Women In Industry Podcast The Communications Group

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 classroom knowledge to assist non-profit organizations.

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 through education and support. Listen to this episode as Megan combats human trafficking myths and discusses the impact she makes in her community.

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 unified voice and support for independent seed companies, advocating for their interests, and addressing their specific challenges. IPSA offers educational programs, networking opportunities, and keeps its members informed about the latest research and market trends.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of the WIN Podcast to learn more about Cat Frans' journey and the impactful work IPSA is doing for independent seed companies in the Midwest. Discover the fascinating world of seeds and agriculture as we delve into the inspiring story of Cat and the important role IPSA plays in the industry.

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 her and her peers, leaving a lasting impact on her throughout her formative years. This foundation became instrumental in shaping her career centered around advocating for equity, particularly in the field of early education.

Tune into this episode to learn more about how Nichole’s commitment and leadership creates a brighter future for the next generation.

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 the wake of the Afghanistan government’s collapse in 2021, her team assisted a total of 91 Afghan refugees in building new lives in Arkansas.
Tune into this episode to witness the profound impact she makes on the lives of refugee families, and discover how she empowers these individuals to overcome obstacles and embrace new beginnings.

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.