I started as the new executive director for Economics Arkansas last fall, making me just the fifth executive director in our organization’s 56-year history. We are a statewide nonprofit that works to equip pre-K-12 schools with standards-based resources and professional development to teach economics, personal finance and the free enterprise system using practical, innovating and inspiring methods. Our vision is for Arkansas students to master an understanding of economics and personal finance and apply that knowledge for success in the free enterprise system.

pressing questions

Biggest challenges in my career:

I have to continually remind myself that balance is a good thing. When you love what you do, it’s easy to never turn it off, but everyone needs a recharge and workplaces benefit from employees that take time for themselves.

How I knew this was my passion:

I am super passionate about personal finance. People who find budgets limiting are viewing them all wrong. Budgets allow you to prioritize what you want out of life, and I find that liberating. My budget prioritizes anything near palm trees.

Best advice I ever received:

Never underestimate the value of being at the table. I come from a place of “yes” because you never know where that relationship or experience will take you.

Most rewarding part of my job:

I love to see the impact we are making on students as a result of our teacher professional development programs. I get most excited about our Itty Bitty Economics program, a reminder that it’s never too early to start!

I wish I knew how to:

French braid my daughter’s hair. I have failed as a mom in this way.

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

Bessie B. Moore, our fearless first leader. There’s a story of her locking businessmen in a room until she met her fundraising goal, and it worked. She laid the foundation for what we do now, and I admire her tenacity.

My typical workday:

Being a statewide organization, I never know where the day will take me. You might find me sitting in an EA-led workshop, meeting with a superintendent, having lunch with a donor or mapping with our team what is to come.

My role model:

My role models are a handful of everyday people that live right here in Little Rock. They are my mentors that I admire for different reasons - approachable, uplifting, insightful, connected, supportive and more. Everyone needs a mentor or two.

It's all in the details...

Neighborhood you live in

Lakewood

Hometown

Greenbrier

Last good read

Something with my kids

Favorite Food

Mexican

Favorite Lunch Spot

South on Main

First thing you do at the office each morning

Thank a donor

Last splurge

Punta Cana

Hobbies

Road trip with kids

Dream Vacation

Overwater bungalow

Favorite Song

“Imagine” by John Lennon

Kathleen is just one woman to watch in 2018

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women to watch 2018

Kathleen Lawson

Executive Director

Economics Arkansas

women to watch 2018

Kathleen Lawson

Executive Director

Economics Arkansas

pressing questions