Cultivate Panelists **REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED**

Join us for our women's professional development series: Cultivate, presented by PDC Companies. Our mission is to fuel economic growth by facilitating the development of professional women in the Little Rock region through intentional programming directly aimed at obstacles and opportunities women encounter in their careers. The women who join us for these panels will be able to tap into the expertise of some of Little Rock's brightest and most dynamic females who are making waves in their industries. Session will include a Q&A, powered by Delta Dental of Arkansas, to ensure that viewers feel engaged and connected. Thank you to our series partner sponsors, First Security Bank and Sam's Club No. 8104.

This session, Investing in Women-Owned Businesses, will take place on Tuesday, January 26, from 12-1 p.m. Women entrepreneurs are confident in their business models and strategies, but unequal access to capital is prevalent. What can we do to encourage investments in women-owned startups? What resources exist for women entrepreneurs? Join this esteemed panel of female leaders in the entrepreneurial support organization community and learn how to cultivate the entrepreneurial ecosphere for women.

OUR PANELISTS

Brandy Thomason McNair | Designer

Brandy Thomason McNair launched Bella Vita Jewelry in 2008 at local art fairs, retail craft shows and online at bellavitajewelry.net. Eleven years in, Bella Vita Jewelry can be found at 200+ brick-and-mortar stores across the US and Canada, and in her retail shop here in Little Rock.

Brandy lives and works in downtown Little Rock. All of her jewelry is made by hand in the Bella Vita Studio, which is housed in a beautifully-restored, century-old building. Bella Vita jewelry is known for being made in small batches and one-of-a-kind runs of personalized and hand-stamped charms, natural stones, hand cast bronze and sterling pendants, and vintage baubles.

When she isn't tending to her growing small business, Brandy enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her husband, perusing local flea markets and having drinks and dinners out with friends.

Martie North | SVP and Director of Community Development/CRA for Simmons Bank

Martie North currently serves as senior vice president and director of community development/CRA for Simmons Bank, a $21 billion-dollar financial institution headquartered in Pine Bluff, serving communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma. North is responsible for developing systems, implementing policies and procedures, monitoring performance, training staff and fostering community development efforts within low-wealth communities in compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). North developed a variety of successful financial instruments supporting low wealth communities, and advising executive management on issues relating to affordable housing and community development.

North is a graduate of Harding University and has a bachelor of science degree. North has worked in various areas of banking including small business lending, loan administration and residential mortgage lending. In 2016 North added cultural competency workshops to her list of topical presentations. North has delivered numerous cultural competency presentations to entities such as the Community Development Institute, central and western Arkansas human resource associations, National Park Service, UA Pulaski Tech, and City Year. In 2020 North launched System Critical to further this work and continues to be a highly sought-after facilitator and speaker.

North believes progress will occur once diverse voices are working together, learning about each other with a unified determination to move things forward.

Our Moderator/Panelist:

Errin Stanger | Deputy Director, Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub

Errin Stanger is the deputy director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, a nonprofit organization that uses tools, skills and expertise to inspire innovators and entrepreneurs who expand the range of educational and economic opportunities for themselves, for their communities, in our state and throughout the world. Errin has graduate degrees in biology and urban studies and over 20 years of experience in fundraising, public relations, urban planning, community development, event coordination, educational programming and membership development. Errin was born in Shelbyville, TN, but was raised in Little Rock. She credits her love of urban studies and fascination of science and energy to her great grandfather, C. Hamilton Moses, founder of Arkansas Power and Light, the predecessor of Entergy Corporation.

Errin is also the producer of the North Little Rock Mini Maker Faire, the “greatest show and tell on Earth.” Maker Faire is a one-day festival in North Little Rock, AR, that promotes making and creativity in every way. The event attracts 3,500 guests and creates a positive economic impact.

Prior to her arrival at The Innovation Hub in August of 2014, she was involved with the planning team for the Argenta Downtown Development project and served on numerous city boards. She also chaired the 2006 Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure in her sister’s memory. She was the first race chair to raise over 1 million dollars for breast cancer research. She is currently serving on the State Computer Science and Cybersecurity Taskforce appointed by Asa Hutchinson, governor for the state of Arkansas.

Errin and her husband, Scott Stanger, chief of staff for the Arkansas Department of the Military and retired colonel of the United States Army, live in North Little Rock with their six children.

We hope you'll join this powerful conversation between these women as they discuss Little Rock's ESO environment, as well as setbacks and funding opportunities for female entreprenuers. Virtual Tickets are available at this time. The first 35 participants to register will receive an event swag bag, sponsored by Dassault Falcon Jet. Participants will receive a link to watch live, a discount code from our delivery partner BiteSquad for lunch (free delivery!), and instructions to participate in the live polling and Q&A. This information will come the day before the event.

Please contact Stacy Wilson at swilson@littlerockchamber.com or 501-377-6004 for more information on sponsoring or attending. 2021 Cultivate Sponsorships are Now Available.

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