Women’s Foundation of Arkansas names 2024 Power of the Purse honorees

The Women’s Foundation of Arkansas announced Thursday (May 9) honorees and co-chairs for the Power of the Purse luncheon to be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

Presented by Arkansas Children’s, the annual Power of the Purse event recognizes the accomplishments of women in Arkansas, celebrates the work of the organization and raises money to continue making progress toward economic security for Arkansas women and girls.

Sponsorships, tables and tickets are available at womensfoundationarkansas.org/power-of-the-purse.

This year’s honorees are:

• Woman of the Year in Public Service – Dr. Nirvana Manning, professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine;
• Woman of the Year in Business – Lenore Trammell, chief administrative officer, chief compliance officer and general counsel, Big River Steel; and
• Woman of the Year in Philanthropy – Cathy Tuggle, CAM, NALP, owner and principal broker, Apartment Hunters and Arkansas Suites.

“It is our privilege to announce this year’s Power of the Purse honorees and co-chairs,” said Anna Beth Gorman, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas (WFA). “For the past quarter century, the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas has championed inspiring women who are shaping our state, and we can’t wait to spotlight even more business leaders, philanthropists and public servants whose dedication creates boundless opportunities for all women and girls in Arkansas.”

Co-chairs of this year’s event are Shamim Okolloh, vice president, community outreach officer at Encore Bank, and Marnie Oldner, director, Stone Bank.

“Arkansas Children’s is proud to continue our partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas as presenting sponsor of Power of the Purse,” said Gena Wingfield, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Arkansas Children’s. “Our organizations share the goals of creating a healthier state for children, encouraging women in STEM and supporting families in Arkansas. This year’s Power of the Purse event will amplify our work together, and we look forward to supporting WFA in their efforts.”