Women In Industry Podcast artwork

Women In Industry Podcast

51 episodes - English - Latest episode: 28 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 rating

The Communications Group has been in business for more than 30 years. During that time, we have taken note of the growing number of leadership roles, and the influence women have in the industries we serve and celebrate their efforts and achievements. This series is meant to honor women who have inspired action, achieved success, excelled in their field and encouraged the generations of women to follow in their footsteps. This year, The Communications Group will recognize women in the Agriculture, B2B, and Government sectors who serve in various leadership roles.

Careers Business Marketing agriculture healthcare b2b career growth manufacturing personal development women in industry women in business comgroup arkansas women
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Episodes

Dr. Riva Brown

April 03, 2024 14:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, we spoke with Dr. Riva Brown, Associate Professor of Public Relations at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA), and a dedicated Global Learning Specialist. Dr. Brown shares her journey from journalism to higher education, highlighting her teaching philosophy focused on real-world experiential learning and service opportunities for students. She explains the concept of service learning, emphasizing its role in enabling students to apply cl...

Megan Brown

October 10, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

We’re joined by Megan Brown, co-founder and executive director of Hoper Found of Northeast Arkansas, an organization dedicated to serving human trafficking victims and survivors by providing resources including holistic case management. Megan’s journey of battling human trafficking began in college when a documentary inspired her, propelling her into the world of advocacy. Megan, a licensed social worker and Arkansas State University alumna, and her team have impacted over 6,000 people thro...

Cat Frans

August 24, 2023 13:30 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

Cat Frans, the executive director of the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA), shares her unique journey into the agriculture industry, despite not having a background in the industry. IPSA, formed in 1989, represents independent seed companies in the Midwest that specialize in corn and soybean production. As the Executive Director, Cat runs the day-to-day operations of IPSA and works tirelessly to bring more benefits to its members. She emphasizes the importance of providing a ...

Nichole Parks

July 13, 2023 13:30 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MB

This week’s WIN guest is Nichole Parks, the Director of Programs at the Leading For Children, a national nonprofit that offers mutual early learning programs in communities to ensure all children thrive. Nichole, a Sherwood resident, supports the development and implementation of the organization’s programs and is part of the organization’s leadership team. Despite growing up in an impoverished and segregated community, Nichole’s early childhood educators nurtured a sense of respect within ...

Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven

June 20, 2023 14:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MB

This week’s WIN guest is Jennifer Verkamp-Ruthven, the Director of Catholic Immigration Services and Refugee Resettlement at the Little Rock Diocese of Little Rock – Catholic Charities. Verkamp-Ruthven, a Charleston, Arkansas native, manages legal immigration programs in Springdale and Little Rock which provide services to low-income immigrants who may qualify for legal assistance. She leads the refugee program which resettles newly arrived individuals and families into the community. In th...

Laykin Williamson

February 20, 2023 15:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MB

Arkansas FFA State Secretary Laykin Williamson wasn’t always familiar with agriculture, but after seeing her sister grow in FFA, she was inspired to follow in her footsteps. In her position, she helps develop members’ leadership skills while advocating for the agriculture industry. Learn more about Laykin, her story and FFA by listening to her episode and by checking out her profile on ComGroup.com. Laykin's WIN Page ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's...

Lauren Massey

February 19, 2023 15:00 - 19 minutes - 18.4 MB

Lauren Massey had no agriculture experience until she was placed in an agriculture class in high school. Through this class, she realized agriculture spanned beyond working on a farm. Now, as the Arkansas FFA State Vice President, she guides and supports Arkansas FFA members while advocating and supporting the agriculture industry. Learn more about Lauren, her position and FFA by listening to this episode and by checking out her profile on ComGroup.com. Lauren's WIN Page ComGroup's Website...

Reese Mitchell

February 18, 2023 15:00 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MB

Agriculture is in Arkansas FFA State President Reese Mitchell’s DNA. Although Reese is a fourth-generation Arkansas FFA state officer, she pursued the organization because of the vast agriculture and leadership opportunities it offered. In her position, Reese advocates for the agriculture industry by representing the association with government officials, business and industry leaders. Reese is optimistic about the next generation of agriculture leaders FFA is cultivating and hopes to better...

