attracting new enterprises and supporting the expansion of existing ones within Bentonville.
During her tenure with the city, one of Debbie’s key responsibilities was managing Thaden Field as the Bentonville Municipal Airport manager. In addition to overseeing economic development, she wore multiple hats—serving as the city communication director and acting as the liaison for public and private partnerships. Her multifaceted role allowed her to contribute significantly to the city’s overall well-being and progress.
Debbie’s professional journey began in media, where she gained valuable experience in radio and television broadcasting. Her career path then led her to Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Fellowship Bible Church. Prior to joining the City of Bentonville, Debbie served as EVP/COO with the Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, where she made substantial contributions to the local business community.
A native of Benton County, Debbie has been deeply involved in numerous projects throughout Northwest Arkansas, assisting with the region’s development. Her commitment to the community extends beyond her professional roles, as she actively participates in initiatives that contribute to the Northwest Arkansas region.
Robin Hampton is CO-CEO of Stratice, LLC, a diverse-owned professional services and staffing firm based in Northwest Arkansas. Her career journey has been a tapestry of growth, learning, and connecting with others. It all began humbly in fast food and retail, where she honed her customer service and multitasking skills. Those early experiences shaped her dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
A creative soul at heart, Robin transitioned into interior design, where she poured her passion into crafting dream spaces for clients. But it was her time at Home Depot that marked a turning point. Over 14 years, she wore various hats, immersing herself in corporate wisdom, human resources, and services management. Each role taught her invaluable lessons about the intricacies of the customer journey and the importance of building lasting connections.
Entrepreneurship became the next chapter, and Stratice was born – much like planting a seed and watching it flourish. One of the highlights of this journey was building a team in India, blending business with adventure and discovering the power of collaboration across cultures. As a passionate and lifelong learner, Robin finds immense fulfillment in her role as a connector, bringing people together and witnessing its positive impact on their lives.
Her dedication to empowering others doesn’t end with work. Robin actively supports women-led organizations, both through volunteering and financial contributions. She believes financial independence is key to uplifting women and creating stronger communities.
At her core, Robin is driven by a deep desire to make a difference – whether through introducing talented professionals to new opportunities or creating a space for others to thrive. To her, success is not just about achievements but about leaving a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives.
Dr. Julie Hill is an assistant professor in the Counselor Education and Supervision program in the Department of Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods at the University of Arkansas. Prior to joining to the University of Arkansas in Fall 2023, Dr. Hill spent four years as an assistant professor and clinical coordinator in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling program at Auburn University. She is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Alabama. She earned her master’s degree in Counseling and Career Development from Colorado State University and her doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Hill is primarily a qualitative researcher, but has worked on mixed methods and quantitative projects. She believes in the power of telling one’s story. Her research interests focus on quality of life, coping, adaptation, and adjustment to chronic illness and disability. She has a special interest in focusing on underserved populations with chronic illness and disability, such as those living with rare diseases. Additional research interests include employment, career development, career construction, and life design for individuals living with chronic illness and disability, as well as preparing all counselors to work with clients with disabilities and chronic illness and the mental health needs of young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Hill’s passion for working with individuals with chronic illness and disability comes from her own experiences as someone living with multiple chronic illnesses and navigating career changes due to those conditions. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews, reading a good mystery novel, and watching movies.
Kasturi Joglekar, also known as KJ, is a Certified Confidence & Self-Image Coach, accredited by the Transform Coaching Academy under the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She specializes in helping individuals overcome limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, guiding them toward building a healthy self-image and renewed confidence. Her coaching approach is rooted in personal growth, self-worth, and the deep belief that everyone has the power to embrace their unique value and live authentically.
In addition to her coaching work, Kasturi brings leadership and strategic insight from her role as a Senior Product Manager at Walmart Finance Tech. Her corporate experience complements her coaching practice, allowing her to support professionals in navigating high-performance environments while maintaining emotional resilience and self-trust.
