The last Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is Dr. Sharonda Lipscomb, director of online learning, where she is responsible for overseeing more than 70 online programs, minors, and certificates along with a great team of professionals (nine employees and two graduate assistants) dedicated to ensuring quality online education.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I have three children, and I am married to my high school sweetheart. The highlight of our life is my grandchildren. Wednesday is Sha-Sha Day, which is what my grandchildren call me. I love gardening, traveling, and going to the beach. I am an outdoors person, so I enjoy being in the yard landscaping. I also have a fascination with clouds and love lying in my backyard hammock for hours. I find wind chimes and their calming sound especially relaxing.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I am the director of online learning, which means overseeing all aspects of online education on campus, including the management and onboarding of online programs and the management of Blackboard. My role also involves faculty training and support for Blackboard, integrating technology into instruction, and ensuring that students have a smooth and successful online learning experience. Additionally, I work closely with the Instructional Design Team to maintain quality assurance in our online programs. I report to the provost鈥檚 office to ensure that our work aligns with the broader campus mission of supporting student and faculty success.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

Years ago, I started at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a freshman, but as a young mother and new wife, it was too much to balance. I am a first-generation, nontraditional student, and I returned about 13 years later to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration. I developed a love for online learning and wanted to improve the experience for online students. That led me to complete my bachelor’s degree and pursue master degrees in Learning Technology Education (LSTE)  and Adult Education.

That experience deepened my passion for helping online students. As a graduate assistant, I had an excellent advisor who helped shape my vision and career path. I was eventually offered a part-time position in STAR, then moved into a Blackboard student support role, and later became an instructional designer. I realized I could make a real impact at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock by training faculty in best practices for online instruction and learning management systems.

I had the opportunity to work with Dr. David Montague in a leadership role, and when he transitioned to the provost鈥檚 office, I was a natural fit to take over for him. I initially planned to pursue a faculty position after earning my Ph.D., but this role has allowed me to expand my impact on students across the university. I鈥檓 excited about the future of online education at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock.

What are some of the exciting projects you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

The main project right now is the transition to Blackboard Ultra, which we expect to complete by fall 2025. This initiative allows us to integrate quality assurance standards into the transition process. We鈥檙e holding faculty meetings to ensure they understand the platform and how to use it effectively to enhance student learning.

Ultimately, it鈥檚 about the students. If we don鈥檛 have students, we don鈥檛 have a job. We want to excel in providing an engaging, meaningful online learning experience. Engaging with students helps improve retention and success rates. Our goal is to make a lasting impact on their educational journey while positioning 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a leader in online education.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

My grandmother worked her entire life and always emphasized that we can do whatever we set our minds to, but we should also strive to make a difference in the lives of others. Her example has shaped my approach to work and life, always bringing me back to one question: How can I improve the experience of online students?

I would also say Dr. Montague鈥檚 mother Raye Montague has been incredibly inspirational to me over the past 10 years. Seeing how her story continues to be told has been very impactful and encourages me to keep striving for positive change.

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

This position has been a tremendous growth opportunity for me. I call challenges “growth opportunities.” Transitioning from being part of a team to leading that team requires a different approach than stepping into leadership from the outside. It has taught me the importance of meeting people where they are and adapting my leadership style to individual team members.

I鈥檓 always striving to be the best I can be, but I recognize that there鈥檚 always room for improvement. My goal is to be a positive force for change and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Dig in. Learn about yourself. Understand your boundaries and how to set them. Make time for yourself. Make time to decompress. Step out of your comfort zone so you can be the change. It all starts with each one of us. Whatever impact you want to make in the world, it鈥檚 important. 

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

One of my guilty pleasures is taking 45 minutes to relax in a salt room. At least once a week, I am in a salt room. It helps me maintain my work-life balance as a leader in higher education.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 鈥� Philippians 4:13

I relied heavily on this quote for strength while working through my doctoral program.”Be the change you wish to see in the world.” 鈥� Gandhi

I believe we all have the power to make a difference, but we have to step up to the challenge. Every day, I strive to be excellent, to be myself, and to be the change I want to see in the world.

The post Women to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: Sharonda Lipscomb appeared first on News.