Anna Beth Gorman

November 18, 2022 06:00 - 50 minutes - 47 MB

When Anna Beth Gorman accepted her position as the executive director at the Arkansas Women’s Foundation, there was enough money to pay her salary for two months. However, she was confident she could propel the organization to reach its potential. She succeeded. In her position, Anna Beth establishes projects and programs to help girls and women facing systemic issues through grants, educational resources and advancement opportunities that allow them to achieve economic mobility. Anna Beth’...

Michelle Wynn

October 28, 2022 11:00 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MB

Michelle Wynn packed her bags and moved to Northwest Arkansas after graduating from the University of Central Arkansas without knowing what her career held, but then she volunteered for Child Care Aware NWA. Her boss emphasized the importance of early childhood education and community investment. Now, aside from being a superhero raising 10-year-old twin boys, Michelle is the co-director of Child Care Aware where she advocates for early child care providers and quality care. She also educate...

Dr. Creshelle Nash

October 14, 2022 14:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

Creshelle Nash, M.D., M.P.H., C.H.I.E, leads Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield's efforts to combat health disparities in Arkansas. As the medical director for health equity and programs, Dr. Nash strategically plans public programs and products to improve health equity. Health equity is personal for Dr. Nash. She was born prematurely to teenage parents in rural Arkansas in the ‘60s, and her father inspired her by helping found Arkansas Community Foundation. Dr. Nash, a graduate of the Uni...

Carla Gibson

September 23, 2022 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MB

Carla Gibson knew she was destined to work in nonprofits after earning degrees from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and Bellevue University. Her career began on the service provision side of nonprofits, but now as the vice president of programs at REACH Healthcare Foundation, she advances high-quality, affordable health care in the Kansas City area. In her position, Carla focuses on grantmaking and philanthropy and capitalizes on relationships with the community and local organizations. ...

Marquita Little Numan

September 16, 2022 13:00 - 52 minutes - 48.6 MB

Marquita Little Numan became a family counselor after graduating from Hendrix College. After seeing many clients continuously struggle, Marquita realized systemic change was essential. This fueled her to find a different way to make an impact, so she enrolled in the Clinton School of Public Service to understand how to ignite long-term change through advocacy, policy and philanthropy.  Alliance for Early Success: www.earlysuccess.org             Better Beginnings: https://arbetterbeginnin...

Jennifer Martinez Belt

August 19, 2022 11:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

As Peel Compton Foundation’s director of development, Jennifer connects the community of Bentonville, Arkansas through nature, education, recreation and preservation. She heads the organization’s philanthropy, marketing, events and customer service efforts. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and English from the University of Central Arkansas, Jennifer started her career in Washington D.C. working in various positions. After 9/11 and the anthrax scare in 2001, sh...

Natalie Kovarik

July 08, 2022 13:00 - 52 minutes - 49 MB

Natalie Kovarik discusses her many roles in the agriculture industry. After being a full-time pharmacist for several years, Natalie helps her husband, Luke, manage their first-generation ranch outside of Ord, Nebraska, full-time.  Now, Natalie uses her social media platforms to advocate for agriculture, emphasizing beef and climate conversations. She pioneered the apparel line “Ag is Not the Problem” and donates part of the proceeds to Agriculture in the Classroom. She also co-hosts Elevate...

Geania Dickey

June 24, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 60.9 MB

Geania discusses her career path to become an advocate for early childhood education, educators and children. After graduating from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Geania began working as an elementary teacher, but, eventually, she realized she could make a greater impact on children by aiding adults who work with children.   Geania, a University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna with a Master of Public Administration in non-profit and organizational management, facilitates relatio...

Madison Travis

June 17, 2022 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

Madison Travis, a Southern Arkansas University alumna, grew up with a passion to work in the agriculture industry. As the crop insurance servicing agent at Rabo AgriFinance, she educates clients about federal crop insurance options to enhance their risk management strategies. Tune in to learn more about Madison and her story in ag.   Nominate a Woman Learn more about Carson Horn Learn more about Lisa Van Hook ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's Linke...

