Statewide nonprofit Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) is thrilled to welcome new members to its Board of Directors.
The ASPSF Board elected Shae Hughes of JLL in February and then elected Meredith Hale of Stone Ward, Marshunda Jones of Entergy, and Sara Neal of Arkansas Children’s Hospital in March. The four bring unique talents and passion to the ASPSF mission, Board President Sunshine Bartlett of Arvest said.
“Their diverse expertise will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact and support single parents striving to create better futures for their families,” Bartlett added.
Hughes is the Marketing and Community Engagement Manager for JLL at Little Rock’s Park Plaza mall. An alumna of the single parent scholarship program, she earned a bachelor’s from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“I chose to serve on the ASPSF Board because I am deeply passionate about supporting students and giving back to the community,” Hughes said. “As an alumna and a single parent, I bring a unique perspective that allows me to understand the challenges students face, and I’m committed to helping create an environment that fosters their success.”
Hale is the Senior Public Relations Account Executive for Stone Ward and has a background in fundraising at CARTI Foundation and CareLink. She earned a bachelor’s from Arkansas State University.
“I’ve been blessed in my life to know several single parents and call them my friends,” Hale said. “I’ve seen how hard they work for themselves, their children, and both of their futures. I am thrilled to join the ASPSF Board so I can advocate for the single moms and dads in Arkansas who need a little help accomplishing their dreams.”
Jones has worked for Entergy since 2007 and now serves as its Customer Service Manager. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University and a master’s degree from Webster University.
“My passion to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others led me to serve on the ASPSF Board,” Jones said. “This mission resonates deeply with me because I once was a single parent pursuing my dream to make a better life for my children through education. I am optimistic that I can leverage the relationships that I have built over the years to help further fundraising initiatives.”
Neal is the Director of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where she’s worked since 2007. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arkansas Tech University.
“From personal experience gained as a college graduate who attended as a single mother of two children, I know the struggles and impact for the mother and her children that comes from pursing and completing the degree while in pursuit to better the quality of life for not only her children but herself as well,” Neal said. “This knowledge will assist in advancing ASPSF’s mission to provide a culture of support, equipping single parents to navigate their futures with confidence.”
Hughes, Jones, and Neal were all single parents while pursuing higher education. They shared that these experiences inspired them to join the board and help ASPSF’s recipients receive the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
“We are so excited to have these four incredible women join the ASPSF board because their knowledge and perspectives will make our organization stronger,” ASPSF Chief Executive Officer Jenn Morehead said. “Each of them brings enthusiasm, dedication, and an eagerness to serve that will make them great advocates for single parent students, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish working together.”
For more information about the board members or the nonprofit, contact ASPSF Chief Communications Officer Jenn Lawrence at jlawrence@aspsf.org or 501-550-6304.
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