WOMEN TO WATCH

Erica Goss Warden

Director of Sales and Events
North Little Rock Tourism

I started at North Little Rock Tourism in 2017 as sales manager and rose to director of sales and events. I oversee all aspects of the Argenta Plaza, as well as sell and market North Little Rock to groups, meetings, tournaments and events nationwide. North Little Rock Tourism develops, markets and advocates to drive tourism in North Little Rock.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I have always loved people, creating experiences, traveling and bringing people together. When I learned I could combine all of them into a career, I never looked back.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Park Hill Counseling. A therapist is like a personal trainer for your mind and preventive care. I'm a big advocate in breaking the stigma and encouraging people to try it!

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

NLRPD K-9 Foundation. They help support the best K-9 unit in the state and top in the nation who do amazing work – not just in NLR, but across the state!

Biggest challenges in my career

Taking on a brand-new outdoor event space that is unlike any other, navigating every new challenge it throws at us and developing all the procedures in the process

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

The people I work with, the work I get to do and the community I get to do it for.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Facility management, overseeing maintenance and all mechanical know-hows that come with it. I have learned about electrical issues, commercial aquatics, different types of grass… the list goes on.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

All our industry does and the benefits it brings to our community and local economy.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Take a pause, find a snack, play with Oakley (my Australian shepherd who gets to work with me), move, breathe and/or do something creative to clear my mind.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Mena

I can't start my day until

Shower, stretch and make the bed!

Hobbies

Spoiling Oakley, being outside, anything water related, baking and planning/hosting fun parties with friends

Binge watch

(binge listen) “Barb Knows Best” podcast

Last good read

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

Favorite meal in town

A hard tie between Brood and Barley & Southern Hibachi Express Maumelle

Best recent local discovery

Kassi's Cookies in Conway! Two words: coffee flights.

Latest splurge

Turning my garage into a "babe cave"

Most-used app

Spotify

Dream vacation

Private yacht charter in the Mediterranean

SPONSORS