“CELEBRATING EDUCATION, CULTURE, AND COMMUNITY”
TRANSFORMATIONAL:
MISSION L AND TEACH OT
HERS ABOUT OUR
T
he Hispanic Women’s Organization of
Arkansas (HWOA) is one of Arkansas leading
Latino organizations. HWOA is a non-profit
organization founded in July 1999 by a group of
women, mostly Hispanic, concerned with the well-
being of their families and community. HWOA
engages in activities that reflect its mission to
advance educational opportunities for Hispanic
women and their families, to celebrate and teach
others about our cultures and to become active
participants in the community.
Our organization strives to increase participation by
Hispanics in community activities through our events,
opening channels for better understanding across
cultures, and bringing the diverse Northwest
Arkansas community together. HWOA is affiliated
with UnidosUS, the largest national Hispanic civil
rights and advocacy organization in the United States.
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THE ARKANSAS EXPERIENCE
Transformation: a complete change in the appearance or character of
something or someone, especially so that that thing or person is
improved. Cambridge Dictionary
Transformational: The Arkansas Experience reflects on the
continued changes happening in the state including
demographics, infrastructure, educational achievements and
economic prosperity-changes that are transforming lives and
landscapes in Arkansas. The population growth which is
projected to continue across the nation will be reflected in the
results of the 2020 U.S. Census and elections. Participation in the
census and the elections will show how different groups across
Arkansas feel about their communities. Diversity, equity and
inclusion are integral elements to growth and community
cohesion.
To be transformational, actions must be intentional and have real
impact in addressing issues related to changing
demographics. Change and diversity are making Northwest
Arkansas one of the most prosperous regions of the state. At the
same time, there is a need for a better understanding of
community integration that respects and engages native and
transplanted Arkansans in the decision making process,
ensuring that Northwest Arkansas continues as one of the nation’s
best places not only to live and work but also to belong.
Diversity, equity and inclusion should be a collective and
intentional set of actions to complement the transformation.
Diversity has been a new experience for many in Arkansas and
causes stress among the new arrivals and receiving groups with
the need to integrate new populations while at the same time
dealing with the resistance to change. Our future and the
realization of our collective and individual aspirations depend on
the effects of the implemented actions where all feel respected
and valued, included and equal.
Transformational: The Arkansas Experience reflects on the
need for changing traditional ways and creates alternatives that
are more in tune with the times and circumstances.
Transformation, in the end, is really just a work in progress.
 FEATURED SPEAKER
DR. STEVEN DILLINGHAM
DIRECTOR , U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Dr. Steven Dillingham was sworn in as the 25th Census Bureau
Director on January 7, 2019, after receiving unanimous
confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Dillingham has more than 25 years
of statistical, research, senior management, and legal experience in
the federal government.
Previously, he served as Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics
and the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Both of these agencies
support national surveys in partnership with the Census Bureau. The
United States Census Bureau is a principal agency of the U.S.
Federal Statistical System, responsible for producing data about
the American people and economy. In his capacity as Director, he
has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the 2020
Census, which will count every person living in the United States on
April 1, 2020. The decennial census is required by the U.S.
Constitution, and is the largest peacetime mobilization undertaken
by the federal government. The 15 billion dollar operation hires
almost 500,000 individuals across the nation.
Before joining the Census Bureau, Dillingham served as Director of
the Peace Corps Office of Strategic Information, Research, and
Planning. Other federal service includes directing research and
planning for the Department of Justice Trustee Program, and
directing surveys for the Office of Personnel Management. He was a
career member of the Federal Senior Executive Service. In
addition, Dillingham was the Deputy Director for the National
District Attorneys Association and Administrator of the American
Prosecutors Research Institute.
Dillingham has served on the faculties of the University of South
Carolina and George Mason University. He is a Senior Certified
Professional with the Society for Human Resource Management. Dr.
Dillingham earned his B.A. in Political Science from Winthrop
University in 1973. He also received his J.D., M.P.A., and Ph.D. from
the University of South Carolina, and completed his M.B.A. at
George Washington University and LL.M. at Georgetown University.
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8:00 to 9:00 AM
 Registration | Main Lobby Area
9:00 To 10:30 AM
 Plenary Session | Room 101 (The Chapel)
Education, Innovation, Transformation
Obstacles are overcome through hard work and a strong desire
for success along with the active and intentional support of
influential entities. In communities where demographic changes
are the topic of the minute, access to higher education constitutes
one of the elements that nourish the continued success of our
communities. Education fosters autonomy and progressive
thinking so students will be problem solvers and innovators,
transforming the communities they call home. Education,
Innovation, Transformation gives glimpses of the changes the
panelists have faced throughout their careers, growing up in new
immigrant destination communities. We ask them hHow has
attaining education transformed their lives? What or who has
influenced them to pursue higher education?
PROCTOR:
Jazmin Gonzalez , Student, Springdale High School
Melanie Martínez , Student, Springdale High School
MODERATOR:
Rafael Arciga-Garcia
Associate Director for Diversity Recruitment,
University of Arkansas
PANELISTS:
Erika Buenrostro
Coordinator of the Center for Student Success,
UA Cossatot
Juanita Franklin
Director, LIFE Program & Associate Director of Hispanic and
Latino Outreach at NWACC
Kristen Novotny
Spanish Teacher, Springdale High School
Springdale Public Schools
Jose Luis Rodriguez
Student
University of Arkansas
 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

