Maureen Martin

I moved to Little Rock from Colorado six years ago to become the director of children’s programs at Our House. I am an attorney by education, but a nonprofit leader by practice. Our House empowers homeless and near-homeless individuals and families to move out of homelessness and live successful, productive lives. At Our House, I am responsible for the overall strategic and operational functions of the high-quality, vibrant and life-affirming children’s programs that serve 150 homeless and near-homeless children daily. I also own Café Prego with my husband Brian Lane!

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion:

During law school I interned at a nonprofit focused on child advocacy law. I quickly realized that rather than practice law, I needed to spend my career finding creative and meaningful ways to invest in our children’s future and success.

Best advice I ever received:

“I hope you dance.” My mom bought me a book with that title to encourage me to be bold, be confident and keep dreaming big. Take a chance and dance.

Favorite part of living in Little Rock:

I love Little Rock, particularly my neighborhood, Hillcrest. I love running around the neighborhood, love the style of houses and love that we can walk to the grocery store and some of our favorite restaurants and shops.

How I define success:

Living each day with a positive attitude and experiencing happiness in my life and career. I find success when I am living my true purpose and creating opportunities for our children and families to find their success in life.

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

Malala Yousafzai. Her story is so powerful and her strength and resilience is an amazing inspiration to every single girl and woman. I would love to learn more about her story and her fight for girls’ education around the world.

Best career moment so far:

Taking the position at Our House and moving here. It was a bold move for my husband Brian Lane and me, but with Brian’s success owning Café Prego and my success at Our House, it was an excellent decision.

Most rewarding part of my job:

Working with the children and families at Our House. It is a true community and our clients are like family. Our families are working so hard towards success and the children’s smiles and laughs will lighten up your every day!

My role model:

My mom, Nancy Qualls, and my sister, Kathleen Phillips. They are strong women who successfully balance work with raising a family — all with grace, kindness, intelligence and humor. I couldn’t ask for more amazing women in my life.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion:

Best advice I ever received:

Favorite part of living in Little Rock:

How I define success:

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

Best career moment so far:

Most rewarding part of my job:

My role model:

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

Hillcrest

Hometown

Oklahoma City

Last good read

“Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman

Favorite Food

Café Prego

Favorite Lunch Spot

Any place with a patio

First thing you do at the office each morning

Check email

Last splurge

Ski goggles in Breckenridge

Hobbies

I like to run and spend time with my husband and daughter Riley

Dream Vacation

Traveling anywhere new!

Favorite Song

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones

SPONSORS