Women's Leadership Summit

Second Annual

Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Conference 

Sold-Out Debut

Back by popular demand after a sold-out inaugural event, the Second Annual Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Summit returns to connect, inspire, and elevate women leaders across Arkansas. Hosted by National Park College in partnership with the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance, this high-impact, half-day conference brings together trailblazers in business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development for meaningful conversations, practical insights, and powerful networking opportunities.

Get ready for a fast-paced morning built around:

• An inspiring opening keynote that sparks new thinking and energizes your leadership.
• Focused breakout sessions centered on influence, strategy, and innovation.
• Spotlights on women shaping Arkansas through meaningful, measurable impact
• A compelling closing keynote from a leader driving meaningful growth in Arkansas.

Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, advancing your career, or redefining your path, this conference delivers practical insights, fresh ideas, and the strategic connections that move you forward.

Join us for a morning of smart conversations, collaboration, and high-level leadership—and leave with new ideas, new relationships, and renewed momentum.

8:30 – 9 AM: Check-in, Networking, Light Breakfast

• Coffee, muffins and a gluten-free option will be provided.

9 – 9:45 AM: Opening Keynote

• Drawing on her journey from professional athlete to global leadership strategist, Dr. Tywanna Smith shares an inspiring keynote on confident, purpose-driven leadership — helping you strengthen your voice, embrace your identity and lead boldly.

10 – 10:45 AM: Breakout Session 1 (Paths A, B, C)

1. Ideas to Impact: Wright Lindsey Jennings’ Woman-Run Initiative
   • Speakers: Rickie Smith and Meredith Lowry
2. Transforming The Workplace: The Leadership Circle
   • An intimate roundtable for experienced professionals on building your personal board of advisors, negotiating with confidence and setting boundaries to prevent burnout — with practical takeaways you can use right away.
   • Moderator: Anna Beth Gorman, CEO, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
   • Panelists:
     • Kelli Embry, Vice President for Administration, National Park College
     • Allyson Pittman Gattin, Public Relations Director, The Peacock Group
     • Beverly D. Joe, Vice President of Human Resources, Radius Aerospace
     • Jean Lacefield, Development Officer and Past President, Gateway Community Association
3. Build It and Grow It: AI in the Workplace: Policy, Responsibility and Risk
   • As AI reshapes the workplace, women leaders are defining its responsible use. Explore AI policy, ethics and risk, and how leaders can innovate while protecting people and trust.
   • Speaker: Audrey P. Willis, Co-founder of CodeCrew

11 – 11:45 AM: Breakout Session 2 (Paths A, B, C)

1. Ideas to Impact: The Hard Talk
   • Uncomfortable conversations are often the most important ones. This practical session will help leaders navigate hard conversations with clarity, confidence and empathy — turning tension into progress.
   • Speaker: Christy Frazier, The VIP Way

2. Transforming the Workplace: Child Care Crisis and Workforce Participation

   • Child care access isn’t just a family issue — it’s a workforce and economic imperative. This panel explores practical solutions for paid leave, affordable child care and family-friendly workplaces that strengthen Arkansas’s workforce and support women in leadership.

   • Moderator: Anna Koelsch, Director, Ingeborg Initiatives

   • Panelists:

     • Alison Williams, Director, Excel by 8 Business Coalition

     • Ashley Bearden Campbell, Executive Director, Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health

     • Dr. Jessica Cannon, Pediatrician and Owner, Hot Springs Pediatric Clinic

3. Build It and Grow It: The Female Founder’s Playbook

   • Three women-owned business owners come together for a candid conversation on building, growing and evolving a company. Hear real-world lessons on opportunity, risk and success — with practical insight for every stage of entrepreneurship.

   • Moderator: Allyson Pittman Gattin, Public Relations Director, The Peacock Group

   • Panelists:

     • Lisa Carey, Owner, All Things Arkansas and All Things Natural

     • Emily Gray, Foodservice professional and entrepreneur, Performance Food Group; former multi-unit franchise owner, Chicken Salad Chick

     • Charlene Simon, Founder, Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium

11:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Lunch

12:15 – 1:30 PM: Closing Keynotes

• 12:15 - 1 p.m.: Lift as You Launch with Dr. Constance Meadors, Director, Arkansas Space Grant Consortium
  • Trailblazing aerospace leader Dr. Constance Meadors shares an inspiring keynote on breaking barriers, expanding opportunity for women in STEM and building pathways for the next generation of innovators.
• 1 - 1:30 p.m.: Brand You: The Art of Influence with Hilary Trudell, Storytelling Coach and Founder, The Yarn
  • Hilary Trudell shares how to define your unique value, elevate your visibility and lead with authentic influence — using storytelling and confident communication to connect with impact.