Women In Industry Podcast

Sarah Thomas is a force of nature. As Strategic Partnerships and Programs Manager at The Venture Center in Little Rock, she helps entrepreneurs at every stage find their footing — from building a first website to navigating complex government contracts. But that's just one of her many hats. She's also a published author, a yoga instructor, president of Women in Tech Central Arkansas, and a...

Becky Liedel didn't plan on a career in manufacturing. A phone call from a friend led to a temp role — and 25 years later, she's VP of Commercial Planning & Business Development at Associated Metal Forming Technologies (AMFT), helping transform a 168-year-old legacy company into a unified global manufacturing platform. In this episode, Becky gets real about what that transformation has...

Artificial intelligence is advancing quickly, but innovation without responsibility can create real risks. In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast , Mery Zadeh of Lumenova AI joins us to discuss responsible AI and why human oversight remains critical as organizations adopt smarter systems. Learn more about Mery: https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry/mery-zadeh Learn more about Lumeno...

In this episode, we sit down with Montana Chapman, PT, DPT, Co-owner and COO of Advanced Physical Therapy, for a conversation that blends patient care with leadership. Montana shares her journey from high school athlete recovering from shoulder surgeries to discovering her calling in physical therapy, and how that path eventually led her into business ownership. Balancing her time between treating...

In this episode, we sit down with Rita Price , Director of Human Resources at Windsor Door, for a conversation that blends leadership, adaptability, and a little humor. Rita shares her unique journey, from dreaming of being an international spy or marine biologist to finding her passion in HR, and the values that continue to shape her leadership style today. With more than a decade at Windsor Door...

The American Red Cross Greater Arkansas Chapter has a new leader, and she brings a remarkable record of service and global impact. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Riva Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Arkansas Chapter, to talk about her humanitarian journey and vision for the Red Cross. Dr. Brown first connected with the Red Cross in 2023 when she deployed to Guam to assist with disaster r...

In recognition of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Awareness Month, this episode features two leading experts from Advanced Physical Therapy who are helping educate listeners on a topic that affects millions but is rarely discussed. Sandy, Director of Clinical Education and Pelvic Health Program Director, has been with Advanced Physical Therapy since 2011. She specializes in pelvic health physical therapy...

In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, Lisa Van Hook and Hannah Phillips welcome Jessica Hughes Ford, APR — Chief Communications Officer at Arkansas Community Foundation — for a powerful conversation about purpose-driven leadership and the real work behind impact. Jessica shares her career journey from Heifer International to leading communications at one of the state’s most influential...

In this episode, guest host Jacquelynn LaBeff and host Hannah Phillips welcome Anna Phillips , Managing Director of the B2R Scholars Program at Bridge2Rwanda , for an insightful conversation about education, opportunity, and leadership. Anna shares how her passion for international development led her from Arkansas to Rwanda, where she’s spent over a decade helping the next generation of African l...

In this episode, guest host Jacquelynn LaBeff and host Hannah Phillips sit down with Rosine Ndayishimiye , Director of Training at B2R Farms , for an inspiring conversation about purpose, innovation, and impact. Rosine is a former Bridge2Rwanda Scholar and Babson College graduate who shares her journey from aspiring CPA to agricultural leader. Now, she spearheads a nationwide effort to transform f...

Behind every industry are the women redefining it. 💪 The award-winning Women In Industry (WIN) Podcast brings you the stories of incredible women who are leading, innovating, and inspiring the next generation. Make a nomination today! https://www.comgroup.com/women-in-industry

In this special edition of the Women in Industry podcast, we’re bringing you highlights from a powerful leadership panel recorded live at the Arkansas Women in Agriculture Conference. Hosted by Lisa Van Hook , this interactive Q&A features three remarkable women making waves in the ag world. 🎧 Tune in to hear from Dana Stewart - Owner and Producer at Martin Cattle Company and Arkansas Farm Bu...

In this special episode, hosts Lisa Van Hook, APR, and Hannah Phillips welcome guest host Erica Duncan, APR, PR Manager at ComGroup, for a conversation with her mother, Joey Flowers, Chief Strategy Officer at ARcare. Joey shares her inspiring career journey from executive secretary to executive leadership. At ARcare, a federally qualified health center, Joey leads innovative healthcare initiatives...

On this week’s episode, hosts Lisa Van Hook and Hannah Phillips sit down with Paige Rene, an Executive Performance & Branding Coach based in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A former collegiate athlete turned entrepreneur, Paige specializes in helping high-performing women refine their personal brand, elevate their leadership presence, and step into their full potential. As the founder of Paige Rene Co...

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the WIN podcast welcomes Kristy Bayer, Athletic Director at Rockhurst University. Overseeing a thriving NCAA DII athletic department with 24 sports, 25 employees, and 575 athletes, Bayer shares her journey—from her own athletic upbringing to leading with impact. Tune in and get an inside look at the fast-paced world of an Athletic Director! Learn...

As the Executive Director and Founder, Michelle Barnes focuses on celebrating the power of women. The mission of Real Images, Inc. is simple, ensure that young girls and women are empowered and educated to become the healthiest versions of themselves through programs, scholarships, and service.

In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, we’re joined by Stacy Harper, founder of Light House Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit organization helping to improve the quality of life for children, teens, and their families living in under-served and marginalized communities of Northwest Arkansas.

In this episode of the Women in Industry Podcast, we’re joined by Karen McClard, Program Coordinator for the L.I.F.E. Cycle Project at Light House Solutions, Inc., an organization dedicated to promoting personal wellness through education, empowerment, and advocacy for menstrual equity. Karen’s inspiring journey from social work to advocating for period poverty awareness is filled with passion and...

In this episode of the Women In Industry Podcast, Senior Producer Jacq LaBeff interviews Lisa Van Hook, newly promoted President of The Communications Group. Lisa shares her career journey, insights on leadership, and the significance of receiving the prestigious Crystal Award from the Arkansas chapter of PRSA.

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Fredricka Sharkey, Director of Media Relations at the University of Central Arkansas, to explore her dynamic career journey from broadcast journalism to higher education leadership. Dr. Sharkey shares insights into her role in shaping UCA's narrative and the importance of storytelling in highlighting the university's growth and achievements.

In this episode, we’re excited to speak with Sericia Nelson, the executive editor of Noir Magazine, a publication dedicated to highlighting the rich culture and achievements of African Americans in Arkansas. But she hasn’t always been at Noir Magazine, Sericia’s diverse career includes roles in public relations and communications consulting in various fields. From politics to philanthropies, Seric...

In our first-ever mini-sode of the award-winning WIN Podcast, Jacq LaBeff sits down with Belinda Farmer, the Director of the McClinton Cancer Center at Hillcrest Health Center in Waco, Texas. Belinda shares her inspiring professional journey, her deep faith, and her heartwarming experiences as a mother and foster mom.

In this episode of the Women in Industry (WIN) podcast, host Lisa Van Hook, Executive Vice President at the Communications Group, welcomes Shaneil “PJ” Yarbrough, an early childhood education professional. PJ shares her inspiring journey from being a fifth-grade teacher to becoming the Early Childhood Trainer Manager at the University of Arkansas Early Care and Education Project.

On this episode, we'll dive into Amy's journey, discussing her transition from the finance sector to entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover Amy's insights on crafting brand voice and authentic social media engagement, alongside her dedication to community initiatives and societal impact. We'll also explore the importance of embracing discomfort in marketing, adapting to change, and prioritizing per...

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...