With lived experiences spanning across continents—from growing up in India to thriving in the U.S.—Kasturi combines cultural empathy with practical tools to empower her clients to reclaim their voice, trust their intuition, and show up fully in both their personal and professional lives.
Jessica C. Kitchens is a therapist, author, advocate, consultant, and speaker based in Northwest Arkansas. She owns two private mental health clinics dedicated to offering neurodiversity-affirming therapy to neurodivergent populations. One of her practices is a small group practice that specializes in consulting, training, and counseling, focusing on topics like autism and Neurodiversity-affirming practices. With over 16 years of experience in therapy, Jessica holds various certifications and licenses in Play Therapy, Substance Use, Addictions, and Cognitive Disorders.
Jessica earned her undergraduate degree in Human Services Counseling from East Central University in Oklahoma, followed by a dual Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Community Counseling from John Brown University in Arkansas. Additionally, she holds an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Currently, Jessica is pursuing a Ph.D. in Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion at the University of Central Arkansas, focusing on Community Leadership and Change.
Jessica has personal experience as a late-diagnosed autistic individual and is a mother of five neurodivergent children ranging in age from 11 to 24. Her three youngest children are all diagnosed with both Autism and ADHD. Additionally, she is a member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi Nation. This lived experience informs and emphasizes her specialization, advocacy, writing, and research focus in various critical areas. These include Neurodiversity-affirming and Strength-Based practices, Inclusive and Decolonial Leadership, Pathological Demand Avoidance, autistic autonomy, autistic mental health, Participatory Action Research, and Indigenous and Decolonizing perspectives on Autism.
As a key member of the Walmart Foundation, Kimberly McGee is dedicated to creating a positive and lasting impact in our community by complementing and extending Walmart’s business efforts in supporting a culture of belonging. She has over twenty years of corporate retail experience with leadership roles across the enterprise. Kimberly is a culture champion and people-focused leader.
Kimberly is passionate about community service and committed to empowering women to succeed on a personal and professional level. She is a dedicated member of several organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, NextUp Northwest Arkansas, Junior League of Northwest Arkansas, and The Links, Incorporated. She was recently named “Ones to Watch” by Celebrate Arkansas Magazine, “Leading Ladies” by 3W and honored with the “Monica Turner Game Changer Award” by NextUp.
Kimberly has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Computer Software Systems from The University of Alabama and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. Kimberly holds the Society for Human Resource Management – Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designations.
Kimberly currently resides in Bentonville, Arkansas. She enjoys traveling, crafting, and cheering on her alma mater, The University of Alabama.
Juli McWhorter, RN, BSN, MSN, is Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Medical Center –Willow Creek Women’s Hospital (WCWH) and Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital (PSH). Juli has been with Northwest Health for more than 30 years. She previously led Willow Creek Women’s Hospital (WCWH) as Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. Under Juli’s leadership, WCWH has been the first in the nation to be named a Center of Excellence for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), first in the state to achieve Baby-Friendly designation, first in the state to earn The Joint Commission’s Perinatal Care Certification, named a Blue Center of Distinction for Maternal Care and named 2022 Human Experience (HX) Guardian of Excellence Award® winner by Press Ganey.
Juli’s career has taken her through many facets of the healthcare industry including her role as a charge nurse in the surgical intensive care unit, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac stepdown, patient education and flight nursing. She has served in a number of leadership positions for Northwest Health, including as Chief Quality Officer and Director of Critical Care Services for Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville.
She holds a bachelor and master’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University. Juli serves on the board for Dress for Success and a 2023 winner for Susan G. Komen’s Big Wig fundraiser.
Megan Mechum discovered yoga over 20 years ago as a teen, initially drawn to its physical benefits. As her practice deepened, she realized yoga nurtures not just the body, but the mind and spirit. Inspired by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois’s quote, “Everywhere looking only God seeing,” Megan believes yoga helps us recognize the Divine in all things. A certified RYT200 & E-RYT500 instructor, she is passionate about sharing yoga and meditation’s transformative power. Above all, she is a
devoted wife, mother of three, and lifelong student and teacher, honored to share the gift of yoga with others.”
