LeadAR Class 19 Spotlight: Tiffany Henry

by Lisa Davis - April 21, 2021

Meet Tiffany Henry from LeadAR Class 19. She is the director of entrepreneurial communities at The Conductor, a public-private partnership between the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie Consulting.

In her role, Henry supports small business development in rural communities in central Arkansas by forming strategic partnerships, coordinating technical assistance workshops, and advocating for inclusive startup policies.

Henry is the founding organizer of 1 Million Cups Russellville, Arkansas State Co-Coordinator of Global Entrepreneurship Week, and a Kauffman Foundation ESHIP Champion. She serves on the boards of the Rural Community Alliance and the Arkansas Community Development Society. She is a certified small group facilitator and holds a Master of Science degree in psychology from Arkansas Tech University. 

We asked her a few questions about LeadAR, leadership, and life. Here's what she had to say.

Why did you apply to the LeadAR program? What motivated you?

I was drawn to the opportunity to learn how public policy impacts community development and state growth. I am interested in empowering rural citizen leaders to disrupt traditional power structures to catalyze positive community change, and LeadAR is the perfect avenue to explore such a topic. The different sessions on infrastructure, public health and local food systems, education, and criminal justice, to name a few, are exactly the areas I need to learn about to be an effective leader.

What leadership quality do you admire most in others? Why?

The leadership quality I admire most in others is trust. Without trust there can be no mutual understanding or growth. Trust breeds authenticity, consistency, respect, and healthy relationships.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Why is this surprising?

I tested out of high school at 15 years old and attended five different community colleges as I flunked my way through the system. It feels like a lifetime ago, but without those experiences I would not have the work ethic, empathy, or drive I have today. But by the grace of God there go I.

What are your top three ingredients necessary for success?

Vision, relationships, results.

What are your top three ingredients necessary for happiness?

Jesus, family, coffee.

Describe your personal leadership style.

I love to build programs and provide connections for others to be successful. I tend to be an early adopter, so as I learn new skills or acquire unique resources, I make a point to identify at least one other person who can benefit from that information. I believe when I build up those around me, I am strengthened in return.

What is something you hope to gain from your LeadAR experience?

I am most looking forward to the exposure to other parts of Arkansas, our nation, and our world. My knowledge and experience of Arkansas is concentrated in the central region, and I am excited to learn about the other areas and meet new people.

How can effective leadership help move the state of Arkansas forward?

A big part of leadership is doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. Arkansas, like the rest of the world, is facing uncertainty. If citizens are empowered and supported to do the right thing, even when it’s hard, we can push through these difficult times together and come out on the other side stronger than before.

You are stranded on a desert island. What are your three MUST HAVE items?

Water purifier, umbrella, machete.

What is something that was difficult for you six months ago but easy for you now?

Focusing on the “what is” instead of the “what if.”

What else do you want others to know about you?

I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to exploring and learning more about our great state of Arkansas!