The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2025 is Meaghan Milliorn, director of digital strategy for Communications and Marketing and the leader of the web team that brought you the beautifully redesigned university website.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I came to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2004 as a freshman and earned my degree in mass communication. I later started working in the Office of Communications as an assistant and was privileged to be given opportunities to learn and grow. Eventually, I became the project manager for the university’s web team and I’m now the director of digital strategy. I’m married with three sons, and my oldest is preparing to head to college, so it’s been a really interesting experience being on the receiving end of various universities’ marketing efforts!聽

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

As the director of digital strategy, I oversee the strategic vision for the university’s website. My team and I work hard to ensure the university website supports and reinforces the goals of the university. In simplest terms, it’s our job to make sure the website is easy to navigate, has consistent messaging, and is providing the information our audiences need. Additionally, I work to ensure the university’s marketing supports the brand and is effectively telling our stories.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I originally came to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock right out of high school to start my degree. For that, the two things that brought me here were access to internships (I originally wanted to be a TV news reporter) and a full scholarship. Professionally, the opportunities for advancement have been a big part of my tenure here.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

The launch of the new university website! We began this work in 2022 and to finally see everything come to life has been an incredible experience. It’s been challenging but we are really proud of the research and talent that went into this. Many universities redesign certain sections or landing pages on their sites, but we went all in and tackled every single page – all 8,000+ of them!

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

I am continuously inspired by all the professional working mothers that I know. It’s not easy, but I’m encouraged to see other women pursuing their goals while also being devoted mothers.听

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

I’ve learned how important it is to approach people with empathy and compassion. Meeting deadlines and doing things correctly is really important, but we are humans first. If you’re not supporting your team in the ways that they need, their work will suffer, and they may no longer see you as an effective leader.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Find a woman, or group of women, who can be your sounding board and your support system. We all need a support system to cheer us on and get feedback from. The key is to then be that support system for another woman later on. As women, we have to look out for each other and lift each other up. There’s plenty of room for all of us at the table.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.鈥� Amelia Earhart

Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to add?

Being kind goes a long way.

The post Women to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: Meaghan Milliorn appeared first on News.

The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2025 is 鈥� principal broker and instructor of KSmith Properties Realty and Real Estate Institute. She is also a  dedicated member of the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. 

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I鈥檓 from Little Rock and I  graduated high school from Mills University Studies High School. I鈥檓 a wife and mom of two teenage boys. I worked in marketing prior to getting into real estate. I鈥檝e been teaching and practicing real estate for close to 15 years. I like to decompress with yoga.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock as a student?

Honestly, it was a mix of opportunity and timing that brought me to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. I was at a point in my life where I knew I wanted to continue my education, but I needed a place that felt accessible 鈥� somewhere I could balance school, work, and life all at once. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock checked all those boxes.

I鈥檝e always had a love for communications and psychology 鈥� understanding people, how we connect, and what drives us 鈥� and 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock gave me the chance to dive into those areas while also building a foundational understanding for business and entrepreneurship.

Plus, being in the heart of the city meant I could stay close to my family, work, and apply what I was learning in the classroom. Looking back, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock allowed me to explore many areas of interest and it really shaped the path I鈥檓 on now.

What was your time as a student like?

My time as a student was probably as interesting as any other nontraditional student. It was filled with a little bit of everything. It was honestly a mix of hustle, growth, and figuring things out 鈥� in the best way possible. I didn鈥檛 have the typical college experience, but 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock taught me resilience, gave me confidence, and laid the groundwork for the career paths I鈥檝e explored since. 

What is your current position and professional duties?

Currently, I am a principal real estate broker and a principal real estate instructor in companies I started five years ago. Both of those roles are multifaceted and essential in the marketplace. I create courses that cover all of the essential aspects of the real estate industry, including property law, finance, ethics, fair housing, professional safety, as well as state laws and regulations.

I design curriculum, according to the requirements by the Arkansas Real Estate Commission, ensuring regulatory compliance. For me, that means staying abreast of real estate market trends, regulations, and ethical standards. 

I have enjoyed being able to equip current and aspiring real estate professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for their success in the industry.