Daniela Medina is a Texas native from Pilot Point, a small town north of the DFW metroplex. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her master’s degree from the University of Arkansas, specializing in Agricultural Communications. Her professional experience includes the Texas FFA, the University of Arkansas, The Poultry Federation, and Certified Angus Beef. These experiences led her to Tyson Foods, where she is the Sustainability Communications Lead for the Commodity Purchasing Group.
Beyond her professional work, Daniela is dedicated to involvement within her community. She actively volunteers with Northwest Arkansas Dress for Success and the Junior League of Northwest Arkansas. Additionally, she serves on the board of the University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food, and Life Sciences Alumni Board.
Christine Mondragon is a seasoned leader in data, technology, and business strategy, with a passion for making complex things simple—and sometimes making simple things a little more fun. She leads a talented team of developers, engineers, and problem solvers who build applications, tools, and systems that keep the business running smoothly.
When she’s not helping bring new applications to life or asking “why” one hundred times, you can find her hanging out with her German Shepherd, Lily, hunting down the latest sneaker release (Dunks and Jordans specifically), or perfecting her coffee order. She believes work should be meaningful—but never too serious and with plenty of laughter.
Carol Silva Moralez, President & CEO of Upskill NWA is leading a nationally recognized sectoral-based workforce development program that provides lower income workers access to education and places them into high-paying, high-demand careers in healthcare.
She is a successful executive who spent 25 years advancing into multiple leadership roles in Walmart field operations before bringing her People and Operations leadership expertise to the Bentonville home office where she lead the design and development of leadership and functional training for Walmart’s US workforce.
Prior to being Upskill NWA’s President & CEO, Moralez was a Partner at SERVE2PERFORM consulting firm.
She is a passionate advocate for her community and has received leadership awards at the state and regional level including Arkansas Money & Politics’ 2024 C-Suite award and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s 2020 C-Suite award. Her community service includes both regional and state volunteer service including Arkansas Community Health Institute Policy Board, Vice President of Community Clinic NWA Board, NWA Regional Intermediary Advisory Committee for NWA Council, and Executive Advisory Board LatinXNA.
Dr. Frank Niles is a Partner and Principal at BSM Partners, where he leads the firm’s global Business Transformation and Leader Development practice. For over 20 years, he’s advised Fortune 500 companies, high-growth startups, and mission-driven organizations on how to build resilient cultures, develop exceptional leaders, and navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.
Frank’s passion for human potential runs deep. Kicked out of elementary school and told he wouldn’t amount to anything, he refused to let that label define him. Instead, it became his fuel. He went on to become one of the youngest Los Angeles County paramedics – a role that demanded calm under pressure and a belief in people’s ability to rise when it matters most. That early experience – along with later roles as a college professor and leading talent initiatives at Walmart – shaped his ability to see the spark in others that often goes unnoticed. It cemented his lifelong belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to discover, grow, and become who they’re meant to be.
Today, Frank is a sought-after advisor and speaker known for helping leaders and teams unlock performance from the inside out. His insights have been featured in CNN, NBC, Fast Company, and Inc., and he’s a past contributor to The Huffington Post and Thrive Global.
He also serves as President of the Board for Dress for Success Northwest Arkansas, where his personal journey drives his commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and career growth.
Ava Sophia, an alumni to the Dress for Success Student Leadership council, is a Senior at Bentonville West High School and participating in the Ignite Advanced Professional Studies Program as a Law & Public Policy Student. She loves being involved in the community, learning from others life experiences, and finding ways to connect with people on a deeper level. She honored to represent the state as the Distinguished Young Woman of Arkansas for 2025 and will be competing in June for the national title.
Kachia Phillips is a powerful voice for change, a resilient survivor of human trafficking, domestic violence, and addiction who has transformed her pain into purpose. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and healing—not just for herself, but for others walking the path toward freedom and restoration.