Sydney Belew

June 03, 2022 13:00 - 47 minutes - 44.4 MB

While studying agriculture business at Arkansas State University, Sydney Belew became determined to work for AgHeritage Farm Credit Services. As AgHeritage’s customer specialist, Sydney assists loan officers and supports customers to secure loans in rural and agricultural markets. Learn more about Sydney and her agricultural journey in this week's episode. ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's LinkedIn ComGroup's Twitter ComGroup's YouTube  

Jennifer Cook - Special Feature

May 27, 2022 14:00 - 34 minutes - 32.2 MB

In February, three current or former Arkansas FFA Association state officers participated in the WIN Podcast. As a token of appreciation for their participation, ComGroup donated $300 to the Arkansas FFA Foundation. Foundation Executive, Jennifer Cook, earmarked ComGroup’s donation to honor the late Leslie Morelock Roye – a pioneer for girls in the Arkansas FFA Association – by commemorating her corduroy jacket in the Blue Jacket Society, which honors alumni members by showcasing their FFA j...

Mischa Martin

May 13, 2022 14:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MB

Meet Mischa Martin, the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services. Mischa developed a passion for helping others at a young age and now, as an attorney, oversees child abuse and neglect cases. Tune in as this UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law graduate shares more of her story. ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's LinkedIn ComGroup's Twitter ComGroup's YouTube

AWIA Conference 2022 - Special WIN Feature

April 08, 2022 13:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

In March, the Arkansas Women in Ag (AWIA) held their annual conference in Little Rock. Five women active within the organization take a deep look into the 2022 conference on the latest episode of WIN. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the impact the organization has on the Arkansas agriculture industry. ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's LinkedIn ComGroup's Twitter ComGroup's YouTube

Randi Metcalf

April 01, 2022 13:00 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MB

After graduating from Henderson State University, Randi Metcalf became a social worker for Carelink, which provides in-home services, information, legal and medical assistance for the elderly and their loved ones. Now, 14 years later, Randi is Carelink’s chief operating officer, where she supervises over 200 employees each day. Listen to her story to learn more. ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's LinkedIn ComGroup's Twitter ComGroup's YouTube

Heather Larkin

March 25, 2022 13:00 - 51 minutes - 48.2 MB

Heather Larkin, a graduate of William H. Bowen School of Law, is dedicated to improving Arkansas. As President and CEO of the Arkansas Community Foundation, she connects Arkansans with resources to build stronger communities. Learn more about Heather, by listening to her story now! ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's LinkedIn ComGroup's Twitter ComGroup's YouTube

Tabitha McNulty

March 18, 2022 13:00 - 53 minutes - 49.5 MB

Tabitha McNulty knew she wanted to become a lawyer after visiting a courtroom in kindergarten. She accomplished that goal in 2005 after graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Bowen School of Law. She now represents families of foster children in termination cases at the Arkansas Commission of Parent Counsel in Little Rock. Learn more about Tabitha and the work she does for children and families by listening to her story. ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGrou...

Michelle Bufkin Horton

March 11, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MB

While studying at Auburn University, Michelle Bufkin Horton fell in love with the cattle industry. As the membership and communications director of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, Michelle works to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.  ComGroup's Website ComGroup's Instagram ComGroup's Facebook ComGroup's LinkedIn ComGroup's Twitter ComGroup's YouTube

Melanie Berman

March 04, 2022 14:00 - 47 minutes - 44.8 MB

Inspired by her mother, Melanie Berman’s passion is public service. As the program director of Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), Melanie gives back to her community. She equips small businesses with the tools and expertise they need to compete for and win government contracts. Melanie, a graduate of University of Arkansas at Little Rock, is inspired to work in the female-driven Public Service Industry and believes the secret to success is to surround yourself with grea...

Anna Mathis

February 25, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MB

On this week’s episode of ComGroup’s Women in Industry Podcast, hosts Lisa Van Hook and Carson Horn are joined by Anna Mathis of Mountain Home, Arkansas. Anna is a third year student at the University of Arkansas studying Agricultural Communications and Agricultural Leadership. Anna recently retired from an extensive involvement in the National FFA Organization serving as a Chapter, State, and National Officer. Anna intends to pursue opportunities and careers in the realm of rural developmen...

Kisia Weeks

February 18, 2022 15:28 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB

Lisa Van Hook and Carson Horn are joined by Kisia Weeks of White Hall, Arkansas for this episode of the Women In Industry Podcast. Tune in to hear Kisia as she shares her passion for Agricultural Education. Read more about Kisia Weeks: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients/kisia-weeks Learn more about ComGroup: https://www.comgroup.com/ Nominate someone you know: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/525XB2M Learn more about the WIN series: https://www.comgroup.com/w...

