Join host Erica Gee as she explores the power of collaborative leadership with the team at the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, discussing their bold vision to create a hunger-free Arkansas through community trust and systemic change."

Erica Gee: I’m Erica Gee, partner at Wright Lindsey Jennings and your host. Joining me are Sylvia Blain, Tomeka Williams, and Jennifer Buie of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. These women are powerhouses in hunger relief. Sylvia is the CEO, Tomeka is the Director of Operations, and Jennifer is the Director of Development.

Sylvia Blain: I approach leadership in a collaborative manner. I like to bring everyone in on what we’re working on. If you make decisions in a silo without team buy-in, your ideas won’t go anywhere. People have to feel they have ownership.

Temeka Williams: My leadership style is to exemplify what should be done and how it should be done the right way, following our policies and structure.

Jennifer Buie: My style is trying to maximize everyone around you. Every person at the Alliance is a fundraiser. They are walking, talking billboards for the mission. Relationship building takes time and trust. It’s about the relationship with the mission: creating a hunger-free Arkansas.

Erica Gee: Sylvia, you mentioned a lofty vision.

Sylvia Blain: We have a vision to eradicate hunger in Arkansas. We are the number one most food-insecure state in the country. The Alliance was formed through a Donald W. Reynolds Foundation grant that brought together five Feeding America food banks to work together.

Erica Gee: How are you responding to shifting government funding?

Sylvia Blain: Our mission isn't changing, but funding cuts are inevitable. We are in planning and action mode. The biggest challenge is uncertainty. For example, our SNAP-Ed nutrition program is set to be defunded in September, yet we haven't heard from the government on how to move forward. We have to plan for the worst-case scenario.

Jennifer Buie: Sustainable change starts with how we view hunger. It doesn’t always look like someone in a food pantry line. It’s a mom halving formula or a senior choosing between protein and prescriptions. 49% of Arkansans are "ALICE"—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. They work every day but still can't afford groceries.

Sylvia Blain: One in five people in Arkansas is hungry. Hunger is not static; it’s inconsistent. The reason it persists is a lack of will. It is solvable.

Jennifer Buie: I wish people knew that hunger is in their community—likely even in their family line. The stigma behind getting help is alarming. To make an impact, go to our website and donate.

Erica Gee: Any upcoming events?

Jennifer Buie: September is Hunger Action Month. On Thursday, September 18th, we have our Hunger Action Breakfast. We’ll recognize 11 people around the state with "Acting Out Against Hunger" awards. Learn more at arhungeralliance.org.

Erica Gee: Any last words?

Sylvia Blain: We can always go deeper if you have another hour!

Erica Gee: I always have an hour for you. Thank you all for being here.