 CONCURRENT SESSION | Chapel - Room 101

 CONCURRENT SESSION | Room 228
Transforming the Future Now!| Youth Initiatives

Youth transforming the future of Northwest Arkansas Now!

Unstoppable Transformation | Women Opportunities created in the region and the use of technology
are giving students the opportunity to lead and create
Unstoppable transformation brings a group of women who
pathways to college, career and to achieve tremendous
will share their stories and valuable lessons that others can
accomplishments. The youth panel will share what those
apply to create their own image and empowerment track.
accomplishments mean in their daily lives and how they can
According to the U.S. Census women in Arkansas make up
implement them in the future. What issues matter the most to
close to 51% of the total population, but the numbers do not
them? What role can young people play in leading community
tell the whole story on women’s success. Women’s journeys
success? What type of guidance or support are they receiving
through continuous learning include attaining their
from adults? These questions and more will be tackled, so
educational goals and establishing themselves in leadership
come learn about how young people are empowering
positions. Even through all of these achievements, women’s
themselves, each other and their community and the effects
metamorphosis is not completed as they continue to discover
they foresee in their future.
new opportunities every time they conquer a challenge.
PROCTOR:
PROCTOR:
Susana Escobar , Student, Harber High School
Jonathan Barrera , Student, Springdale High School
Ivan Mojica, Student, Harber High School
Nayeli Villeda, Student, Springdale High School
MODERATOR:
MODERATOR:
Edma Delgado Solorzano, PhD.
Xochitl Delgado
Assistant Professor of Spanish
Honors College Path Program
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
PANELISTS:
PANELISTS:
Mark Solis, Student, University of Arkansas
Rin Farewey
Branch Services Manager
Nicole Vazquez, Student, NWACC
Arvest Bank, Springdale
Fernanda Alcantara, Student, University of Arkansas
Tammy Espino
Mortgage Loan Originator
Aysia Nguyen, Student, University of Arkansas
First Western
Natalie Hernandez, Student, School of Innovation
Maria Torres
Mental Health Therapist
Catalina Peterson, Student, School of Innovation
Peace at Home Family Shelter
Abigail Herrera, Student, School of Innovation
Julia McKinney
Officer
Malysia Vang, Student, University of Arkansas.
Fayetteville Police Department
City of Fayetteville

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 12:00 to 2:00 PM
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
 LUNCHEON | Gym
 CONCURRENT SESSION | Room 226
EMCEES: Zessna Garcia– Rios, Community Engagement
A Time of Transformation: The Significance of Crystal Bridges Museum
Numbers and Political Participation| Politics and
Andrea Delgado, Anchor, Univision Arkansas
Representation
As citizens, we have rights and responsibilities. We pay POSTING OF COLORS | HONOR GUARD
taxes that pay for community services and representation to
solve social problems in our communities. These things American Legion, Post 100
may not happen without direct action or if there is not a
correct census count. Being part of the political process is COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARD
critical. With the growing number of U.S. born Hispanics
Single Parent Scholarship or NWA
and other groups reaching voting age, and new naturalized
citizens, the political landscape must also be transformed. FEATURED SPEAKER
This panel will address the role that each entity is playing to
reach out and educate new and prospective voters. Dr. Steven Dillingham
Although voting is the most common indicator of civic Director , U.S. Census Bureau
participation, it does not always translate into political U.S. Department of Commerce
representation. However, voting is not the only way people
can exercise influence. What is the relationship among MODERATOR
group consciousness, civic and political participation, and
community recognition based on the Census numbers? Jennifer Peñate,
Journalist & News Anchor KNWA.
PROCTOR:
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Emily Sanabria, Student, Har-Ber High School
Yesenia Magana, Student, Har-Ber High School Stephanie Orman
Mayor
MODERATOR: City of Bentonville