What is your current position and duties as a board member at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I鈥檓 going into my fifth year serving on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Alumni Board of Directors. I also chair the Membership Committee, where our main focus is keeping alumni connected to the university. We reach out to those who鈥檝e been part of 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock and invite them to stay involved. Those membership fees and other fundraisers go towards scholarships.

Just this week at GradFest, we welcomed 95 new members to the Alumni Association. That’s really exciting! Our committee works year-round to keep the alumni network active, growing, and engaging. We want graduates to know that their connection to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock doesn鈥檛 end after they leave. It鈥檚 just the beginning of being part of a larger community.

How have you been involved in volunteering with 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock throughout your career?

I鈥檝e always loved supporting our sports teams. We鈥檝e got some really talented student-athletes, and it鈥檚 fun to watch them compete. One of my favorite things has been participating with my kids in the summer aquatics program led by the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock swim team. They learned to swim and were taught by some of the best at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. It was such a cool experience and just one of those moments that reminded me how connected the university is to the community.

There鈥檚 always something going on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, which makes it easy to stay involved and keep coming back. 

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

Without a doubt, my mom. I always joke that she was my favorite Boss Lady. Growing up, I watched her dive into one business venture after another. I can remember her at the kitchen table doing taxes with a number two pencil and a calculator, she just figured things out. What鈥檚 always stuck with me is how fearless she was about learning something new and taking risks. That mindset shaped how I approach life and business to this day.

I actually got into real estate because of her. She was in the business before me. I was about five months pregnant with my youngest at the time, and the goal was to build a flexible career. Fifteen years later, I鈥檓 still here, still at it.  

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

One of the biggest lessons I鈥檝e learned is that good leaders know how to listen. It鈥檚 not just about giving direction. It鈥檚 about really hearing the people you鈥檙e leading. Another important thing is knowing your stuff. I鈥檝e learned that it鈥檚 hard to lead people well if you don鈥檛 understand the work you鈥檙e asking them to do. Knowledge builds trust, and it makes you a more effective leader when you鈥檙e trusted.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

First and foremost, stay true to who you are. Don鈥檛 let anyone influence you out of your personality. Your goals, or the things you鈥檝e been working hard to achieve, are unique to you. I鈥檝e seen so many women feel like they have to shrink or change to fit in 鈥� but you don鈥檛 have to do that. The right rooms will receive you for showing up as your authentic self.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I鈥檓 kind of quirky. I鈥檝e always had a lot of different interests and love jumping into new things, which sometimes surprises people. When they see me juggling multiple projects, it鈥檚 not just for the sake of being busy. It鈥檚 just a part of who I am. I鈥檝e always embraced that energy, even when it looks a little unconventional to others.

What is your favorite quote and why?

鈥淚 won鈥檛 let others stoke fear in my heart. I will remain true to who I am and where my dreams direct me.鈥� Brendon Burchard 

The post Women to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: Kristie Smith appeared first on News.

The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2025 is Muriel Schrepfer, a graphic designer in Communications and Marketing who helps to tell 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 story on a daily basis. 

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Muriel Schrepfer and I鈥檓 a graphic designer in the Office of Communications and Marketing here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. I earned my BFA in graphic design from Arkansas State University in 2012. During my college years, I worked for the A-State Wesley Foundation in many roles and interned in the Publications and Creative Services office at A-State. After graduation, I accepted a full-time position as a graphic designer in the Publications and Creative Services office. I worked there for about 5 years, working closely with campus partners including Athletics, the Honors College, the University Theatre, and many more.

In 2017 I accepted a job as a graphic designer at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. My husband, Blayne, and I moved to Little Rock with our newborn baby to be closer to family. I鈥檝e been married to my husband Blayne for almost 12 years, and we have two girls, Adaline who is 7, and Eliza who turns 6 at the end of the month. They keep us busy with activities and school. We enjoy going to the zoo, Arkansas Travelers games, a park or playground, cheering on the Trojans and Red Wolves, and spending time with friends and family. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, and volunteering with PALS at my daughters school.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I鈥檓 a graphic designer which means I do all sorts of projects from billboards, digital ads, admissions materials, athletics schedule posters, window and door vinyls, signage for events, and so much more! I manage the marquee on University and 28th Street, and I also manage our graphic design student worker. I鈥檓 on several committees on campus including Safe Zone and the Sustainability Committee. I work closely with our Admissions, Enrollment, Student Affairs, Athletics, and Graduate School partners, among many others. I also volunteer as the Virtual Programs Chair for UCDA (University and College Designers Association).

