HWOA Annual Conference 2025
The Keynote Speaker:
Keesa Smith-Brantley
Executive Director
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
Keesa Smith-Brantley serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Advocates for
Children and Families.
Prior to joining AACF, Keesa served as the Deputy Director for Children and Youth with
the Department of Human Services where she oversaw the divisions that managed
childcare and early childhood education, juvenile justice and child welfare. She also
previously served as Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Review and as Deputy Legal
Counsel for Governor Mike Beebe. She began her legal career as a Staff Attorney for the
Center for Arkansas Legal Services.
Keesa received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with a
concentration in Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in
2002. She also earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
the William H. Bowen School of Law in 2005.
Keesa is an Ascend fellow with the Aspen Institute and a Commissioner on the Arkansas
Supreme Court’s Commission on Children, Youth and Families. She is a board member
for the Partnership for America’s Children and is a member of the Beta Pi Omega chapter
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she serves as the chapter’s Nominating
Committee Chair and is a member of the Graduate Advisors Council for the Gamma
Alpha chapter located on the campus of Philander Smith University. She has been
honored as one of Central Arkansas Heart Association Survivors, AY Magazine’s
Powerful Women, a Brown Girls Rock honoree and the recipient of the Jerry Jewel
Government Leadership Award.
Keesa is married to Riley Brantley.
Executive Director
Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families
Keesa Smith-Brantley serves as the Executive Director of the Arkansas Advocates for
Children and Families.
Prior to joining AACF, Keesa served as the Deputy Director for Children and Youth with
the Department of Human Services where she oversaw the divisions that managed
childcare and early childhood education, juvenile justice and child welfare. She also
previously served as Chairman of the Arkansas Board of Review and as Deputy Legal
Counsel for Governor Mike Beebe. She began her legal career as a Staff Attorney for the
Center for Arkansas Legal Services.
Keesa received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication with a
concentration in Public Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in
2002. She also earned a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
the William H. Bowen School of Law in 2005.
Keesa is an Ascend fellow with the Aspen Institute and a Commissioner on the Arkansas
Supreme Court’s Commission on Children, Youth and Families. She is a board member
for the Partnership for America’s Children and is a member of the Beta Pi Omega chapter
of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she serves as the chapter’s Nominating
Committee Chair and is a member of the Graduate Advisors Council for the Gamma
Alpha chapter located on the campus of Philander Smith University. She has been
honored as one of Central Arkansas Heart Association Survivors, AY Magazine’s
Powerful Women, a Brown Girls Rock honoree and the recipient of the Jerry Jewel
Government Leadership Award.
Keesa is married to Riley Brantley.
HOPE WITH ACTION
“Tomorrow will be better is a wishful thought that requires action.”
Hope comes when faith is present and when we are able to acknowledge that change is possible. It is the guiding light at the end of the tunnel that allows us to start over after failures. New ideas help us keep moving forward with a willingness to learn from our mistakes and remain present with the belief that there is always a space for growth because we do not need to know what tomorrow will bring. We need to be prepared to embrace what comes our way, with the knowledge to make informed decisions, take action, and obtain desired outcomes.
We can trust that with practice, we can find the strength and resilience we did not know we had to face adversities and to keep going. The best way to predict what is ahead is to work on it by knowing the stories from the past and create narratives for new stories. To change things requires action to confront issues we did not create, and prevent them from continuing to affect future generations. The results will depend on the actions of the many people who participate in our communities, because there is not one single solution or approach to achieve our goals. The outcomes depend on the input of the people taking action. Still, individually, we must believe we have the power to change things collectively.
Hope is a work in progress, it requires action. Being informed and participating civically to achieve a better future is your individual responsibility. Work to keep your dreams alive, address the things you see that need attention, and continue practicing it over and over. To break through the feelings of exhaustion and desperation, let us share our hope and take action together.
“Tomorrow will be better is a wishful thought that requires action.”
Hope comes when faith is present and when we are able to acknowledge that change is possible. It is the guiding light at the end of the tunnel that allows us to start over after failures. New ideas help us keep moving forward with a willingness to learn from our mistakes and remain present with the belief that there is always a space for growth because we do not need to know what tomorrow will bring. We need to be prepared to embrace what comes our way, with the knowledge to make informed decisions, take action, and obtain desired outcomes.
We can trust that with practice, we can find the strength and resilience we did not know we had to face adversities and to keep going. The best way to predict what is ahead is to work on it by knowing the stories from the past and create narratives for new stories. To change things requires action to confront issues we did not create, and prevent them from continuing to affect future generations. The results will depend on the actions of the many people who participate in our communities, because there is not one single solution or approach to achieve our goals. The outcomes depend on the input of the people taking action. Still, individually, we must believe we have the power to change things collectively.
Hope is a work in progress, it requires action. Being informed and participating civically to achieve a better future is your individual responsibility. Work to keep your dreams alive, address the things you see that need attention, and continue practicing it over and over. To break through the feelings of exhaustion and desperation, let us share our hope and take action together.
📅 Date: October 10, 2025
📍 Location: The Jones Center
(922 E Emma Ave, Springdale, AR 72764)
⏰ Check-in begins at 8:00 AM | Conference: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
🎟️ Registration required — NOW CLOSED!
REGISTRATION FEE:
-Student: $20
-General: $75
-Nonprofit Booth Vendor: $150 (Includes one Registration)
-For-profit Booth Vendor: $250 (Includes One Registration)
-Additional Registrations: $75
Join us this fall for a powerful day of connection, education, and inspiration at the HWOA Annual Conference, where voices from across Arkansas come together to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
With panels, research presentations, and discussions centered around:
Women
Education
LGBTQ+
Youth Initiatives
Politics and Representation
🌐 Who’s Attending?
Expect to connect with business leaders, educators, policy-makers, faith leaders, students, and families — all committed to building a more inclusive and equitable future.
💪 Ways to Get Involved
There are many meaningful ways you can be part of this event:
✅ Attend the Conference
Engage in a day of thought-provoking sessions and networking with leaders across sectors.
✅ Volunteer Your Time
Help us make the event shine!
Thursday, October 9 from 5:00–9:00 PM
Friday, October 10 from 7:00AM–8:00 PM
✅ Be a Booth Vendor
Share your incredible business or nonprofit with a diverse audience of students, professionals, and community members.
✅ Become a Sponsor
Empower the next generation by helping high school students attend this professional conference at no cost. Your sponsorship provides students with the unique opportunity to engage in a meaningful, real-world setting alongside leaders, educators, and changemakers — an experience that can inspire their future paths.
🎓 Why It Matters
This conference isn’t just an event — it’s a movement.
When you take part, you’re investing in education, leadership, and equity. Event proceeds will be designated toward the HWOA Scholarship Fund, supporting the next generation of community changemakers.
✨ Let’s move from hope to belonging — together.
Stay tuned — registration and full program details coming soon!
