Residence: Jonesboro

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business-management information systems, Arkansas State University

What was your dream job and why? My dream job would be working for a nonprofit organization. I’m passionate about making a tangible difference in people’s lives, and I find purpose in work that directly impacts communities. Nonprofit work allows you to combine strategic thinking and relationship building with a mission-driven focus, where success is measured not only by numbers, but by the positive change created.

What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? Looking back, I think my success comes down to a mix of qualities — resilience, attention to detail, empathy, a strong work ethic, honesty, and a knack for problem-solving. Resilience has helped me push forward when challenges arose, keeping my eyes on the bigger picture. Being detail-oriented means I take pride in doing things right the first time, and empathy allows me to truly understand and connect with the people I work with and serve. My work ethic and honesty keep me grounded in my values, while problem-solving turns obstacles into opportunities.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? The next big challenge I’m excited to take on is stepping into a role where I can make a broader impact through strategy and innovation. I want to continue expanding my skills in product development and community engagement, using my experience to help shape services that truly meet people’s needs.

What are some unique aspects of your job or business? One unique aspect of my job is the deeply personal, community-focused approach. It’s about understanding people’s stories and needs, which allows me to help design solutions that are both strategically sound and genuinely impactful. Another unique part is the opportunity to collaborate across diverse teams — from marketing to operations to leadership — which keeps the work dynamic and constantly evolving.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? Away from work, I love to travel with my family.

What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? My advice to young women starting their careers is to be confident in your abilities and never hesitate to speak up. Seek out mentors and build a strong support network — having people who believe in you and offer guidance can make all the difference. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks — they’re part of the journey. Above all, stay curious and keep learning; the more knowledge and skills you gain, the more doors will open for you.

Do you have a significant other and/or children? If so, what do you guys like to do for fun? Yes, my husband is Rodney Vanhoozer; we celebrated 24 years of marriage this past June. We have two sons — Dylan, a freshman at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and Drew, a freshman at Valley View [High School] in Jonesboro. As a family, we love spending time outdoors — fishing, hiking, or exploring new places. We spend many days and nights at the soccer field, but you can also find us hosting pool days with family and friends and spending time with our Beagle, Wrigley.

What are your future career plans moving forward? Ultimately, my goal is to use my skills and experience to drive meaningful change by contributing to organizations that value both business success and making a positive impact on the community.

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