Kachia currently serves as the Program Coach and Survivor Leader for Hub of Hope NWA, where she educates the community on the realities of human trafficking and works directly with survivors, guiding them toward healing, empowerment, and opportunity. Her lived experience gives her a unique and compassionate perspective that deeply resonates with those she serves.
In recognition of her strength, leadership, and dedication to uplifting others, Kachia was named Success Ambassador of the Year for Dress for Success NWA, a role through which she continues to inspire women to reclaim their voices and step boldly into their futures.
Kachia is more than a survivor—she is a fierce advocate, a mentor, and a reminder that no matter where you come from, transformation is possible. Through her work, she is creating a ripple effect of hope throughout Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
Beth Pittman is a distinguished Human Resources professional with over two decades of expertise in talent acquisition across consumer goods, retail, and healthcare industries. Beth’s career journey demonstrates her exceptional ability to identify talent and develop leadership potential.
Beth began her professional path at Walmart Inc., where she honed her recruiting skills across multiple departments. In 2009, she joined an Executive Search firm as an Executive Recruiter, leveraging her expertise to serve clients in consumer goods. She was promoted to Senior Partner, where she joined the leadership team and drove strategic growth initiatives.
In 2020, Beth co-founded Skills Lab Training, a venture dedicated to empowering both individuals and organizations. The company offers comprehensive coaching for professionals and students on career planning, job search strategies, interview preparation, networking techniques, and negotiation skills. Additionally, Skills Lab Training provides recruiting services and specialized leadership development programs for corporations, nonprofit organizations, and boards.
As a Northwest Arkansas resident for over 20 years, Beth has cultivated extensive connections with regional leaders. She serves on the Advisory Board for UAMS Northwest. Her industry insights make her a sought-after speaker at HR conferences, where she shares valuable perspectives on recruiting trends.
Beth has established herself as a trusted advisor in the recruitment field. She provides strategic consultation to hiring managers on critical aspects of talent management, including compensation planning, job description development, succession planning, and workforce development strategies.
Gabriela Rodriguez is a passionate and driven professional who brings heart, wisdom, and resilience to everything she does. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, raised in North Carolina, and a proud resident of Northwest Arkansas since 2010, Gabriela embodies the richness of diverse experiences and cultures. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she thrives on connecting with people from all walks of life.
As a Practice Manager in the healthcare field, Gabriela finds deep fulfillment in doing two of the things she values most—serving others and growing personally and professionally—all under one roof. Known for her empathy and insight, she leads with compassion and believes in the power of kindness as a true superpower.
Her journey is one of perseverance and inspiration. A proud mother of three incredible daughters and a first-generation college graduate, Gabriela earned her bachelor’s degree at age 46, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Now, she’s taking her growth even further—having recently begun her Master of Business Administration while embracing a renewed focus on caring for her body and mind.
Gabriela is passionate about uplifting other women and deeply admires those who take courageous steps toward self-discovery—whether through education, career, entrepreneurship, or building a meaningful life. One of her favorite quotes, “¡Querer es poder!” (“To want, is to do”), perfectly captures her spirit of determination and belief in what’s possible.
Megan Rozzana is a dedicated educator, instructional leader, and lifelong learner with over a decade of experience in the classroom and beyond. She currently serves as the K–6 Academic Coach at Arkansas Arts Academy, where she works directly with teachers to enhance instructional practices and drive student achievement.
A proud Northwest Arkansas resident for over 30 years, Megan holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Arkansas and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Educational Leadership at Arkansas State University. In 2025, she was recognized as an AI Innovator for her pioneering work at the intersection of education and emerging technology.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Megan is passionate about empowering both educators and students to thrive. She believes in the power of meaningful communication, innovation, and cultivating supportive learning environments. Outside of her professional life, Megan is a proud mom to one awesome son and a strong advocate for equity and growth in education.
