2021 NEA Women in Business: Lindsey Wingo

Lindsey Wingo
Executive Director
Downtown Jonesboro Alliance
Residence: Jonesboro
Education: Bachelor’s degree in strategic communications with an emphasis in public relations, minor in entrepreneurship (2017), Arkansas State University

What was your dream job as a kid and why? My dream job was to sell cars or to own a business. I got my first job at the car dealership when I was in the fifth grade. I come from an entrepreneurial-spirited family and I always admired that hustle. I still do.

What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? Someone once told me to never be scared to use your voice and state your opinion. I have been in many meetings where I was the youngest person in the room and, at times, also the only female. With that being said, I also think it is important to know when to speak up and when to listen. I believe that both men and women in business, both young and old, can learn from each other. I never want to stop learning.

What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? My father and I had a conversation recently about how I have never been too fond of the word “no.” I have found that to be a blessing and a curse at times. As a woman in business, energy and persistence is key.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? Work-life balance is necessary. I agree, it can be challenging at times, but it is important to make it a priority. I love to unwind while practicing yoga, playing tennis, traveling, baking, reading, and most importantly, spending quality time with my family and friends.

What’s the last good book you read? “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey. I have all of my friends reading it now too.

Of all the mentors in your professional career, who has been the most influential and why? Mr. John Freeman has been the most influential mentor in my life. When I received my position with Downtown Jonesboro Alliance, I was still in college and had minimal experience. As board president, Mr. Freeman dedicated many hours of his time to me as a young professional and personally as well. Without his guidance and leadership, I would not be the businesswoman that I am today. My hope is that I can, in time, return the same kindness and mentorship to someone else, just as he did for me.

What’s your biggest passion and why? My biggest passion is my faith because that is what I use as my guidebook for all professional and personal decisions.

What’s your favorite app at the moment? Currently, Audible and Venmo. I love listening to books while I am on the go, and who doesn’t love Venmo? It is a game changer, for sure.

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