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

My husband and I wanted to move closer to family when we started discussing starting our family. I looked for the right fit to move us to central Arkansas for a couple of years before this position became available. I moved here in August with an 8-week-old baby and sweet-talked my cousin into keeping her until we could find childcare! My husband moved here in September after accepting a new job. We lived with my aunt and uncle until we sold our home in Jonesboro and found a new house here in Little Rock! It was a wild 2017 for our new little family!

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I鈥檓 just about always working on digital ads for social media and the web. I鈥檓 working to finalize the DCSTEM recruitment booklet and Welcome Guide for TTAC.

We just finished updating our freshmen admit packet and are gearing up for a new season of recruitment pieces for admissions.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

My mom, Jane Aston, has been a true example of hard work, kindness, and perseverance, shaping me into the strong and independent person I am today. She (and my dad) were always my biggest cheerleaders, supporting me in everything I pursued. As a retired RN and a single mom during those tough teenage years, she navigated challenges with unwavering strength. She stood firm in what she believed was best for me鈥攁nd looking back, I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for her encouragement, guidance, and resilience.

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

I鈥檝e learned leadership isn鈥檛 about having all the answers鈥攊t鈥檚 about working together, understanding your team, valuing other perspectives, and empowering them. When a leader believes in their team, everyone is able to be successful and grow.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

A good attitude is contagious. When you stay positive and adaptable, you inspire those around you to do the same. You can change someone鈥檚 day by being kind and understanding and spreading joy.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I am an Alaska Native Inupiaq on my mother’s side and was named after my great-aunt Muriel Hagberg who was Miss Alaska in 1953. My great-grandmother, Laura Beltz Hagberg-Wright, designed and patented Laura Wright Alaska Parkys and was a 鈥渟harpshooter鈥� in the WWII Tundra Army.

What is your favorite quote and why?

鈥淚t does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.鈥� – Albus Dumbledore

I think this is a great reminder for all of us to stay in the present, enjoy the day-to-day life we are blessed with, and not over-focus on things in the future or out of our control.

Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to add?

I love working in higher education because the projects we work on highlight the university鈥檚 impact in our community, commitment to innovation and research, and dedication to supporting our students. The variety of projects I get to work on makes each day fun and exciting!

The post Women to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: Muriel Schrepfer appeared first on News.

The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock is Leah Ford, who plays a key role in organizing the university鈥檚 most popular Admissions events and guiding new students as they begin their journey as Trojans.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Leah Ford, and I serve as the Communications, Customer Service, and Events Manager in the Office of Admissions. I’m currently in my eighth year of working at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. I hold a bachelor’s degree, earned in 2010, and a master’s degree in higher education, completed in 2012, both from Arkansas Tech University. I am originally from Benton, Arkansas, where I currently reside with my husband, two children, and chocolate lab.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

My current position is the Communications, Customer Service, and Events Manager in the Office of Admissions. I manage the planning and execution of all our on-campus recruitment events, like Discover, Explore, Experience, Transfermation, and New Student Orientation, for freshmen, transfer, online, and nontraditional students. I also oversee all communications and print materials to help with recruitment and events. Additionally, I oversee the ASK Desk and the main university phone line, making sure we provide excellent customer service in a fast-paced and busy environment.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

My first job after college was working within Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of South Carolina. I absolutely loved working on their campus, but I wanted to live closer to friends and family in Arkansas. The Office of Campus Life (now Student Experience Center) at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock had a position open to work with registered student organizations and New Student Orientation, and I couldn鈥檛 pass up the opportunity to apply. I started in my first position on 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 campus in January of 2014. 

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

Currently, I鈥檓 most excited about New Student Orientation for Summer 2025. Over the past few years, our student enrollment has grown, and with that, we’ve seen higher attendance at our summer orientations. I鈥檓 eager to collaborate with my team on innovative ways to meet the needs of our students and to explore new approaches to make these events more impactful. 

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

My mom! My mom has been a constant source of inspiration in my life. Her selflessness, strength, and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today. Whether it’s offering encouragement, listening, or showing up no matter the circumstance, her dedication to family has been foundational in my upbringing and serves as a great example of how I want to raise my children.

