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Published: Aug. 29, 2024, 1 p.m.

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\u2019s focus includes engaging high school students in Springdale, demonstrating the importance of youth involvement in community building.
• Theme of Curiosity: Scott Shigeoka\u2019s 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*

Email Margot Lemaster

Website Welcoming Week NWA

Website EngageNWA

Website Welcoming Week

<a href="https://nwacouncil.org/"...