Josie Kelly

February 18, 2022 15:28 - 46 minutes - 43 MB

Josie Kelly has dreamed of being an FFA State Officer ever since she saw her sister, a past state officer and her biggest role model, on stage delivering her retiring address. Josie is the current Arkansas FFA President and a current student at the University of Arkansas. Since being in FFA, Josie’s confidence has grown. She hopes to influence others with leadership qualities, including authenticity, confidence and communication. Tune in to discover who Josie Kelly is and hear her agricultur...

Brooke Bradford | Part Two

February 14, 2022 15:21 - 1 hour - 58.8 MB

On this week’s episode of ComGroup’s Women in Industry Podcast, hosts Lisa Van Hook and Carson Horn are joined by Brooke Bradford of Shirley, Arkansas. Brooke is a current college student and former Arkansas FFA President and National Officer Candidate. Brooke is a current sophomore studying ag communications at the University of Arkansas with two minors in journalism and event planning. Discover who Brooke Bradford is and learn more about her journey in part two.  Brooke's Blog Brooke's I...

Brooke Bradford | Part One

February 11, 2022 14:00 - 49 minutes - 45.3 MB

On this week’s episode of ComGroup’s Women in Industry Podcast, hosts Lisa Van Hook and Carson Horn are joined by Brooke Bradford of Shirley, Arkansas. Brooke is a current college student and former Arkansas FFA President and National Officer Candidate. Brooke is a current sophomore studying ag communications at the University of Arkansas with two minors in journalism and event planning. Discover who Brooke Bradford is and learn more about her journey in part one.  Brooke's Blog Brooke's I...

Allysa Andrews

February 04, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MB

On this week’s episode of ComGroup’s Women in Industry Podcast, hosts Lisa Van Hook and Carson Horn are joined by Allyssa Andrews of Wynne, Arkansas. Allyssa is the Vice President of the Arkansas FFA Eastern District and in that role, she facilitates camps in the summer, plans conferences through the year and works with first-year FFA members. On top of that she is also a full-time college student at Southern Arkansas University, where she is studying agriculture education in hopes of becomi...

Bailey Faulkner, Executive Director, Ozark Mission Project

January 28, 2022 16:00 - 42 minutes - 39.5 MB

Ozark Mission Project:  Ozark Mission Project  

Tracy Long- Vice President Communications, ABB’s North American Motion Business Area

January 21, 2022 17:18 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MB

Women in Manufacturing, Manufacturing

Jenna Martin: Co-Partner at Martin Farms

January 14, 2022 18:39 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MB

Arkansas Farm Bureau; Arkansas Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers; Arkansas Women in Agriculture

Jennifer Cook

March 19, 2021 13:00 - 54 minutes - 49.6 MB

"I know with speaking to other women in the industry, there have been challenges along the way. Luckily growing up on the farm with my grandparents’, they never taught me anything differently than they did my brother." Hear more of Jennifer Cook's story in this week's episode of WIN.   https://www.comgroup.com/ - ComGroup.com, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry - Women in Industry Page, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients - AG women page, https://www.s...

Rana Dowdy

March 12, 2021 16:20 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MB

"It is no secret that my past has not been a fairytale. It’s been filled with tragedy, sorrow, heartache, and grief. However, it is not my past that defines me. It is the present and the hope for a brighter future. The drive to move forward and create a life that my daughter can be proud of burns deep within me. I want her to know that her mama was resilient and overcame obstacles that some couldn’t survive." Hear more of Rana Dowdy's story in this week's episode of WIN. https://www.surveym...

Monica Paskewitz

March 05, 2021 14:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MB

https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients - ComGroup WIN AG, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients/monica-paskewitz - Monica's ComGroup WIN page, https://www.comgroup.com/ - ComGroup.com, https://www.myaglender.com/ - Arkansas Farm Credit, https://www.arfb.com/ - Arkansas Farm Bureau, https://web.saumag.edu/ - Southern Arkansas University, https://www.usda.gov/ - United States Departments of AG, https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ar/...

Jeanie Rowbotham

February 26, 2021 14:00 - 50 minutes - 46.7 MB

https://www.uaex.edu/counties/johnson/programs.aspx - 4-H program website, https://www.comgroup.com/ - ComGroup.com, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry - Women in Industry Page, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients - ag women page, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/525XB2M - ag nomination link, https://www.uark.edu/ - where she got her master's degree, https://www.atu.edu/ - where she got her BS degree, https://uada.edu/ - ag resources, https://open.spotify....

