First Class of Arkansas Delta Women's Leadership Academy Celebrates Graduation

11/18/2024

JONESBORO - The 25 women in the inaugural class of the Arkansas Delta Women's Leadership Academy, hosted by Arkansas State University, have spent the last 11 months working toward a goal, becoming better leaders in the communities they serve.

The graduation ceremony, held at the ASU System office in Little Rock, continued the education the women have been part of for the past year.

For their final meeting, attendees visited the Arkansas State Capitol and met in the Senate chamber to hear from Sen. Jane English of North Little Rock, Sen. Breanne Davis of Russellville, and Sen.-elect Jamie Scott of North Little Rock, about the importance of women in public service and priorities for the next legislative session.

Shane Broadway, vice president for university relations at the ASU System, welcomed the class to the ASU System office.

"Thank you for being part of this class. You're going to make connections and friendships with other female leaders. We are thankful that you are part of this inaugural class," said Broadway.

Libby Doss Lloyd, director of communications for the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Center, spoke about the city that she serves and the events and activities that take place in the state's capital.

Guest speaker Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, shared details on what types of experiences help build a great leader.

"Build your social capital. Mentor relationships are so critical because these are the people who are going to help you build trust. You need someone local who can help you get in the door. You can't build social capital if you do not have mentorships," Gorman said.

Keith Gammill, director of AEDC Manufacturing Solutions, spoke on the five obstacles for transformational leadership improvement.

"If you are leading, you must be moving. Think about the word. Leading is about going somewhere," said Gammill.

In addition to continuing their education on being leaders in the spaces where they reside, work, and thrive, the women were encouraged by keynote speaker Natalie Rockefeller, fundraiser and volunteer.

"Strong women will cheer for each other. Strong women will congratulate you on your successes. Be a strong woman and surround yourself with strong women," said Rockefeller.

Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, dean of the A-State College of Liberal Arts and Communication, and Andrea Allen, executive director of the Delta Center for Economic Development, are the architects of the program, along with program coordinator Cari White.

"I want to recognize each of you and everything you have put in this year. I recognize what a commitment you have made and I appreciate you for it," said Allen.

During the ceremony, they said they are proud of the participants and eager to see what they accomplish in the future.

"Congratulations. Continue to do the work that you're doing," said Jones-Banch.

The 2024 class voted classmate Kennidi Ridgell as their speaker.

"Every single woman here has a bright light. The goal is to make sure you believe on the inside that your light is a bright source and that you carry yourself in a way to see it on the outside," said Ridgell.

Each of the ladies took on a project throughout the past year to better their communities. At each stop along the way, speakers shared insights about their leadership journeys as well as their cities and community programs.

"This leadership academy, from start to finish, from speaker to speaker, to every single encouragement from our classmates and fearless leaders we have officially found our light," Ridgell concluded.

The second cohort of the ADWLA will be announced soon, with 25 qualified women from across the Delta.

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