Nicole brings more than 12 years of founding experience in international development, product innovation, and operations. From 2011 to 2014, she was part of a startup team that built and launched a soy processing facility in northern Afghanistan. In 2017, she moved to the United Arab Emirates and co-founded Every Shelter, an organization working alongside
I’m an engineering leader/executive and hands-on multi-language developer with 15 years of experience building secure, scalable software. I’m AI native and work across the full life cycle from planning and architecture to development and team leadership across domains like e-commerce, ERP, data and AI.
I am a manufacturing and product development professional with a background in advanced machining, prototyping, and applied engineering principles, and I currently manage the Beta in Bentonville prototyping lab at the University of Arkansas. My work sits at the intersection of design and manufacturing, helping teams move from early concepts to functional, manufacturable products. I
Spencer is an RN turned medtech entrepreneur with 12 years of med device leadership. He’s a 2x med device CEO (Lapovations, Lineus) with 10+ patents under his belt and has taken devices from idea to FDA clearance and product launch. Spencer has built sales and distribution networks, led product development teams, and raised over $10M
I have training and advanced proficency in Digital Design, electronics design and coding, and have worked professionally in product development, design, and fabrication. I currently teach a Master’s course in Prototyping for Entrepreneurs at the University of Arkansas. I am the Manager of Client Technologies for Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, part of the Arkansas Economic Development
Heather Applegate serves as a strategic advisor, executive coach, and founder of Pivot X. With 15+ years of organizational leadership experience across Creative, Retail and Nonprofit businesses, plus an educational background in psychology and a penchant for the study of human behavior, Heather serves leaders who are ready to make change for the next stage
Douglas Hutchings is the co-Founder of Delta Solar and serves as the Director of the Arkansas Research Alliance Academy. A materials scientist and serial entrepreneur, he has helped move technologies from university research to international manufacturing. His work focuses on connecting innovators, investors, and industry partners to accelerate technology-driven growth.
Hi, I’m Kelsey, a mental health therapist and executive coach passionate about supporting founders and entrepreneurs who are ready to build both successful businesses and sustainable lives. After 14+ years in corporate (Fortune #1), startups, and entrepreneurship—leading international teams, launching record-breaking products, and scaling operations across technology, finance, and consumer goods, I understand the unique
Melissa is a finance nerd turned founder who leads Ark Angel Alliance and supports startups across the state. She’s worked in venture capital and private equity, holds both a BBA and MBA in Finance, and brings a practical, approachable style to fundraising strategy, financial modeling, and pitch decks.
Misti’s son Freeman Ellis Staley was born in 2015 with heart and lung complications. 3.5 months were spent in the Little Rock Arkansas Children’s Hospital NICU, home for 5 weeks, and then back in the PICU for another 5 months before Freeman sadly lost his battle with pulmonary hypertension at 10 months old. After Freeman’s