Taylor Wiseman

February 19, 2021 14:35 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MB

https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/ - where Taylor works currently, https://takingtimewithtaylor.wordpress.com/ - Taylor's Blog: Taking Time w/Taylor, https://arkansasffa.org/ - Arkansas FFA, https://www.ffa.org/ - National FFA, https://web.saumag.edu/ - Southern Arkansas University, https://www.uark.edu/ - University of Arkansas, https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/ - Texas A&M Ag School, https://www.arfb.com/ - Farm Bureau, https://www.lsuagcenter.com/ - LSU Ag School, www.comgroup.com - Commu...

Lindsey Holtzclaw

February 12, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MB

https://farmcredit.com/location/huntsville-branch - Huntsville Branch Farm Credit, https://www.facebook.com/FarmCreditWesternAR/ - Western Arkansas Facebook, https://www.instagram.com/lindsholtzclaw/?hl=en - Lindsey's Instagram, https://twitter.com/lindsholtzclaw?lang=en - Lindsey's Twitter, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyholtzclaw/- Lindsey's LinkedIn, https://twitter.com/FarmCreditWEAR?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor - Farm Credit's Twitter, https://www.instagram...

Sunni Wise

January 08, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 51.4 MB

https://www.comgroup.com/ - ComGroup, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry - ComGroup WIN Page, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients - ComGroup's ag Women, https://www.arkansasffa.org/ - Arkansas FFA page, #ThisIsArAgEd, https://www.instagram.com/sunnisideup23/?hl=en - her Instagram, https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients/sunni-wise?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=Organic&utm_campaign=Ag%20WIN - Sunni's ComGroup Page, https://web.s...

CJ Elumbaugh

December 17, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

https://www.facebook.com/White-River-Custom-Pools-135850619818596/ - Company FaceBook  https://www.instagram.com/cj_elumbaugh/?hl=en - her Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/white_river_custom_pools/?hl=en - Company Instagram  https://www.comgroup.com/ - ComGroup https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry - ComGroup WIN page https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/agriculture/recipients - WIN Ag Page, 

Dr. Jackie Lee

December 10, 2020 14:00 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MB

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: University of Arkansas Fruit Research Station University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Oklahoma State University Arkansas Tech University Arkansas Boll Weevil Eradication Program This episode is hosted and sponsored by The Communications Group.    

Jacy Lippoldt

December 01, 2020 19:44 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Native Acres Meat Company Oklahoma State University OSA Agriculture Program Native Acres Facebook Native Acres Instagram Native Acres Pinterest This episode is hosted and sponsored by The Communications Group.

Kelly Peebles

November 30, 2020 19:23 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Pebbles Farm Feature Story The Pebbles Farm Facebook Page This episode is hosted and sponsored by The Communications Group.

Amy Wills | Part 1

November 19, 2020 17:46 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Arkansas State University March of Dimes Amy Wills - Company Page Amy Wills - Company LinkedIn Amy Wills - LinkedIn Amy Wills - Twitter Amy Wills - Instagram Amber Massey's Blog This episode is hosted and sponsored by The  Communications Group.

Amy Wills

November 19, 2020 17:46 - 41 minutes - 37.8 MB

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Arkansas State University March of Dimes Amy Wills - Company Page Amy Wills - Company LinkedIn Amy Wills - LinkedIn Amy Wills - Twitter Amy Wills - Instagram Amber Massey's Blog This episode is hosted and sponsored by The  Communications Group.

Meg Harrington

November 12, 2020 16:41 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MB

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health U. S. National Cattleman's Association ComGroup ComGroup's Women in Industry Purdue University Her Family Farm Shack Creek

Carol Johnson

November 06, 2020 14:51 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MB

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Carol Johnson's LinkedIn Alpha Gamma Rho Webpage Alumni Link Donation Link Arkansas Cattleman's Association Arkansas Children's Hospital

Twitter Mentions

@comgrouplr 22 Episodes
@arkansasffa 2 Episodes
@amyleannw 2 Episodes
@farmcreditwear 1 Episode
@5ccattle 1 Episode
@lindsholtzclaw 1 Episode