Leadership Arkansas

The opportunity to visit many of the communities and businesses that make Arkansas great is worth the time investment. But what truly makes Leadership Arkansas, and particularly Class XVII, exceptional are the classmates, staff, and alumni who chose to assist. Throughout our journey across Arkansas, we formed close bonds with one another, forging a supportive and collaborative community that extends far beyond the program. Leadership Arkansas fosters a sense of shared purpose and commitment to making a positive impact on the state, and the relationships formed with those in my class are a testament to this.

Class XVII

Being a part of the Leadership Arkansas Class X was extremely important to my understanding of how the Arkansas legislature works. Understanding the assets of all parts of Arkansas as well as the needs has been invaluable as I look at ways we can improve the lives of all Arkansans in my role as a State Representative. The friendships I made through Leadership Arkansas will always stay with me and I recommend the Leadership Arkansas program to anyone looking at ways to help serve their communities. Leadership Arkansas helps create leaders, whether local or state.

Class X

I’ve had the opportunity to hear from business leaders around the state and have seen the economic engines that drive our communities. We have been exposed to tourism, manufacturing, the military, medical technology and more. Add in a class full of some of the smartest, most dynamic leaders from across the state, and you have a recipe for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This class exposes participants to the very best of Arkansas — its people.

Class XVII

Leadership Arkansas has been a special experience for me, and one I would recommend to anyone who loves this state. I’ve felt both inspired and challenged while being surrounded by a group of Arkansas’ best and brightest. I’m grateful that the program gave me a chance to go beyond just networking and to actually build a true bond with leaders from different regions and industries. Together we’ve seen all that our state has to offer, and I’ve been constantly amazed by how much I’ve learned about a place that I thought I knew well. To anyone who is looking to maximize their impact in their community and across Arkansas, I think Leadership Arkansas is one of the best investments of time and money you can make. I’d do it all over again without hesitation.

Class XV

The Leadership Arkansas program is one of the best commitments I’ve made personally and professionally. … We had the opportunity to meet and speak with industry leaders, community developers, Cabinet Secretaries, educators, farmers, conservationists, and even college football and softball coaches! … Before participating in the Leadership Arkansas program, I thought I knew what my home state had to offer, but now I know I have the best picture of who we are and what the future looks like, and I couldn’t be more excited!

Class XVIII

When I was accepted into Leadership Arkansas Class XVI, I began a journey I never dreamed possible. Each month when our class assembled, we got an experience that forever changed our landscape. These sessions were more than just a ‘tour.’ We listened intently to our speakers and engaged them with intellectual conversation. We asked how we could help create a better Arkansas, no matter what city or town we were in, and we listened to those responses. Each session was situated to be thought-provoking and designed to make you want to be better and do better. The team building aspect of Leadership Arkansas is unmatched. As described on the Leadership Arkansas website, we are a truly cohesive unit. I will forever cherish my Leadership Arkansas Class XVI experience and I know I will stay engaged with my classmates for years to come. I have made lifelong friends in this class. If you are searching for a way to give back to your community, a way to make yourself and your team better, I encourage you to apply for Leadership Arkansas. It has been one of the best experiences of my life.

Class XVI

When I reflect on my LAR Class XIII experience and classmates, I consider it to be the single most important professional development milestone of my career.  I walked away with new perspectives on multiple issues that face the State of Arkansas, new friends that will last a lifetime and a new confidence in myself and the future of our great state.

Class XIII

Being a part of Leadership Arkansas was a pivotal moment in my professional career. It provided me with invaluable insights into the inner workings of Arkansas of which I was previously unaware. Through this program, I had the privilege of meeting leaders from various industries and backgrounds across the state. This experience inspired me to become more selfless and to be dedicated to giving back to Arkansas.

The bonds I formed with my fellow classmates during the 9-month program are everlasting. We remain in constant communication, exchanging text messages and engaging in weekly conversations. The depth of friendships forged in this program is immeasurable, offering countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. The knowledge gained, the camaraderie experienced, and the overall perspective on the greatness of Arkansas as a state are truly remarkable.

I wholeheartedly encourage anyone considering to apply for Leadership Arkansas. It is an experience that will leave a lasting impact and provide you with a network of lifelong friends and an enriched understanding of the state.

Class XVI

Leadership Arkansas provides an invaluable platform for leaders across our state to grow and excel.  Participating in this program not only enhanced my understanding but also significantly enriched my personal and professional development.  I am grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with some of Arkansas’s most distinguished leaders.  Together, we explored deeply into Arkansas’s history, politics, diversity, and the importance of relationship building and teamwork.

The insights gained through Leadership Arkansas have played a crucial role in my later leadership roles, including my service on state boards such as the Arkansas State Board of Education and the Be Pro Be Proud Board of Directors. These positions are vital to our stakeholders and critical to the advancement of Arkansas’s workforce and education.  Although our Leadership Arkansas cohort lasted just nine months, the bonds we forged will continue to benefit our careers and communities for years to come.

Class X

Leadership Arkansas is a great program that gives participants the opportunity to learn about business and industry across the state. Participants get to travel to different regions and learn about the industries that operate there and their impact on Arkansas as a whole.

Class X

The State Chamber/AIA fosters collaboration among its members through several events and programs, like Leadership Arkansas. I’m a graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class IV, and it’s a wonderful program that brings emerging business leaders from all corners of the state together, fostering camaraderie and long-lasting relationships.

Class IV