Women in Business: Meredith Lowry

Residence: Fayetteville

Education B.A., English, University of Arkansas; J.D., University of Arkansas School of Law

Professional background: Lowry is a registered patent attorney with nearly 14 years of experience as a lawyer. As a native of Northwest Arkansas, she is an active supporter of the arts and technology communities through her involvement with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Scott Family Amazeum and the Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit.

What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? I wanted to help people protect their businesses. I worked as a receptionist when I was in high school, and through that work, I realized how important reputation is to small businesses. I wanted to be on the front lines making sure that small businesses had the tools they needed to protect themselves.

What was your dream job as a kid and why? I wanted to be a fashion designer. I grew up watching my mom sew. She made a lot of our clothes as kids, and I loved the fabric, the buttons, all of it. I used to draw out costumes and designed one of my prom dresses, though I know my mother hated executing the design.

What’s the most important aspect of achieving a balance between your career and your family? I’ve never liked the term “balance.” I feel like it implies there’s a perfect division for each and that whatever is taking more time is more important than the other. I prefer looking at priorities. My family is my first priority, but on some days, their needs are pretty easy. So the other priorities of career, friends and my volunteer life can be a focus. Now that my kids are older, we also have lots of discussions about priorities so there’s a healthy understanding about commitments and life.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? I like to celebrate all the times I get a patent or a trademark through the process. The huge moments don’t come very often, and I don’t ever want to live my life thinking, “Well, it’s all downhill from here.”

What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Find an advocate and a mentor. Mentors are fabulous and can help you grow in your career, but advocates make you pay attention and celebrate your achievements.

What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? Woman-Run is my current passion. It’s an initiative that we started at Wright Lindsey Jennings earlier this year, and that’s my focus for the timebeing. I’m loving watching it grow and seeing its impact in Arkansas.

What are three words you would use to describe yourself? Tenacious. Stubborn. Geeky.

What qualities do you feel are most important in a company leader? Listening to people and your own instincts.

How do you spend your time away from work — if there is such a thing? What are your hobbies? I run half marathons, which takes time, but I also spend a lot of time with my family and friends. They rejuvenate me.

What’s the last good book you read? “Gnomon” by Nick Harkaway. I’m a huge sci-fi fan.

Do you feel like we’re getting closer to gender equality in the workplace? In some ways, yes, but in others, we have room for work. We need more recognition for the benefit of women in leadership and women in the technology sector. We need more women inventors, and we need more support for women in business. Opting out is still a big issue, and we need to make sure that’s a choice that women want rather than one they feel pressured to do.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? Debbie Griffin. She’s not an attorney, but she taught me more than anyone that I have to advocate for myself and not just for others.

What’s your biggest passion and why? Supporting our community. I love our region, and I think it will continue to grow if we continue to foster an environment for success.

What time do you get up on workday mornings? 6:30. I loathe mornings, but I can’t seem to convince the business world that we should start at 10 a.m.