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

Leadership isn’t just about guiding with authority. It鈥檚 about creating an environment where everyone feels heard and supported to contribute their best. As a leader, it’s so important to make time to listen to the people you work with. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

As women, we鈥檙e often taught from a young age to prioritize the needs and emotions of others, be cooperative, and not disrupt the peace or express strong opinions. Be kind but stand up for yourself and your needs. Believe in yourself and your potential. Being confident in your abilities and what you have to offer will help you overcome challenges, open up more opportunities, and pave the way for success in both your career and personal growth.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I’ve lived in eight different states over the years due to my dad’s job when I was younger, which required frequent moves. My mom, brother, and I moved around with him and were able to visit some really cool places and have experiences that I鈥檓 grateful for. The states include: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them,鈥� from the TV show 鈥淭he Office.鈥� 

For me, the quote captures a sense of nostalgia and a great reminder to appreciate the present times.

The post Women to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: Leah Ford appeared first on News.

The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2025 is Angela Parham, an accounting whiz who handles many of the university鈥檚 budgeting issues while working as the director of budget and financial analysis in聽the Office of Finance and Administration.听

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Angela Parham, and I have been in the accounting profession for 29 years, with a total of 15 years in the higher education field. Nearly all of my experience has been in the non-profit/governmental field. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Arkansas Tech University, and my Master of Accountancy (MAcc) from the University of Central Arkansas.

I became interested in non-profit and governmental accounting early on in my career during my time as a Contract (Grant) Accountant at Winrock International. Winrock is a global nonprofit dedicated to providing solutions to issues such as agricultural, environmental, education, and social challenges around the world. At the time, WI headquarters was located atop Petit Jean mountain, nestled within the 925-acre Winrock Farms, not far from where my family lives below the mountain. After such an eye-opening experience and discovering a passion for the private accounting industry, the rest, as they say, is history.

It can be said that accounting actually runs in our family. My mother was a partner in a small local accounting firm in my hometown of Atkins, Arkansas. I was helping out with small business bookkeeping at the age of 16, before I ever took my first accounting class in high school. My sister recently retired as a CPA from an accounting firm as well. I met and married my high school sweetheart, Gordon Parham, in that same small town. 

Shortly after, we moved to his family鈥檚 cattle farm in Perry County where we raised our two daughters, Ashley and Kristina. They have both started their own journeys in life. Ashley as a recent nursing graduate, and Kristina as a middle school teacher and coach. Our family has grown by two wonderful sons-in-laws, Cody and Calvin, and a beautiful little granddaughter, Kate, whom we all enjoy spoiling like crazy!

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I am currently the director of budget and financial analysis, which is under the Office of Finance and Administration. Some of my professional duties include managing the position control process to ensure ongoing funding, adjusting budgets for merit, COLA, and bonuses, along with updating position budget changes as approved by the cabinet. Other duties include monitoring departmental budget amendments, assisting departments with various budgets to actual reports, provide campus-wide and one-on-one training on the budget process and related software programs, and assisting with the annual budget build and submission to the system office for state approval.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

After I obtained my MAcc degree in 2021, I made the difficult decision to look outside of UCA to further my career due to the lack of advancement opportunities. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has proven to be all I expected it to be and more! Everyone I work with, both in our own department and those across campus, are truly remarkable people, with knowledge and expertise willingly shared that has only increased my skills and technical abilities. Additionally, being part of the U of A System offers opportunities of learning like no other environment I have been a part of in the past.

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

We are currently in the process of implementing our new budgeting software, Anaplan. It has been a very interesting experience as I have been involved from the beginning during the design, development, and testing stages of the software. We are now to the point of training the departments on how to input their information as they begin to populate the data into the system for fiscal year 2026. As with any new software program, there will be bugs to be worked out along the way. But again, that is where being part of the U of A System is a huge benefit, as they work closely and quickly with us to resolve those issues as they come up.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

The woman who inspired me the most in my life is my mom, Carlene McCain. She always encouraged both me and my sister to further our education beyond high school. She would point out that you never know what life is going to throw at you, and it is better to be prepared to support yourself and your family if needed, and not have to depend on others. I should note that my parents have been happily married for 61 years, no tragedies or unexpected curve balls in sight, but both my sister and I took her advice to heart. Additionally, she has always been a wonderful example of how to be a great spouse, mother, grandmother, and Christian.