Beth K. Zilberman Liz Alsina

Assistant Professor of Law, Director, Immigration Clinic, Senior Program Officer
University of Arkansas School of Law Walton Personal Philanthropy Group

PANELISTS: David Sorto

Researcher (CBER)
Ed Rogers University of Arkansas
Adult Education Instructor
NWACC Adult Education Erin Turner Hogue
Director, Strategic Initiatives and Operations
Xavier Medina Vidal Medina
Walmart.org.
Assistant Professor, Diane D. Blair Professor of Latino Studies,
University of Arkansas Michael E. Harvey
Nicole Clowney Chief Operating Officer
Arkansas State Representative in the Arkansas House Northwest Arkansas Council
State of Arkansas
Doug Sprouse
Dr. Adriana Lopez-Ramirez Mayor
Associate Professor of Sociology City of Springdale
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

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 2:00 to 3:00 PM
 FINAL SESSION | Room 101 (The Chapel)
A Magic Trick – Come Out to Disappear | LGBTQ+
The census is coming, the census is coming! So what? Shortly
after President Trump took office in 2017, his administration
made headlines when reports indicated the U.S. Census
Bureau removed questions regarding sexual orientation and
gender identity from consideration in the 2020 U.S. Census
and the American Community Survey, a yearly report that
polls one in 38 American households. Those questions were
redacted from a subsequent shortlist. More recently the
Department of Justice has advocated that Title VII’s
prohibition against “sex” discrimination in the workplace
does not cover discrimination on the bases of sexual
orientation and gender identity. If the High Court agrees with
DOJ’s position, it could reverse years of important lawmaking,
including decisions that guaranteed employees protections
from sex stereotyping discrimination. What do diversity,
equity, and inclusion mean for marginalized groups? National
LGBTQ advocacy groups, like the Task Force, describe the
measure as an attempt to erase LGBTQ Americans and make
them invisible.
PROCTOR:
Martha Aikuj , Student, Springdale High School
Ruthan Juonran, Student, Springdale High School
MODERATOR:
Anne Shelley
Senior Trainer, Facilitator, Consultant
IDEALS Institute, University of Arkansas
PANELISTS:
Francisco Cortez
Board Treasurer & Finance Officer
NWA Equality
Eugene Adamson
Sr. Shopper Marketing Manager
Coca-Cola
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Edma Delgado Solórzano PhD., Assistant Professor of Spanish,
University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She specializes in Mexican
and U.S. Latino Literatures and Cultural Studies. Her research
examines representations of and by marginalized communities
in Latin America and the United States and the strategies used by
these communities to create symbolic and literal spaces within
and at the margins of national narratives. She lives in Little Rock
with her greyhound, Goya.
Juanita Olivares Franklin, Director of the LIFE Program and
Associate Director of Hispanic and Latino Outreach at NorthWest
Arkansas Community College. Juanita is passionate about
helping students, including DREAMers, attain college education
and advocates for immigrant rights and the undocumented. She
is a first generation American of Mexican descent originally from
California. She and her husband, Greg, live in Northwest
Arkansas.
Erika Buenrrostro, Recruiter & Coordinator, Center for Student
Success, University of Arkansas – Cossatot. Born in Mexico and
raised in De Queen Arkansas., she earned an A.A. degree from
UA Cossatot, a B.A. and M.Ed. from UofA Fayetteville. Erika
advocates for higher education, social justice and community
organizing. She loves dancing and spending time with her
family. 2004 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
Jose Luis Rodriguez, student, University of Arkansas Walton
College of Business, Supply Chain Management. He graduated
from Springdale high school in 2017 and attended Northwest
Arkansas Community College (NWACC) where he received his
A.S. of Science in Business. Jose is originally from Irapuato,
Guanajuato, Mexico. He is currently a Customer Service
Manager at Walmart 5260. 2013 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
Kristen Novotny, Spanish Teacher, Springdale High School. She
was born in California and moved five times with her Air Force
family before settling in Arkansas after graduating high school.
Mrs. Novotny earned B.A. and M.A. degrees from UofA. She has
taught every level of Spanish, including Advanced Placement
Spanish Language and Spanish Literature. She holds leadership
positions in various initiatives that are transforming foreign
language education in Arkansas and is also a CollegeBoard
Exam Reader for AP Spanish Literature, and teaches AP Spanish
Language & Culture and Bilingual Service Learning.
 Xochitl Delgado Solorzano, Director, Honors College Path Anne Shelley, Senior Trainer, Facilitator, and Consultant for
Program, UofA. Delgado Solorzano graduated from the IDEALS Institute at the University of Arkansas. Her vast
Springdale High School and has earned a B.A. from Hendrix experience in transformation, diversity, equity and inclusion
College, an M.A. in Spanish from The University of Kansas, education, comes from years working in the field of activism,
and an M.A. from The University of Arkansas Clinton School to fight bias, bigotry and racism through education and
of Public Service. She has worked as a consultant for awareness. Anne earned a B.A. I psychology from Missouri
HWOA and a program associate at the Winthrop
State University.
Rockefeller Foundation. In both positions, she worked
towards enabling these institutions to better serve diverse
populations across the state of Arkansas.
Malysia Vang, Senior, University of Arkansas. Studying
Tammy Espino, Mortgage Loan Originator, First Western.
Marketing and minoring in Enterprise Resource Planning.
She is an Arkansas native from Fayetteville with over 15
She earned an associate degree in business administration
years of experience in the mortgage industry, previously as
a bilingual real estate broker and currently a mortgage loan from Northwest Arkansas Community College. She is a
originator, experience that gives her a unique sales and execution intern at Kellogg's in Roger's. She is
understanding of both sides of the home ownership proud to be a Hmong student.
business. She enjoys spending her free time with her
amazing husband and two teenage sons.

