NWA Women in Business: Jessica Pearson
Residence: Bentonville
Education: B.A., public relations, B.A., advertising, 2001-05, Drury University
Professional background: Pearson is the founder of Arkansas Moves, a statewide active transportation advocacy organization focused on building safer, more connected communities through bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Pearson’s work centers on coalition building, public engagement, strategic communications, and helping communities align transportation investment with quality of life, economic development and long-term community connectivity goals. She has a background in stakeholder engagement, marketing, communications and civic partnership development.
What was your dream job as a kid, and why? As a kid, I wanted to be a mountain climber. I was always drawn to adventure, independence and the idea of pushing myself beyond what felt comfortable. Looking back, I think autonomy and freedom have always been core values for me, and that’s a big part of what drew me toward active mobility work. Safe, connected infrastructure gives people independence, whether that’s a child riding to school, an older adult staying active, or someone choosing a different way to move through their community.
What inspired you to pursue the career you are in? I became really interested in the relationship between infrastructure and everyday life, specifically how the design of our communities affects health, connection, safety and opportunity. Once I saw how transportation systems shape people’s daily experiences, it was hard to unsee. I realized coalition work allowed me to combine communications, strategy, advocacy and community-building in a way that feels deeply meaningful.
What is the best leadership advice you have ever received? Lead with good intentions, own your mistakes quickly, and don’t let fear of failure keep you from trying something meaningful.
What advice can you offer to women who want a career in your industry? Learn how to communicate clearly, build relationships authentically and stay resilient when rooms get difficult. Infrastructure, planning and civic leadership spaces can still be very male-dominated, so confidence matters but so does credibility. Do the work, know your material, and don’t underestimate the power of emotional intelligence and strategic collaboration.
Who are the key types of people (mentors, sponsors, peers) you keep in your inner circle to help you stay grounded and sharp? I try to surround myself with people who are both mission-driven and honest. I value peers who challenge my thinking, mentors who have navigated complexity well and community leaders who stay connected to real people rather than just policy conversations. I also think it’s important to have friends outside your industry who remind you there’s more to life than work.
How do you take care of yourself and maintain good mental health? I try to stay physically active, spend time outdoors and protect space for real connection with people I trust. I also think boundaries are important, even when you care deeply about your work. Burnout helps no one. Some of my best thinking honestly happens on long bike rides.
What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? I’m really interested in scaling coalition-driven infrastructure advocacy beyond individual projects and helping create long-term cultural shifts around mobility and community design. Personally, I also want to continue building a life that feels ambitious and sustainable at the same time, which is honestly its own challenge.
Can you share a time you took a significant career risk? What did you weigh before making that move? One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was moving to Northwest Arkansas without a career lined up. I believed in the energy, momentum and sense of possibility here, even though I didn’t have a clear roadmap yet. Three years later, I’ve started my own company and expanded my coalition work statewide through Arkansas Moves.
I weighed the uncertainty and financial risk against the opportunity to build something meaningful and aligned with my values. Ultimately, I realized I would rather take the risk of building the life and work I wanted than stay somewhere that felt safe but limiting.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently? “Crucial Conversations.” It’s one of those books that applies to leadership, relationships, conflict and communication all at once. I think the ability to navigate difficult conversations with honesty and clarity is one of the most important skills anyone can develop.
What time do you wake up in the morning? Usually around 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. I’m not naturally a night owl, and I tend to do my best thinking earlier in the day.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Northwest Arkansas or the Fort Smith metro? Right now, probably Acre at Turnbuckle Farm. I love that it’s owned and operated by the farming family themselves and built around fresh-from-the-farm ingredients and genuine hospitality. It feels less like a traditional restaurant and more like gathering in someone’s home, relaxed, community-oriented, outdoors, and deeply connected to the local food and farming culture that makes Northwest Arkansas special.