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

Good communication skills are key to successful leadership. This includes not only giving your point of view in a clear and concise manner, but actively listening to others as well. I have seen leaders now and then that insist on pushing their own agendas, while not considering the feasibility or goals of all the parties involved. Instead, a willingness to seek constructive feedback will go a long way to achieving a mutually satisfying end result. This will also help to build professional relationships and earn trust among your peers.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

No matter which generation you are, women are notorious for taking on a lion鈥檚 share of responsibilities, both at home and in their professional lives. Female leaders in particular will feel the stress of this as they try to find that ideal family work life balance. It is ok, necessary even, to take breaks to exercise, spend time with family and friends, enjoy a favorite hobby. Taking care of yourself first will help create focus and success in your career as well.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I have traveled twice to Africa; once to Abidjan in the Ivory Coast, and once to Conakry in Guinea. Both trips were work related, but it provided an opportunity to truly appreciate differences in cultures and some of the difficulties other countries face on a daily basis.

What is your favorite quote and why?

鈥淓very woman鈥檚 success should be an inspiration to another. We鈥檙e strongest when we cheer each other on.鈥� – Serena Williams

Simply put, I feel this quote embodies the idea of how women should uplift other women in everything we do and accomplish.听

The post Women to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock: Angela Parham appeared first on News.

The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2025 is Brandy Sweeden Dixon, a familiar face you鈥檒l often see around events in her role as associate athletic director for marketing and community outreach.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

I鈥檓 originally from Murfreesboro, Arkansas. I earned my undergraduate degree in journalism and my graduate degree in sports administration from Henderson State University. My first real job was here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, where I served as the assistant media relations director from 2005 to 2012.

I have experience in hospitality, hotels, and event management, including working for the Little Rock Marathon. Last year, I worked in media relations for Little Rock Athletics before transitioning to another role in events and marketing. Now, I鈥檓 back in a marketing role with Little Rock Athletics. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock holds a special place in my heart, and I鈥檓 happy to be back and working in athletics.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I am the associate athletic director for marketing and community outreach. My role includes overseeing the promotion of all our sports and events, game event management, video board graphics, and the social media aspects of our promotions. Additionally, I work on community outreach by collaborating with campus partners and external organizations to engage them with Little Rock Athletics. This position was newly created when Frank Cuervo became director of athletics. He identified the need to expand our department, and this role was one of those additions.

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

After earning my master鈥檚 degree in 2005, this was one of the first jobs I applied for, which brought me here nearly 20 years ago. It鈥檚 hard to believe, but the Jack Stephens Center will soon be 20 years old. I鈥檓 now one of the few staff members who were here when it was built. It鈥檚 been incredible to see how well the building has been utilized over the years and that it remains in excellent condition.

What are some exciting projects you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

Right now, my primary focus鈥攁side from preparing for the OVC basketball tournament鈥攊s promoting baseball season. We have a strong baseball team, and I鈥檓 excited to highlight them. Looking ahead, I鈥檓 working on expanding our community partnerships and laying the groundwork for promoting our fall sports. Since I started in November, basketball season was already underway, so this summer will be a great opportunity to focus on these initiatives and enhance our promotional efforts for Little Rock Athletics.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

My mother, Barbara Sweeden, has been my greatest inspiration. When I was growing up, my father battled serious illnesses and nearly passed away when I was six years old. My mother had to take care of both him and me while also becoming the primary provider for our family. She handled it all with grace and taught me the importance of being able to support yourself so that you can support others. I have always looked up to her for the sacrifices she made for our family. She remains my biggest supporter and still comes to Trojan games. She will always be my hero.

