I Am Northwest Arkansas® Exploring Welcoming Week 2024 with Margot Lemaster on IANWA Podcast
About the Show:
"We want to focus on building strong connections and really affirm that Northwest Arkansas is a welcoming and inclusive place."
- Margot Lemaster
About the Guest:
Margot Lemaster is the Executive Director of EngageNWA at the Northwest Arkansas Council. Margot has been instrumental in fostering community cohesion and inclusivity in the region for over seven years. EngageNWA focuses on creating opportunities for social connections, providing learning opportunities, and fostering a strong sense of belonging for every resident in the Northwest Arkansas area. In addition to her role at the Council, Margot actively collaborates with numerous community organizations to drive impactful initiatives, such as Welcoming Week.
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast, hosted by Randy Wilburn, Margot Lemaster returns to discuss the much-anticipated Welcoming Week 2024. Margot, Executive Director of EngageNWA, sheds light on the upcoming events and the continuous efforts to promote inclusivity and belonging in Northwest Arkansas. The conversation dives deep into the key themes of the initiative, including engaging youth and fostering curiosity, and highlights the various programs scheduled throughout September.
Margot explains the growth of Welcoming Week over the years and its importance in building social cohesion across diverse communities in the region. She also highlights significant events like the Marshallese Cultural Training Program and the keynote session by curiosity expert Scott Shigeoka. This episode provides a detailed overview of how the events aim to bring together people from all walks of life and make Northwest Arkansas a more welcoming place for everyone. With support from numerous organizations and the dedication of the EngageNWA team, Welcoming Week 2024 promises to be a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity.
Key Takeaways:
- Welcoming Week 2024 Initiatives: Events are designed to foster inclusivity and belonging across diverse communities in Northwest Arkansas.
- Engaging Youth: This year’s focus includes engaging high school students in Springdale, demonstrating the importance of youth involvement in community building.
- Theme of Curiosity: Scott Shigeoka’s session on September 13 will highlight the role of curiosity in bridging connections among people.
- Community Collaboration: The success of Welcoming Week is rooted in the collaborative efforts of numerous community partners and organizations.
- Belonging Barometer Survey: EngageNWA has launched a belonging barometer to collect data on community belonging, which will shape future initiatives.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
Website Northwest Arkansas Council
Join Us in Celebrating Welcoming Week!
Discover how communities across the country are coming together to build inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of background, is welcome. Visit Welcoming Week to learn more and find out how you can participate in this inspiring movement. Let's create a more connected and welcoming world together!
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
- NWA Council Website
- NWA Council on Instagram
- NWA Council on Facebook
- NWA Council on LinkedIn
- NWA Council on Twitter
- NWA Council Email
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Mentioned in this episode:
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!