Karen Hicks, E8 Core Team, Union County Area Chamber of Commerce
Amy Sturdivant, E8 Core Team, SHARE Foundation
Tyler Turner, E8 Core Team, United Way of Union County
Jill Weinischke, E8 Core Team, SHARE Foundation
Gloria Billings, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services
Pam Blake, Families and Children Together (F.A.C.T.), Inc.
Becky Dixon, Smackover-Norphlet School District
Heidi Klappenbach, Family Connects
Kathy Love, Hannah Pregnancy Resource Center
Ellen Lowe, Junction City School District
Debbie McAdams, El Dorado School District
Kaitlyn Rigdon, Union County Chamber of Commerce
Tequila Smith, Families and Children Together (F.A.C.T.), Inc.
Kimberly Thomas, Strong-Huttig School District
The Excel by Eight coalition in Union County, led by the SHARE Foundation, United Way of Union County, and the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, is focused on improving child care availability, mental health, family resources, and affordable housing.
In 2025, projects include a StoryWalk® and STEAM initiative, a community-wide Data Walk Road Show with resource fairs, and the launch of a community mapping tool using EDI data. These efforts aim to bring local data to life, expand access to learning opportunities, and connect families with services that support children’s development from birth through early elementary years.
Excel by Eight is dedicated to supporting families and children across Arkansas, including right here in Union County. Learn more about these efforts by exploring articles or joining the county committee.
