These NWA Emerging Leaders have been featured in past newsletters. Check them out!
Matt Kezhaya
Employer: Kezhaya Law PLLC
Length of time in NWA: Since August 2008
How long have you been in NWAEL? Since October 2014
How has being part of Emerging Leaders helped you connect with NWA? Working with the Political & Government Affairs group has put me in contact with elected officials. Also, the Board Service Certification program gave me a few pointers to be a better director for the Bentonville Public Library Foundation. But, most importantly, it’s a great place to find like-minded young professionals and make new friends.
Other comments regarding NWAEL: I’m excited about the upcoming social events.
Tara Dryer
Employer: University of Arkansas
Length of Time in NWA: 8 years
How long have you been in NWAEL? 6 years
How has being part of Emerging Leaders helped you connect with NWA? Beyond the educational events and opportunities that NWAEL puts on for its members, the greatest value has been meeting new people in various sectors of the business community and being able to engage with them in a variety of professional capacities. Through the workgroups, you are able to get involved in areas on the community that you are passionate for whether it be community enrichment, legacy, trails, political and government affairs or sustainability or a little bit of everything. Emerging Leaders is built around what our members want it to be so our members are what shapes the direction of our organization. Getting involved is the reason I am now connected!
Paul Wilson
Employer: INTRUST Bank
Length of Time in NWA: 6.5 years
How long have you been in NWAEL: 6 years
How has being part of NWAEL helped you connect with NWA: My family and I moved to NWA in January 2008 to further my career with INTRUST Bank, and we moved here not knowing one person and very little about the region. NWAEL was a conduit for me.
It all boils down to working closely with others and engaging existing leadership. Serving on the board and starting the Sustainability Workgroup allowed me to identify needs, share a vision, communicate that vision, build consensus and ultimately execute a strategy. This process provides access, while allowing existing leadership as well as peers to get to know your character, motivation, capacity for discernment and personally witness your work ethic. Those things translate in our minds from community initiatives to career initiatives and ultimately builds trust and earns you credibility. If you do it well in one area, odds are you do it well in other areas too, but the context is expanded outside your smaller scope and sphere of influence.
And so it compounds! Before I knew it, I was being asked to serve on other boards and have been given many meaningful opportunities to work with new and existing leaders because of the successes that emerged out of NWAEL. The relationships that were developed have turned into lasting friendships and are people I trust and call to this day. We share an experience, and it’s no longer simply walking away with a business card. It’s more substantial. I’ve become vested in the NWA community, and now this is where I call home.
Other comments regarding NWAEL: Like any organization, you’ll get out what you put in. If you’re sitting on the sidelines waiting for something to happen, you’ll never experience the full reach of the benefits that come from NWAEL. Make something happen today; join a workgroup, start a workgroup or present an idea to fill a gap somewhere in the community. Leave something better than when you arrived. The benefit is reciprocal.
Natalie Bartholomew
Employer: First National Bank of NWA
Length of time in NWA: 32 years (5th generation to live in NWA)
How long have you been in NWAEL: 9 months
How has being part of Emerging Leaders helped you connect with NWA: Although I have been a lifelong resident of NWA and my roots run deep in this area, Emerging Leaders gave me an immediate plug into a fun, motivated group of professionals after a job change that took me from Washington County to Benton County. I am also finding that my new connections through NWAEL are intertwining with other organizations that I am involved with which helps strengthen the relationships even further.
Other comments regarding NWAEL: NWAEL is an excellent opportunity for anyone regardless if you are a NWA native or new to the area.
Bo Yarborough
Employer: Walmart Stores Inc
Length of Time in NWA: 1 year recently, 8 years away before, but grew up here
How long have you been in NWAEL: 1 year
How has being part of Emerging Leaders helped you connect with NWA: Since joining NWAEL I’ve been exposed to professionals in industries ranging from banking, consumer goods, retail, not for profit, etc. Being a NWAEL member has helped me meet my goals on a professional level, as well as a personal level. I’ve connected with people who’ve contributed to my success at work, as well as being exposed to many opportunities to give back through some amazing non-profit organizations.
Other comments regarding NWAEL: NWAEL is the best way for young and seasoned professionals in NWA to get connected, get involved, and to make a difference in the community we all love so much. Being involved in the work0groups has given me the opportunity to turn things I’m passionate about into action and help others reach their goals as well.
Tina Winham
Employer: NUK
Length of Time in NWA: I have lived in Northwest Arkansas my whole life! Born in Gravette, Arkansas
How Long Have You Been in NWAEL: I have been a member of NWAEL for 6 years
How has being part of Emerging Leaders helped you connect with NWA: NWAEL has provided opportunities for me to meet others and learn about our region and how to match up skills and passion with the needs of our community. I’ve also benefitted from leadership development and the vast opportunities that are made available to us to learn from some of our successful community leaders. I appreciate the friendships that have been created and partnerships that have been formed to improve our community.