Crittenden County residents shine in Leadership Academy
Inaugural graduation marks milestone in the lives of 25 Arkansas women
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
Two Crittenden County women, Kennidi Ridgell and Ashtyn Lockley, were among the 25 participants in the inaugural class of the Arkansas Delta Women’s Leadership Academy (ADWLA), a yearlong program hosted by Arkansas State University aimed at empowering women to become stronger leaders in their communities.
Kennidi Ridgell, a former Dumas resident now living in Marion, was excited to be a part of the program, which has provided valuable tools for professional and personal growth. A mother of two, Ridgell is a graduate of ASU and works atASU Mid-South. She spoke of the signi_cance of the experience, noting how important it was for her to connect with her classmates. “I was really excited when I got in.” Ridgell shared. “It was good to get to know everyone, and I was intentional about improving my professional development. It makes you proud to be part of Arkansas.” Ridgell also expressed support for fellow graduate Stephanie
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ABOVE: During their final meeting the 25 female graduates had the opportunity to visit the state capital and meet with prominent Arkansas lawmakers.
RIGHT: Kennidi Ridgell and Ashtyn Lockley proudly display their diplomas from the Arkansas Delta Women’s Leadership Academy as part of the inaugural class.
Photos submitted GRADUATES
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White, the mayor of Keo, Arkansas, whom she will be visiting at the Pecan Fest this Saturday.
Ashtyn Lockley, a West Memphis resident since 2009 and originally from Brinkley, also participated in the program. The ADWLA, which culminated in a graduation ceremony at the ASU System office in Little Rock, aimed to foster connections among women leaders from across the region and enhance their leadership skills. During the final meeting, attendees visited the Arkansas State Capitol, where they met with several state senators, including Sen. Jane English, Sen. Breanne Davis, and Sen.-elect Jamie Scott, who spoke about the importance of women in public service. The women also heard from various guest speakers, including Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, and Keith Gammill, director of AEDC Manufacturing Solutions, who shared insights on leadership and mentorship.
A highlight of the graduation ceremony was Ridgell’s speech, in which she encouraged her fellow graduates to embrace their strengths. “Every single woman here has a bright light,” Ridgell said. “The goal is to make sure you believe on the inside that your light is a bright source and that you carry yourself in a way to see it on the outside.”
Throughout the program, participants worked on community- based projects aimed at making positive changes in their local areas. The graduates also received guidance on leadership from a variety of accomplished women and experts, reinforcing the importance of social capital and mentorship.
Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, Dean of the A-State College of Liberal Arts and Communication, and Andrea Allen, Executive Director of the Delta Center for Economic Development, helped design the program. They expressed their pride in the first cohort of graduates and look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in their communities.
The second class of the ADWLA will soon be announced, continuing the legacy of leadership development for women in the Delta region.
