About Town

Wanda Hoover for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – November 2013 Issue

Serving the community for nearly two decades, Inviting Arkansas continues to recognize philanthropic + civic leadership in Central Arkansas. As we begin this new decade, we have some buried treasures to share from the archives. These are just a few illustrious covers that reflect the continued mission fulfillment work in our community. Enjoy the memories, read about a few of the Capital City’s beloved foundations and remember to vote for your favorite cover – one of these nonprofit organizations will win a complimentary ad in the magazine. The contest will close on May 31st… #MakingPhilanthropyFUN

Wanda Hoover for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – November 2013 Issue

Stories by Jillian McGehee | Photography by Sara Blancett | Makeup by Bridget Baltimore with Barbara/Jean

“I love – love, love, love – meeting new people and really getting to know them and what makes them passionate. Donors want to have an impact, but more than that, they want to feel they have a relationship with the organization or cause they support. I think that helps me be a better and more successful fundraiser.” – Wanda Hoover

Why you should know her… As assistant dean for external relations, Wanda spends her time and energy at UALR Bowen School of Law raising money for student scholarships. She hopes that scholarship recipients recognize the significance of the gift – not just in terms of money, but also to pay it forward and help others achieve their goals. Prior to this professional role, she implemented the first marketing and development campaign for the Clinton Presidential Center as director of development and marketing at the Clinton Foundation.

Her philanthropic life was shaped by her mother, a dedicated volunteer in their schools and community. Wanda experienced at an early age the value of making a difference. Looking back, she realizes she’s lucky to have had someone in her life that understood – and demonstrated – the value of community.

Growing up, Wanda was one of five majorette girls nominated for band queen. The crowned queen raised the most money for new band uniforms. Her family and friends rallied with support. They hosted bake sales, car washes and other fun fundraisers. “Sometimes I stop and think about what I do and how it’s not all that different from those days washing cars for band uniforms,” she says. “I like to think I’m a little more sophisticated now. But it’s still the same. And I still love every minute of it.”

She keeps living and giving in Central Arkansas because Little Rock is the perfect mix of small town and big city. It’s small enough to feel like you know everyone and large enough to offer institutions of great music, theatre, art and education, Wanda says. “As a professional fundraiser, I get to work right in the middle of where those two worlds – people and great institutions – intersect.”

Surprisingly, Wanda says, Bowen School of Law was named one of the top 20 best value law schools in the nation. “The new dean of Bowen, Michael Hunter Schwartz, brings a strong commitment to student success. He has written books on the topic and is passionate about it from the moment our students enroll at Bowen, all the way through to graduation and into their careers of service to the Arkansas community as lawyers.”

Philosophy to live by… Pay it forward – “We all have a responsibility to build a better community. Everyone has the ability to give something back.”

Inviting Arkansas

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