TAG TEAM
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas (BBBSCA) and the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center are joining forces for a new initiative to help kids and adults talk about diversity.
The collaboration includes mentor/mentee visits to the museum's new "Same. Different. Amazing." children's gallery to help further BBBSCA's initiatives in justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
"We are committed to bringing unity in a world that seems so divided," says Raymond Omar Long, BBBSCA's new CEO and the first Black leader to hold the position. "We want to empower young people along their paths that sometimes contain unparalleled adversity. This partnership provides an opportunity for Bigs and Littles to affirm and celebrate diverse backgrounds, lives and experiences."
TOP HONORS
► The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild won the Gold Award of Excellence from the League of American Orchestras Volunteer Council for its 2021 Symphony of Flavors fundraiser. The virtual series featured cooking demonstrations from the pros at Ristorante Capeo, Trio's, Kemuri and Colonial Wines & Spirits, all to safely benefit the ASO.
► The Radiation Oncology Center at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute has been granted full accreditation by the American Society for Radiation Oncology, making it the only radiation oncology center in the state with such status.
ON THE ROAD
The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub recently received a $289,000 grant from Pulaski County to help fund its Mobile Makerspace. Thanks to these funds, The Hub will be able to bring free, hands-on STEAM activities such as screen printing, 3D design and robot building to schools across the county.
If you're interested in bringing the Mobile Makerspace to your campus, visit arhub.org/mobile.
RAISE A GLASS
We're not the only one celebrating big milestones. The Junior League of Little Rock marks its centennial anniversary this year, while the Museum of Discovery celebrates 95 years, Arkansas Hospice turns 30 and the Arkansas Foodbank's Empty Bowls event marks 20 years this spring (see Fulfilling a Mission With Empty Bowls.)
BIG MOVES
Pierre Ferrari, president and CEO of Heifer International, is retiring after 12 years.
Victoria Watson is the new director of policy and engagement for Forward Arkansas. City Year Little Rock found its new chief of staff in Jeremy Hill.
Keisha Patterson has been hired as the chief community initiatives officer at the Arkansas Foodbank. Michelle Gilbert has been named the director of communications for the Downtown Little Rock Partnership. The Arkansas Rural Health Partnership announced Rex Jones as CEO effective May 1.
The following board of directors changes were announced:
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas - Brent Beaulieu, Cale Block, Amy Fallon, Eliecer Palacios, Phyllis Rogers, Michelle Rupp, Deb Sefcik, Shelia Vaught
UA Little Rock alumni - Rebecca Flynn, Justin Martin, Jonathan Nunn, Sheena Olson, Kristie Smith
Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation - Melissa Bradley, Vicki Saviers