.
Rin Farewey, Branch Services Manager, Arvest Bank in
Springdale. Rin was born and raised in Guam, where she
graduated from high school. In 2015 she moved to the U.S.
She has held various position within the bank. Rin has also ¡Tu Cuentas, Hazte Contar!
completed internal leadership training, and was named the
Vice President of her Leadership Class in the 2017-2018
year. She and her husband Clavius have three boys.

Maria Elena Torres, Mental Health Therapist, Peace at

Home Family Shelter, is a transplanted Arkansan who grew
up in San Fernando Valley California with her Mexican and
Salvadorian parents. She graduated from Springdale High
School and enlisted in the Army Reserves, reaching the
rank of Non Commissioned Officer (Sergeant, E-5). During
her 10 years of service, she also attended the UofA where
she obtained a B.A. and M.A. in Social Work.

Julia McKinney, School Resource Officer, Fayetteville Police

Department. The goal SRO program is to protect students
and reduce the incidences of juvenile crime and
delinquency. Julia earned a B.A. degree from University of
Arkansas where she also started law school. Julia was born
in El Salvador and she has lived in Springdale , AR more
than 30 years. She has been working for the FPD for 13
years.

11 12
 Beth Zilberman, Assistant Professor and Director of the
Immigration Clinic at the University of Arkansas School of
Law. She is an expert on asylum and child immigration and a
trusted source for local and national reporters in print and
broadcast media who are seeking clarity on complex legal
issues when researching immigration issues. Her scholarship
focuses on access to justice in immigration adjudications and
intersects with family, education and juvenile justice law.
Zilberman earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of
California at Davis and a Juris Doctor from Boston College
Law School.
Nicole Clowney, Arkansas State Representative, Arkansas
House. She represents District 86 which includes portions of
Washington County. For the 92nd General Assembly, Rep.
Clowney serves on the House Judiciary Committee and the
House State Agencies & Govt'l Affairs Committee. Rep.
Clowney is a professor at the University of Arkansas at
Fayetteville. She graduated with a B.A. from the University of
Chicago and a Juris Doctorate from Yale University. She lives
in Fayetteville with her husband and two children.
Xavier Medina Vidal, PhD., Assistant Professor, Diane D.
Blair Professor of Latino Studies J. William Fulbright College
of Arts & Sciences. He earned a B.A. Economics and Spanish,
Chicano Studies minor and M.A. Political Science, University
of New Mexico; Ph.D. Political Science, University of
California, Riverside. His research focuses on questions
related to Mexican and US policymaking institutions, and
identity formation and Latinos’ transnational political
behavior.
. Vietnamese communities in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Adriana López-Ramírez, PhD., Associate Professor,
Sociology Program Coordinator, University of Arkansas at
Little Rock. She received her PhD in sociology from Brown
University, with a specialization in social demography. Her
research examines Mexicans, both in Mexico and in the
United States, and focuses on how migration affects families
and living arrangements. Dr. Lopez teaches courses on
social statistics, research methods, family, and minority
groups.
Catalina Peterson, a senior at the Don Tyson School of
Innovation, is dedicated to academics and extracurricular
activities that will positively impact her life and those around
her. She has been part of and led several educational efforts
for different aspects of STEM related projects for students of
all ages throughout her community. She has committed
herself to being a role model within her community.
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Fernanda Alcantara, political science student, University of
Arkansas. She has lived in Rogers since she was 5 years old,
where she graduated from high school with high honors.
Fernanda is active in various student government
organizations and Honors College at the UofA. She is national
spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Fernanda enjoys spending time with family and friends,
going to concerts, reading, and exercising.
Natalie Hernandez, senior student, Don Tyson School of
Innovation. She plans to pursue a degree in Biological
Engineering at the University of Arkansas. For the past two
years, Hernandez has focused on introducing and bringing
STEM activities to 3rd to 5th grade girls in the Springdale
Public School District. She has discovered the endless
opportunities available to young women in the STEM fields.
Nicole Vazquez, Student, NWACC. She is a first generation
college student. Nicole graduated from Rogers New
