Philanthropy and Community Work

In this episode, we are discussing the topic of community work. What does that really mean? There is a big push in our communities to volunteer and yet, finding people to show up on a particular day and time is challenging. We discuss these challenges and more with some of NWA community members.

Margot Lemaster- Margot has served as Executive Director of EngageNWA since 2017 where she led the first regional process of its kind to create a four-year strategic plan to increase inclusion across sectors in Northwest Arkansas. Since then, she has worked alongside regional and national partners to strategically build a more cohesive and welcoming region. Previously, Margot was Executive Director at the Ozark Literacy Council. She has lived and studied in France and various West African countries where she developed her interest in building community across differences and her proficiency in French. Born and raised in Fayetteville, she considers herself incredibly fortunate to contribute to the ongoing endeavors to foster a more welcoming and inclusive region.
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Jessica Pearson- Jessica Pearson is the Manager of the Bentonville Moves Coalition, a dynamic grassroots group with over 500 members. Her work centers around championing the City's investments in Active Transportation Infrastructure, including Protected Bike Lanes, Multi-Use Paths, Greenways, and Sidewalk connections. Jessica Pearson's passion and expertise make her an influential force in promoting sustainable and accessible transportation in Bentonville. Her tireless efforts continue to shape the city's future, enabling residents and visitors alike to thrive in a connected and vibrant community.
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Paramita Sarkar is an Associate Museum Educator at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, with over two years on the Learning and Engagement team. She excels in leading school tours and professional development for teachers. Paramita founded Crystal Bridges' first Foreign Nationals and Immigrants Employee Resource Group, chairing it for 1.5 years and collaborating with Ra-Ve and Walmart ARGs. Originally from India, Paramita moved to the US in 2013. Paramita is also an active volunteer with Samhati- the Bengali Association of NWA, where she plays a key role in promoting Bengali culture in the region.
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Srividya Venkatasubramanya is the founding President and Executive Director of Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation (estd. 2018). She is also a small business owner, running a Kumon math and Reading franchise in Rogers, AR since 2010. Srividya brings passion, commitment and vision to her work whether in class teaching math and reading or helping her community connect with their heritage. She started Ra-Ve to not only support upcoming talent in Northwest Arkansas but also to find a more sustainable framework that could support Indian traditional artists in their careers. With most artists being asked to perform for free or very low rates, she feels this needs to change. Her work through Ra-Ve has started solving some of these problems and in the process, brings people of all backgrounds and cultures together.
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Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hlp...