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

One lesson I always try to follow is to lead by example. It鈥檚 one thing to ask your team or coworkers to follow your direction but showing them through your own actions is far more effective. If people see that you鈥檙e working just as hard toward the same goal, it fosters teamwork and a sense of shared purpose. Strong leadership comes from working together and setting the standard for others to follow.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Always go after your dreams, no matter what obstacles stand in your way. I have always had a passion for sports and never gave up on that dream. Even when barriers seem too large, push forward and reach for what you want. It can feel uncomfortable to step outside of traditional roles, but it鈥檚 important to challenge those norms. You should always strive for whatever you want to achieve in life. It鈥檚 always possible.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

Most people don鈥檛 know that I won a vocal contest in fifth grade and had the opportunity to record a demo in Nashville, Tennessee. I recorded in a country music studio with Patsy Cline鈥檚 pianist and Garth Brooks鈥� drummer鈥攊t was an amazing experience! One of the songs I recorded was 鈥淭hese Boots Are Made for Walkin,鈥� and the other was an original song about General Norman Schwarzkopf. That experience also led to me singing at the state capitol for a welcome home parade for Gulf War troops.

What is your favorite quote and why?

鈥淵ou have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.鈥� 鈥� Michael Jordan

I believe our biggest obstacles are often our own self-doubt. Once you move past that, the world is yours, and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Do you have any advice for working with women student-athletes?

At Little Rock, we have amazing female student-athletes that not only excel in their sports, but also in the classroom. They are able to manage classwork, practice, competition and everything in between, while representing 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. For anyone, whether you work directly with or are just a fan, the biggest contribution we can all make for female student-athletes is support. Supporting their team at competitions. Supporting their goals for graduation. Supporting their life and career goals.

Is there anything else you鈥檇 like to add?

I feel incredibly blessed to work in the sports industry. Starting my career here and having the opportunity to return means a lot to me. It鈥檚 also important to have female representation in what is traditionally a male-dominated field. I鈥檓 grateful to be in a position where I can make an impact, and I鈥檓 excited to be back.

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The next Woman to Watch at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock of 2025 is An Le, a first-generation college student from Benton majoring in business management and marketing. Le is a familiar face you鈥檒l often see around campus during her work as the president of the Student Government Association and event coordinator for the Trojan Transition Assistance Center.

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is An Le. I am currently a junior pursuing my bachelor鈥檚 degree in business management and marketing here at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock. I am from Benton and am a first-generation college student. My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam in 2001 and shortly had me three years later. In high school, I was always interested in working in education, but I never thought I would go into higher education. My dream for the longest time was to be an elementary teacher. My first year of undergraduate I was an accounting major, but I changed it soon after to something that suited my personality more. 

My first semester of college I started as a student worker in the Office of Admissions giving campus tours to prospective students. This was also when I joined the Student Government Association (SGA) as a freshman senator. I started my love for higher education through these two things. Meeting prospective students and helping them start their path to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was my favorite thing. I also love advocating for students and their needs to the university. The connection with high school students and college students was what put me on the path towards higher education.

My sophomore year I continued giving campus tours and became vice-president of the SGA. I also had the opportunity to study abroad spring sophomore year in Vietnam for half a year. This was one of the most life-changing semesters of my life as I had never left the states by myself for such a long time before. In Vietnam my love for traveling and higher education grew so much. This upcoming summer semester I am traveling to Argentina with the School of Business for a management course. 

Many people who know me know I am a big advocate of self-care. In my free time, I enjoy indoor cycling, cooking, baking, and shopping. Indoor cycling is one of the best things because I let out stress while becoming stronger. I love being surrounded by a group of people who are also bettering themselves and most of the time these people are amazing, strong women. I thrive in an environment where people are also bettering themselves and motivating to those around them. Work-life balance is extremely important to me.

What is your current position and professional duties at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

I currently serve as the event coordinator for the Trojan Transition Assistance Center (TTAC). I help plan the recruiting events for prospective new students ranging from high school to transfer students. I assist with planning and executing events from communication, vendor coordination, staff assignments, to logistics. Some of our upcoming events are Experience, Transfermation, and Discover. I also manage the social media for the Office of Admissions and TTAC. I enjoy coming up with new Instagram reels that help students learn about campus. A series I am excited about is “Trojan Trivia.” I plan to quiz students, staff, and faculty on campus about their knowledge as a Trojan. 