Anne Shelley is an experienced diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner, and previously served the community through the IDEALS Institute at the University of Arkansas. IDEALS was a DEI training, consultancy and research institute dedicated to creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces and communities. Through the Institute, she and her colleagues worked with campus and nonprofit community leaders representing organizations of all sizes, sectors, and industries to affect organizational change. Prior to joining IDEALS, she was a nonprofit executive, most recently serving as the Executive Director of the NWA Center for Sexual Assault. Anne currently serves as Assistant Director of Talent and Leadership Development for Human Resources and coordinates the UARK Leaders program as well as HR’s supervisor development training, among other initiatives focused on the university’s effort to become an employer of choice.
Jakayla Storey is a dynamic leader at Insight Global, a premier staffing and professional services company renowned for placing around 60,000 people in jobs annually. Since joining Insight Global in June 2021, Jakayla has consistently shown dedication and a strong work ethic. She began her career as a recruiter
specializing in IT talent for the Northwest Arkansas area, quickly earning a promotion to Account Manager. In this role, she forged strong relationships with key hiring managers at industry giants like Walmart and Tyson Foods, earning recognition as a top 10 account manager among over 2,000 peers.
Jakayla’s unwavering passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion propelled her to the role of DEIB Strategist and subsequently to her current position as Manager of Culture and DEI Advisory Services in Insight Global’s professional services division, Evergreen. Here, she excels in cultivating a results-driven
culture and advancing DEI and leadership development with clients, including many Fortune 1000 companies. Jakayla collaborates with clients to design and implement training programs that equip companies with the tools needed to establish inclusive infrastructures and align their culture with
measurable outcomes.
In addition to her day-to-day role, Jakayla is the Black Employee Experience Employee Networking Resource Lead at Insight Global. She develops programming and initiatives to engage and support Black and African American employees. Jakayla is also an active member of the Insight Global Women’s
Leadership Council, where she serves as a divisional lead for events and mentorship. Throughout her tenure at Insight Global, she has held various roles, including Executive Diversity Council Ambassador and Environmental, Social, and Governance Lead, contributing to the company’s Career Readiness
Initiatives and workshops. Over her three and a half years at Insight Global, Jakayla has been honored as a Presidents Award nominee, one of the highest recognitions for performance, leadership, and character. Outside of her professional endeavors, Jakayla enjoys playing pickleball with her husband, Allie, and
exploring new restaurants. She graduated from the University of Arkansas, where she became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and now resides in Atlanta.
Felicia Walker is a seasoned professional with over 21 years of experience in the supply chain industry. She currently serves as a Senior Manager, Integrated Planning with Sam’s Club, leading a team responsible for new supplier onboarding and National Brand packaging quality.
Hailing from Northwest Arkansas, Felicia is a dedicated supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks, embodying the resilience and spirit of her hometown. Her career path in supply chain contrasts with her early dreams of traveling to Paris to explore fashion trends, a passion she continues to nurture through her keen interest in style and design.
Felicia is an active volunteer and leader in her community. She contributes her time and expertise to Dress for Success, the Northwest Arkansas Junior League, and the NEXTUP organization, where she plays a key role in new sponsor onboarding.
Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Felicia is the proud mother of two sons, Jaydin (9) and Jagger (4), who are her greatest sources of inspiration. Guided by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s principle, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Felicia strives to make a meaningful impact every day.
Her story is one of dedication, service, and a belief in living a life that brings happiness and fulfillment while uplifting others.
Rachel Williams was born in Dallas and raised in Mesquite, Texas. She’s the Weekend evening anchor/reporter for 5NEWS and ever since she can remember she knew she wanted to be on TV. Rachel attended the University of Arkansas Fort Smith on a full volleyball scholarship and graduated in May 2020 at the age of 20. She went on to pursue a master’s degree in media communication/ Journalism at Norfolk State University, an HBCU, also on a volleyball scholarship in Norfolk, Virginia.When Rachel is not at work, she loves playing/coaching volleyball, reading, shopping, working out, and hanging out with friends. She loves working at 5NEWS because of the positive work environment, great management, and the station’s passion for the community.