Technology High School obtaining her HS diploma and
Associate degree from NWACC at the same time. Nicole is
co-founder of Skate for Change NWA , founding member of
the Latin X Theatre project and an actress. She currently
works for Teen Action and Support Center.
Aysia Nguyen, Student, University of Arkansas. Aysia’s
family came to Fort Smith as refugees following the Vietnam
War, making her a first-generation Vietnamese-American
from Fort Smith, AR. She is very active in student and civic
engagement associations that will serve as stewards for
Aysia also volunteers her time to preserve Vietnamese
traditions and culture.
Mark Solis, Sophomore, University of Arkansas, majoring in
psychology and criminology. Mark’s family moved to
Arkansas from California where Mark was born. He aspires
to get into a field of law enforcement, specifically the FBI.
Abigail Herrera is a high-achieving senior at the Don Tyson
School of Innovation and a leader in STEM education
initiatives in Northwest Arkansas. Herrera mentors students
in robotics, engineering, computer science, and drone
technology. She is member of the robotics team that will be
representing the U. S. in Dubai for an international
tournament.
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 EMCEES
Zessna Garcia-Rios, was born in the city of Gomez Palacio,
Durango, Mexico but grew up in Bentonville, AR. She holds
a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and a M.A. in Political Science
from U of A. She is Community Engagement Coordinator at
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art .
She is a 2011 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
Andrea Delgado, was born and raised in Honduras, C.A.
She came to U.S. when she was 20 years old to settle in
Arkansas. She attended NWACC, pursuing a career in
Broadcast Journalism. She is an anchor for Noticiero
Univision Arkansas, and the host for newscast’s weekend
edition. Andrea, her husband Jairo Delgado and children
live in Springdale, Arkansas.
Jennifer Peñate is an award-winning journalist and evening
anchor for KNWA. She joined the team after working at
KODE in Joplin, Missouri where several of her reports were
recognized by the Missouri Broadcasters Association and
the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. She was born in El
Salvador but grew up in Rogers where she graduated from
high school. Jennifer is the first in her family to obtain a
college education. She earned a B.A. in journalism from
UofA.
HWOA Programs’ Sponsor
Northwest Arkansas Thrives when we are
TRUE to our communities.
TRUE Northwest Arkansas is a three-year
pilot initiative to Train, Report, Uplift,
and Engage our community towards
diversity, equity and inclusion.
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Community Excellence award
The HWOA Annual Community Excellence Award recognizes an
individual or agency in our community that through his, her, or its
leadership, actions, work, influence and attitudes has
demonstrated excellence in their service, promoting
advancement for all. Such actions and work must be inclusive and
benefit not one specific group, but the whole community and the
state of Arkansas.
Since 1984, SPSF NWA has been successful in helping low-income
single parents, (primarily women) including DACA beneficiaries,
obtain a college degree or career certification as their family’s
pathway out of poverty. SPSF NWA serves the residents of Carroll,
Madison and Washington counties. SPSF NWA vision is to end
poverty and create prosperity by offering direct financial
assistance to low-income single parents who are pursuing
education that leads to employment with family sustaining wages.
This unique approach offers both direct financial assistance as
well as supportive services to help ensure that scholarship
recipients achieve both academic and career success. Surveys
conducted demonstrate that, within 6 months of graduation, SPSF
NWA alumni consistently secure sufficient employment to meet
the needs of their families and eliminate their dependence on
government assistance.
SPSF NWA is more than just financial support. SPSF NWA also
offers life skills that go along with seeking a degree.
Longstanding capacity building programs include mentoring
offered through the PRO program, where students are paired with
an area professional working in the same field the recipient
wishes to enter. Staff and volunteers also offer services such as
resume building, interview tactics, successful dress for the
business world, and professional networking.
SPSF NWA celebrated 35 years of creating better, brighter futures
for 9,500 scholarship recipients, awarding $6.5 million in
scholarships.
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 HWOA Board of Directors
