#2BFayetteville

Kristen Hoover Event Coordinator, Fayetteville Library Kristen was raised in Rogers and moved to Fayetteville for the University of Arkansas and fell in love with the area. She graduated from the U of A with an English/Writing degree in 2014. As Event Coordinator at the Fayetteville Public Library, she is responsible for booking external and internal events and programs in the library's meeting rooms and event spaces. She helps to guide external and internal clients on what works best for our spaces, the assets that are offered within each space at the library, and promotes the library's amenities to the community. She says, "The best part about my job is surprising people with all that there is to offer. I feel like there is a space for everything at the library!" " " Experience with Leadership Fayetteville I had a fantastic experience with Leader- ship Fayetteville. I was in class 34 and my class started at the beginning of COVID-19. At first it was mostly through zoom. I was extreme- ly lucky that my class got a "redo". We had another chance to meet with leadership and organizations in person. There was something special about that. I wanted to join Leadership Fayetteville because I was very interested in volunteerism and gaining leadership skills. My previous supervisor is a Leadership Alumni and recommended this program to me. Benefits and Connections I feel the program enhanced my leadership skills through exposure. The views were varied, and different approaches are taken in certain organizations yet there was the same message echoed through all the speakers, to lead is to serve. I feel like this message doesn't just help me in my current career but will help me throughout my life and whatever comes next. After the program I feel like I have a net- work of people I can reach out to if I wanted to get involved in any area in the community. I joined The Children's Safety Center Fund Committee and also joined the event plan- ning committee for the fantastic event, Soup Sunday,, put on by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Joining committees and boards now seems much more accessible to me. The program helped me see a larger view of how the community works and functions and I feel like I'm better informed as a citizen of Fayetteville. I got to see what was happening in the city/ community on a much larger scale. It was fasci- nating to see how all of the pieces are connect- ed. There was the realization that to be a good leader means a larger emphasis on character and leading by example. It has more to do with how you treat others and doing the right thing than how much money you make or your title. Project The group projects were a chance to get to know my classmates and work with different people in the area. After our education day, our class learned how the pandemic really created a need for personal water bottles for children in public schools. With a group of about five classmates, we collected and donated water bot- tles for the Fayetteville Public Schools Outback Program. Another fun project was collecting donations and items for 7 Hills. We collected over $500 and were able to present a check to 7 Hills. We started an Amazon wish list with specific items needed for those experiencing homelessness. We all felt like we were making a difference in our community and to those who need a little extra help. Favorite program aspect My favorite aspect was meeting all the people! Not only did I meet some really great, genuine people in my class, but I got to meet and introduce myself to leaders in the area. Now when I see them around town or at work, I have a reason to chat with them! Recommendation I highly recommend going through this program! Leadership Fayetteville is really an educational experience, I think anyone who is contemplating the program should pull the trigger. The days are long but so interesting. The sheer number of friends and people you meet makes it worth it. The committee, Jennifer Irwin, and the chair of the Leadership Class really take the time to consider how the days will flow, and who you need to hear from in the community. Best things about Fayetteville There's so much in Fayetteville! Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the coun- try but we have fantastic parks, trail systems and gardens. We have one of the best libraries in the world, which seeks accessibility for all. Innovation and research have always been a foundation of Northwest Arkansas and we are very lucky to have such great resources. 9 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

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