2021 NEA Women in Business: Ethel Tompkins

Ethel Tompkins
Co-Founder
Hoxie Civil Rights Museum
Residence: Hoxie
Education: Shorter Jr. College, North Little Rock, (1961-1962); certificate-introduction to criminal justice (1963), U.S. Navy North Island, San Diego; San Diego State University (1963-1964); bachelor’s degree in computer science (1972), Control Data Institute, Los Angeles; certificate in savings and loan auditing and accounting (1976), Savings and Loan Institute, Los Angeles; certificate of completion (2005), Center for Regional & Community Development, Arkansas State University

What was your dream job as a kid and why? Airplane pilot so that I could fly away to a place where I would be free to be something other than a domestic.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? Seeing the look of awe on the faces of school kids when I talk to them about Black history.

What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? Never let anyone step on your dream.

What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? Persistence.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? Making greeting cards, reading and researching Black history.

What’s the last good book you read? “If the Boot Fits” by Rebekah Weatherspoon.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? My dad. Even though he did not have an education, he taught me to know who I am, keep my Christian values and never be a follower unless you know where they are going. Sometimes, when I am analyzing a problem, I can hear his voice telling me I can do it.

What’s your biggest passion and why? Completing the Hoxie Civil Rights Museum. Once completed, the museum will showcase why Hoxie was the First Stand. Hoxie was the first school in Arkansas to attract national attention, the first court order overturning state school segregation laws, the first time the United States Attorney General and Department of Justice supported a school district’s attempt to comply with Brown v. Board of Education decision. The museum will also tell the story of the Hoxie heroes. The school board and administrators who did not back down. Black parents who defied threats. White parents who refused to boycott. Teachers who welcomed all students. Attorneys who set legal precedents. And most of all, the Black and white students who made civil rights history.

What is something distinctive that people would be surprised to know about you? I am really not a people person.

Can you share what you have learned about your business from the COVID-19 pandemic? We were just beginning to set up fundraising events and COVID-19 put a halt to everything.

What’s your favorite app at the moment? I don’t have one. My app usage changes minute by minute.

If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? Go on a photographic safari to Africa. Participate in an archaeological dig in Egypt. Complete the Hoxie Civil Rights Museum.

Editor’s note: Profiles for this year’s NEA Women in Business class were compiled and written by George Jared and Paul Holmes.