Hometown: Maumelle, Arkansas
Briefly describe your role:
A: In my role as Program Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Programs at The Venture Center, I design, deliver, and scale initiatives that position Arkansas as a national leader in innovation. My work lives at the intersection of entrepreneurship, industry partnerships, and community development. Every day, I build relationships, secure resources, and manage accelerators that drive measurable impact for founders, funders, and our state. A signature part of my work is leading the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (ALTA)—the first program in the United States dedicated to advancing lithium innovation and strengthening the domestic battery supply chain. For me, ALTA represents more than a program—it is a platform to help Arkansas leverage its natural advantages in lithium while meeting national priorities around energy independence and supply chain security.
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: Yes, in many ways, this is exactly what I always pictured myself doing. At my core, I’ve always wanted to help people and bring others together. I worked as a researcher earlier in my career, which taught me how to dig deep, ask the right questions, and connect ideas meaningfully. Later, as an international yoga teacher, I experienced the power of connecting with people across cultures, helping them grow, and creating spaces for transformation. Now, in my role at The Venture Center, I bring those same instincts into play—connecting entrepreneurs with resources, mentors, and partners, and helping turn ideas into impact. For me, this role feels like the natural extension of everything I’ve done so far: research, teaching, and connecting all in the service of helping people thrive.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: At The Venture Center, I see tremendous opportunities for women to lead, innovate, and grow. One of the most exciting aspects is that women are welcomed not just as participants in our programs but as founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem builders. That means there are opportunities at every level to launch and scale companies, guide the next generation of entrepreneurs, and shape the direction of industries like fintech, energy, and health. Another great opportunity is to be visible in spaces where women have historically been underrepresented. Through initiatives like Women Achieve and other sector-specific programs, we can highlight women innovators in energy and robotics, helping them step into leadership roles and serve as role models.Finally, the Venture Center provides women with access to powerful networks. We connect entrepreneurs with corporate partners, universities, and investors across Arkansas. For women, that means growing their ventures and building relationships that open doors for years to come. That’s one of the greatest opportunities to be supported, seen, and create lasting impact.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have many people inspire me at different stages of my life and career. Early on, my research work taught me to look deeper and stay curious, and I had mentors who showed me the value of rigor and persistence. As a yoga teacher, I was inspired by my students worldwide. Their resilience, openness, and willingness to grow reminded me that connection and learning go both ways. In my current role at The Venture Center, I’m inspired daily by the entrepreneurs I work with. Their grit, creativity, and courage to chase big ideas, whether in energy, technology, or health, push me to think bigger and stay committed to building spaces where they can thrive. Most of all, I draw inspiration from strong women leaders in my community, those who balance vision with compassion and lead in a way that lifts others. Seeing how they create opportunities and open doors for others motivates me to do the same.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: My advice is to lean into curiosity and connection. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek mentors, and build authentic relationships because so much of growth comes from the people you surround yourself with. As a researcher, a yoga teacher, and now in my role at The Venture Center, I have learned that every step forward has come from staying open to learning and being willing to connect. I also encourage aspiring professionals to be patient with themselves. Careers rarely follow a straight line, and sometimes the detours, teaching yoga internationally in my case, shape your perspective and give you skills you’ll use later in ways you couldn’t imagine. Finally, measure success not only by personal achievements, but by the impact you create for others. When you focus on lifting people, opportunities and fulfillment follow naturally.