Northwest Arkansas is an emerging hub for entrepreneurship in the Heartland. Local and national organizations are working together to build a community where all residents have access to economic and cultural opportunities. This conversation explores resources available to entrepreneurs in the region that help break down barriers innovators face when opening new businesses or startups.

The Walton Family Foundation supports community-driven housing solutions that help Northwest Arkansas remain an inclusive, vibrant and affordable place to live, where everyone has access to mixed-income, walkable, transit-accessible neighborhoods.

Sam Dean, executive director of the Amazeum in Bentonville, Arkansas, says communities must embrace and support a holistic view of education that ensures students have access to learning opportunities inside and outside of school.

Dr. Debbie Jones, superintendent of Bentonville Public Schools, says her goal is to ensure students graduate high school ready to follow their dreams.

What is the role of education in creating one of the most vibrant and inclusive communities in the country? It’s a question we recently posed to community members, educators, parents and students in Northwest Arkansas. The group was united in their response: When comes to our schools, the voices of the community must be front and center.

Hear from Executive Director Caryl M. Stern and an impressive lineup of grantee leaders during the Learning & Leading Together Series — virtual conversations hosted by the Walton Family Foundation.

Collaboration isn't always easy, but it's always worth it. At the Walton Family Foundation, we are committed to developing innovative approaches and building new partnerships that bring people, resources and ideas together.

2020 was a year like no other. Before we can plan for the future, we must understand the present. Raj Chetty, Director of Opportunity Insights, shares insights and trends on economic opportunity and the American Dream.

Climate change threatens water resources and the communities they support. Hear from Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, on why this moment is so important.

We’re in one of the most consequential moments in history but one that also allows us to break from the past and innovate for the future. What does this mean for the conservation movement, and what lessons apply to other challenges?

Executive Director Caryl M. Stern delivers closing remarks at Learning & Leading Together: The Next Five Years

The most innovative approaches require new partnerships that bring people, resources and ideas together - across government, communities and the private sector. Panelists share what it will take to build coalitions and networks of collaborators over the next five years.

How are environmental reporters thinking about this moment, when there is so much at stake but also so much potential? What do they predict will be this year’s biggest headlines? Our panel of reporters answers all of this and more.

The next five years will be guided by immense determination and optimism about what’s possible. Speakers will shine a spotlight on the issues and perspectives that will be confronted and elevated - racial equity, economic mobility, innovation, collaboration - over the next five years and beyond.

Strong coalitions can empower social change across all sectors through shared purpose and resources. Community leaders share their unique experiences working with coalitions that leverage existing assets and public momentum to drive solutions and build cohesive communities.

Northwest Arkansas has earned a deserved reputation as one of the best places to live in the country. But not everyone can benefit from all Northwest Arkansas has to offer. A commitment to ensuring growth, and the opportunities it offers, is inclusive, will help the region through a recovery period and build a vibrant economy.

2020 was a year like no other. Before we can plan for the future, we must understand the present. Raj Chetty, Lonnie G. Bunch III, Jennifer Morris and David Brooks offer perspectives on the state of our nation as it relates to the most important topics of today.

Lasting progress and meaningful change require solutions that are community-developed and community-championed. Author Arthur Brooks will offer ideas for how to work together across lines of difference. Conversations with two leaders will discuss how they led community-driven change.