What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1440990
JANUARY 9-15, 2022 WHAT'S UP! 7 PEOPLE TO WATCH Oh, The Places You'll Go! Northwest Arkansans making headlines in surprising ways T hese are just some of the fascinating people you might want to keep your eye on in 2022. Tevin Wooten Meteorologist The Weather Channel From Camden, Tevin Wooten came to the University of Arkansas to study engineering. "I liked it, but I didn't love it," he says. "I discovered I was more passionate about broadcast television and meteorology, so I ultimately switched my major to broadcast journalism." After graduation, he worked at KNWA/ FOX24 as a fill-in weather anchor, fill-in anchor and reporter, then he was off to Florida State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology with a minor in mathematics. "Northwest Arkansas was great because it was an excellent training ground for weather and life," Wooten says. "There were many different types of weather to cover there, and I learned a lot from one of my mentors, Dan Skoff. I met so many incredible people and grew professionally. The Northwest Arkansas metro has a small- town vibe, allowing me to have a sense of belonging and call it a true home. And in the grand scheme of things, it gave me an immersive experience in working with major corporations, meeting people and networking." Now, Wooten works for The Weather Channel where, he says, "it means everything to me that I get to be a role model for hundreds of thousands of black and queer people. I hope through my example, someone's future is more clear, and his or her voice grows louder. I see an equitable future where there are more queer and black people in positions of power … not limited to STEM, but throughout every sector of life. "I want to change our world in a way that opens the eyes of kids and teens, and lets them know there are endless career possibilities. I want to inspire them, and everyone, to find their passion in life, and go for it. No matter where you're from." Wooten was recently named to Forbes 30 Under 30, which he says "has been the best honor of my career. To be listed among 600 amazingly talented individuals who are making a positive impact on our country and world will forever be a highlight." Asked his plans and hopes for 2022, Wooten says "professionally, I'd love to grow my presence as a meteorologist and as a journalist into a role that focuses more on climate- related issues for impoverished communities and people of color. We're at a pivotal moment in society where some communities who were traditionally not given a seat at the table, are now being brought to the conversation. So I hope to be able to provide an avenue for that conversation to continue." Blaire Hastings Social media coordinator Fayetteville Public Television From Southern California, Blaire Hastings came to Northwest Arkansas with "a former star-crossed lover" but fell in love instead with the picturesque town square and creative arts around every corner of Fayetteville. Now she's listed with the Actors Casting Agency, is social media coordinator for Fayetteville Public Television, produces and directs short films and is a singer/ songwriter. "I've kept myself busy this year with producing multiple television series for FPTV and reignited my love for the stage" as Christmas Eve in the Arkansas Public Theatre production of "Avenue Q." She has also been a production assistant and actor for commercials and films. "I want to change the world by producing TV shows and movies that showcase 'real' people with unique stories to tell," Hastings says. "Although I love a great rom-com, not everyone can look as good as Jennifer Aniston. Instead, I want society to start valuing people and their stories as opposed to valuing how actors are 'supposed' to look. "I'm huge on making people feel like they're included in things and finding out about their stories. My goals are to show people that everyone belongs and everyone has a story to tell. I have a lot of short films in the works, and I Tevin Wooten See People 2022 Page 8