Regina Lopez, Board President, originally from Guatemala
and has lived in Northwest Arkansas since 1995. She earned
a B.A. from University of Arkansas and an MBA from John
Brown University. She is currently part of the Privacy
Compliance team at Walmart. She strives to make a positive
impact in her community through youth mentorship.
She is a 2008 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
Rafael Arciga Garcia, M. Ed., Board Treasurer, is associate
director for diversity recruitment at the University of
Arkansas where he coordinates recruitment and outreach
activities. Rafael is a former undocumented student. Rafael
earned a B.A. in International Relations and Latin American
studies and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from the
UofA. He is a 2004 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
Mallory Sanders, Board Secretary. Staff Attorney for Legal
Aid of Arkansas in consumer protection, working to identify
and address systemic issues that perpetuate poverty. She
received a B.A. Degree from the U of A Fayetteville, and Juris
Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Mallory
grew up in Arkansas.
Anne Yancey, a native Arkansan, is a Staff Spanish
Interpreter for the Administrative Office of the Courts. She
has state and federal certifications in court interpreting. She
is one of the HWOA founding members. She has lived in
Arkansas since 1981, after spending 8 years in Guatemala.
Jimena Flores, Branch Sales Manager, Arvest Bank. She has
acquired vast experience in the banking system where she
has worked since 2012. Jimena obtained a high school
diploma in 2011 from West Fork High School and she
volunteers in numerous civic endeavors: 7Hills Homeless
Center, House of Hope Rescue Mission, and the Hispanic
Women’s Organization of Arkansas.
CONFERENCE PLANNING COLLABORATORS
Marsha Layer, Springdale Public Schools
Maria Solis, Arkansas Department of Human Services
Jimena Flores, Arvest Bank
Beth K. Zilberman, Director, Immigration Clinic, UofA
Danielle D. Weatherby, Co-Director of Student Competitions
Joseph M. Porter, Northwest Arkansas Equality, Inc.
Xochitl Delgado, University of Arkansas
Hunter Rogers, Jones Center
Ana Phakhin, United Way
Ivan Lopez, Executive Cheff, Holiday Inn
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HWOA Staff
Margarita Solórzano, HWOA Founding Member and HWOA
Executive Director, is originally from Mexico. She has lived
in Northwest Arkansas since 1996. She earned an associate
of arts degree from Northwest Arkansas Community College
and attended the University of Arkansas. She has been
working towards community integration.
Rebeca Soto, Development Officer. She is originally from
Mexico and has lived most of her life in Springdale, AR. She
is also a student of Civil Engineering at the University of
Arkansas, Fayetteville. Rebeca enjoys helping people
acquire skills to succeed in life. Rebeca’s favorite part of the
day is spending her free time with her children.
She is a 2013 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
Nathaly Dávila, GEM Coordinator, University of Arkansas
alumni inducted into the Latino Alumni Society, 2018.
Originally form Texas, Nathaly came to Arkansas at the age of
thirteen. She obtained a B.A. from the University of Arkansas,
Fayetteville. Nathaly's passion is mentoring, guiding, and
assisting those in need. Her favorite pastimes include visiting
museums and historical sites with her daughter, Eva.
She is a 2008 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
Berenice Alcala, Office Assistant She graduated from SHS
International Baccalaureate program, and currently attends
NWACC. Berenice is the first in her family to attend college.
She has a passion for fashion as well as music and hopes to
make those hobbies a career one day. To her, it is an honor
to be working for a reputable and empowering organization
such as HWOA that has inspired her to work towards making
a difference in the world. 2017 HWOA Scholarship recipient.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO:
Julio Baeza, Mi Dia Feliz Rentals
Jose Aguilar, DJ Pepe Chapin
Guadalupe Albarran, Conference Logo Design
Elena Moreno, Servers Trainer
Walmart, Program Printing
Springdale Public Schools— Photography
Rachel Moore, Bulldog TV, Springdale High School
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 FEATURED SPEAKERS
Stephanie Orman, Mayor, City of Bentonville. She served two
terms on the city council prior to being elected mayor. Upon
HWOA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
graduation from the UofA, Stephanie worked for KNWA news
station. She later received her graduate degree from Southwest
Missouri . Mayor Orman her husband Terry and two children,
Taylor and Landry live in Bentonville. She enjoys being a
community servant.

