Welcome to Episode Five of Woman Run – The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Meredith Lowry. Meredith is joined by Keesa Smith, Executive Director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Keesa traces the organization’s nearly 50-year history, explains major policy wins, and outlines the urgent work on maternal health, childcare, and safety-net programs across Arkansas.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The origin and mission of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and why focusing on children advances whole-family economic mobility.
• How ARKids (Arkansas’s child health program) was built and why state-led solutions matter.
• The role of SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid in stabilizing families — and common myths about program users.
• Recent policy wins (school breakfast expansion; Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Act) and the ongoing fight to extend postpartum Medicaid to 12 months.
• Practical barriers to maternal care (provider shortages, transportation, coverage gaps) and why postpartum coverage saves lives.
• How community fundraising (Soup Sunday) and new data tools (the children’s fiscal map) power advocacy and local investment.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Arkansas Advocates played a lead role in creating ARKids — an Arkansas model copied elsewhere.
• Extending postpartum Medicaid remains a top priority; Arkansas currently provides only 60 days of postpartum coverage versus 12 months in most states.
• Many people who rely on SNAP or Medicaid are working families; safety-net programs are often short-term bridges, not lifetime dependency.
• Childcare affordability is a workforce issue: high child-care costs reduce labor force participation and hurt local business.
• The new children’s fiscal map offers county-level visibility on how dollars for children are spent — a tool for smarter policymaking.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
• ARKids (children’s health coverage)
• SNAP, WIC, Medicaid
• Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Act
• Soup Sunday (fundraiser)
• Children’s fiscal map (new resource)

Quotes:

• “One out of three births in Arkansas are paid for by Medicaid.” — Keesa Smith

Enjoy this episode, as an urgent, data-driven conversation about maternal health, childcare, and policies that strengthen Arkansas families. Follow Woman-Run and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families for updates and ways to help.

Welcome to Episode Four of Woman-Run, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings Public Relations and Marketing Director Rickie Smith. Rickie is joined by Mandy Richardson, Publisher of Soirée Magazine and Founder of the Women’s Leadership Symposium & Summits. Mandy shares lessons from her deadline‑driven publishing and events career, her leadership philosophy, and practical tips for building culture, balance, and community in business.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Mandy pivoted from a student‑loan role during the 2008 federal program shutdown into a dynamic career in publishing and event management.
• The real difference between an editor’s role versus a publisher’s responsibilities—managing P&L, vision, and sales for multiple consumer‑focused products.
• Strategies for seeking honest feedback: finding mentors who’ll tell you what you need to hear, whether it’s a spouse, best friend, or a former executive colleague.
• Why culture‑first companies invest in surprise perks—from in‑office playrooms to financial wellness programs—to keep employees engaged and valued.
• Best practices for pitching media and speaking at industry events: tailor your angle to each outlet’s audience and always come prepared well in advance.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• “Publishing is 80% spreadsheets and deadlines—and 20% magic.” How Mandy balances left‑brain data work with right‑brain creative shoots.
• The origin story of the Women’s Leadership Symposium & Summits: a grassroots launch in 2018 to fill a statewide gap in general leadership training for women.
• Mandy’s leadership style: delegate, build trust, and never ask others to do work you wouldn’t tackle yourself.
• The “quiet leader” paradox: running high‑profile magazines and summits while personally avoiding the spotlight.
• Work–life reality check: ditch the myth of balance, focus on presence, and guard your mental health by setting clear email boundaries.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Soirée Magazine
• Women’s Leadership Symposium & Summit
• Wright Lindsey Jennings

Quotes:

“I really don’t enjoy the spotlight—being front and center is out of necessity for the job.” – Mandy Richardson

“In publishing, plan six months ahead for print; digital can pivot overnight.” – Mandy Richardson

“If you’re not happy outside the office, you won’t perform well inside it.” – Mandy Richardson

Enjoy this candid conversation to discover new ways to lead, collaborate, and thrive—both in business and beyond.

Welcome to Episode Three of Woman-Run The Podcast, hosted by Wright Lindsey Jennings attorney Meredith Lowry. Meredith is joined by Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women's Foundation of Arkansas. Anna Beth shares compelling stories, insightful advice, and her passion for empowering women and driving economic mobility across Arkansas.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The powerful origin story behind the Women's Foundation of Arkansas, sparked by a bold challenge to showcase the capabilities of women leaders.
• How data-driven research guides initiatives aimed at economic mobility for Arkansas women, shaping meaningful programs and community support.
• Anna Beth’s experiences and strategies for effectively convening diverse groups to collaborate and foster positive statewide change.
• Key insights into supporting Main Street businesses, overcoming barriers to accessing resources, and the crucial role social capital plays in entrepreneurial success.
• Important discussions around the nuanced challenges faced by working mothers, including childcare, maternal health, and economic empowerment.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Anna Beth’s journey of transforming the Women's Foundation of Arkansas through intentional, data-informed initiatives.
• Practical steps the Foundation takes to bridge gaps in financial literacy, mentorship, and community support for women entrepreneurs.
• How the Women's Economic Mobility Hub addresses specific needs of women entrepreneurs, particularly women of color in the Arkansas Delta.
• The critical importance of reframing conversations around equity, access, and the tangible resources women need to succeed.
• Why addressing childcare costs and supporting working mothers is essential for a thriving economic future in Arkansas.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
• Power of the Purse
• Women’s Economic Mobility Hub
• Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center (ASBTDC)

Quotes:

• “The work of equity is about giving someone the roadmap based on where they live and the barriers they face.” – Anna Beth Gorman
• “If women are successful in our state, the whole state will be successful.” – Anna Beth Gorman

Enjoy this inspiring conversation designed to foster community-building, promote economic empowerment, and advocate for meaningful change for women across Arkansas.