I also serve as the Student Government Association president. As SGA resident, I represent 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students in meetings with faculty and staff. I lead a team of seven SGA executives, 30 senators, and eight associate justices. The SGA Senate consists of students representing the three colleges, international students, and graduate students. Our Student Court reviews student parking ticket appeals and makes decisions on those. I have come this far thanks to my SGA Executive team who always motivate me. SGA has allowed me to understand the behind the scenes of the university and grow as a leader. 

What brought you to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

Growing up in Benton, I did not expect to come to 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock because I wanted to go to college far away from home. My senior year of high school I was very lost. I was extremely introverted, was not involved, and had no clue what I wanted to do in college. One of my former elementary teachers, Anne Felan, convinced me to major in business. I toured many colleges and what caught my eye about 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock was the Donaghey Scholars Program. No other college in Arkansas I toured had such an amazing honors program. I took a chance and applied and was accepted to the program after interviewing. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock has offered me so many opportunities. I have grown to a more confident, extroverted, and happy me. The people at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock motivate and push me a lot, from Ms. Joyce at Starbucks to my first professor Sarah Clements.听聽

What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock?

Currently I am working on recruiting events with Leah Ford in the TTAC office and how we can make events better. Another project is my Donaghey Scholars Final Project. I am working with Dr. Casey Rockwell and Dr. Carrie Phillips to research the enrollment cliff in higher education and how tuition guarantees impact the cliff in public universities in Arkansas. For SGA, I am working on revamping our system to be more professional, helpful to students, and building traditions that will last such as connecting with the chancellor, vice chancellors, and other staff.
One last project I am working on is spreading the message of SAVE10 with Sarah-Catherine Gutierrez to women on campus. We are currently working on how to encourage young women to invest 10% towards retirement/savings to invest in themselves. As women, many of us were not taught about finances and do not know the importance of investing in ourselves.

What woman has inspired you the most and why?

One woman that has inspired me the most is Assistant Vice Chancellor Kara Brown. From day one, AVC Brown has believed in me and pushed me to my potential. She advocates for students, connects with many students, and always is a joy to be around. AVC Brown has so much passion for higher education and was who planted the seed that I should consider higher education as a career choice. Everyone always has such positive things to say about AVC Brown. I know if I am having a tough time, AVC Brown will have advice for me and help me keep pushing. 
Another woman that has inspired me is my mom. Growing up, my mom cared for four children while working constantly. By no means were we wealthy, but she always provided the best for her children. She had the courage to immigrate to a place she knew nothing about, knew no one, and could not even speak the language for the future of herself and her children. I am so inspired by my mom and grateful for her sacrifice. 

What鈥檚 one leadership lesson you鈥檝e learned in your career?

One leadership lesson I have learned in my career is to not worry about things I cannot control and rather focus on what I can control. Working in recruiting events, weather is a big factor that impacts us. Rain or shine, we will continue to provide the best experience for students and parents as possible. Stressing about things out of my control halts my progress, and instead of stressing I could have proactive plans. Another thing is I cannot control the way others feel about me, and I can only control my emotions and continue doing the best I can. This was difficult for me because I struggled with pleasing people, but I learned that no matter what I did, some people will always have something to say. Rather than exerting my energy into what people thought of me, I focused on my own actions and advocating for what I believed in. 

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

My piece of advice for the next generation of female leaders is to fill your glass before filling others. As women I think we are taught that we have to be there for others constantly. Although it is important to help others, helping others when you are burnt out will backfire. Burnout is something I struggled with when all I had on my plate was helping others. Focusing on myself is what allowed me to beat burnout, especially when my roles on campus involve considering many other people from students to prospective students. It is okay to choose yourself sometimes.

Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.

I love being active! One of my favorite activities is 5ks with my cousins. Enjoying time outside walking is a way I recharge myself too. Some of my favorite places to walk are Mills Park in Bryant and Allsopp Park in Little Rock. Indoor cycle classes are another way I remain active while having fun. When the weather is better, I love to go play pickleball!聽

What is your favorite quote and why?

“You can be anything.” – Barbie. This is my favorite quote because I grew up watching Barbie movies. This quote would appear in every Barbie movie I watched, and reminded me that no matter what, I could pursue my dreams and be anything. I always had a feeling of inspiration after watching Barbie movies as a kid and that I could literally do anything even though I was a child. To this day, I am reminded that I can be anything if I put my mind to it.

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