David Sorto, Research Associate, Center for Business and

Economic Research , UofA. His research projects span economic
impact analysis of organizations, studying the NWA housing
market, and quantification of various social and policy issues
affecting Northwest Arkansas and the state. He holds a B.A. in
Economics from the University of Western Ontario (Canada) and a
M.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.

Liz Alsina, Senior Program Officer, Walton Personal Philanthropy

Group. Her work aims to support dynamic communities through
the advancement of the arts, the activation of greenspace and
outdoor resources, and the development of new initiatives to
support economic development and diversity and inclusion in
Northwest Arkansas. She earned a B.A. from the Manhattan School
of Music and a M.A. from Yale University. She also completed a
Certificate in Global Affairs from New York University. From the inception of the Hispanic Women’s Organization of
Arkansas (HWOA) Scholarship fund 448 scholarships have
been awarded to deserving Latino students, who for the most
Michael E. Harvey, Chief Operating Officer, Northwest Arkansas part are first generation college attendees.
Council. He is a professionally trained economic developer with 24
years of experience at the local and regional level. He is a Funds for the scholarship program are raised through
graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, earning a BA in
Marketing and a MA in Economic Development. He joined the
HWOA’s annual Cinco de Mayo festival, a family oriented
Northwest Arkansas Council in 2011. He lives in Fayetteville with event, and through the generous support of our sponsors.
his wife Ashley and their two doggos, Duffy and Paisley. This year we would like to once again thank an anonymous
member of the League of Women Voters of Washington
County for matching the funds HWOA raised through small
Erin Turner Hogue, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Operations, donations.
Walmart.org. She leads operations and strategic initiatives and
works to align and leverage corporate and philanthropic efforts We are very proud to say that many of the scholarship
supporting the needs of the community through strategic planning recipients are here today as volunteers, panelists, masters of
and responsible grant making across all sectors. Erin earned a ceremonies, and performers.
B.A. from Ouachita Baptist University, and M.A. in legislative affairs
from George Washington University in Washington D.C. and a
Ph.D. in history from the University of Arkansas.

Doug Sprouse, Mayor, City of Springdale, is a lifelong resident of

Northwest Arkansas. He grew up in Springdale. He served on the
Springdale School Board from 1999-2008 and was elected mayor of
the City of Springdale in 2008 and has been serving on various
state committees. He and his wife, Sandy, have 3 children and 8
grandchildren.

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 GUIDING, EMPOWERING, AND MENTORING

“Because Every Person is a GEM”

The GEM Program assists Spanish– speaking residents to

Notes
find opportunities for self-development, education, and
employment, empowering participants to reach their
potential through effective support. GEM provides adults
with practical computer classes, personal and professional
development workshops. These are skills everyone needs to
succeed in an ever-changing work environment.

REACHING FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM

Citizenship is not a benefit, it is an identity!

RAD offers comprehensive services to people wanting to

become naturalized citizens. HWOA promotes civic
participation, has signed up around 3,000 new voters and
provided many of them with information about polling sites,
as well as transportation on election days and translation
services at polling sites.

HWOA Program’s Sponsor:

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 Proud Sponsors

Transportes Chayo & Autobuses Del Rio

La Michoacana Paleteria y Neveria

Law Offices of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A.

Supermercado El Ranchito

Ozark Electric Cooperative

Beaver Water District

Univision Arkansas