Welcoming Week NWA 2024: A Decade of Building Belonging

Marking its 10th anniversary, Welcoming Week NWA returns this September with a renewed commitment to fostering belonging across Northwest Arkansas. Events kick off Sep 1 and run throughout the month, spotlighting the important role of community connections in shaping a thriving, inclusive region.

Organized by EngageNWA at the Northwest Arkansas Council, Welcoming Week NWA 2024 is a community-driven, collaborative effort with dozens of partners. The series features multiple family-friendly events, including speaker panels, volunteer opportunities, and vibrant cultural celebrations.

“As we celebrate a decade of Welcoming Week NWA, we acknowledge the profound impact that a sense of belonging has on our community and economy,” said Margot Lemaster, executive director of EngageNWA. “This year’s events aim to deepen these connections, reaffirm our dedication to inclusivity, and emphasize the importance of an economy that benefits everyone.”

The official Welcoming Week NWA Launch and Community Celebration will take place on Friday, Sep 13, at Springdale High School. The event will showcase the talents and perspectives of local students and community partners. 

The events throughout the month are free to attend and open to the public, although some require registration. Highlights include:

Marshallese Cultural Training
Date: Wednesday, Sep 4
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: The Medium, Springdale
Description: Hosted by the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese, this event offers an opportunity to learn about Marshallese culture, history, and the experiences of the Marshallese community in Northwest Arkansas. This event will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. Registration required.

Welcoming Week NWA Launch and Community Celebration
Date: Friday, Sep 13
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Location: Springdale High School Main Gym
Description: Join Springdale High School students and community members for the official launch of Welcoming Week NWA 2024. The event will include student performances and inspiring stories from community partners. Registration is not required.

Scott Shigeoka: Curiosity as a Bridge for Connection
Date: Friday, Sep 13
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Thaden School Performing Arts Auditorium, Bentonville
Description: Author Scott Shigeoka will explore how curiosity can foster connection and transformation, building on the success of his award-winning book “Seek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World.” A book signing will follow. Registration required.

Navigating Uncharted Waters: Leadership Insights from Janie Mines
Date: Tuesday, Sep 17
Time: 8:30 to 10:15 a.m.
Location: The Collaborative Learning Lab, Bentonville
Description: Janie Mines, the first Black woman to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, will share her leadership insights. The event is free and open to the public, with light snacks and drinks provided. Registration not required.

2024 Arkansas Immigrant Defense Convening
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 19
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: The Barn at the Springs, Springdale
Description: A day dedicated to building connections and providing support among immigrant and refugee residents and service providers. Registration required.

Welcoming Week NWA 2024 is sponsored by the Walton Family Foundation, Tyson Foods, Walmart, Arvest Foundation, Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Signature Bank of Arkansas & Banco Sí, Visit Bentonville, WM, and Gotahold Brewing. 

For a full list of events and community partners, visit WelcomingWeekNWA.org.

About Northwest Arkansas Council
Founded in 1990 by Sam Walton, J.B. Hunt, Don Tyson, and several other business leaders, the Northwest Arkansas Council serves as a regional convener for economic and community initiatives. The Council excels at identifying challenges and championing solutions that enhance the prosperity of the Northwest Arkansas region. Key initiatives include improving quality of life, attracting talent, upgrading infrastructure, and supporting the region’s impressive growth. For more information, visit nwacouncil.org.

About EngageNWA
EngageNWA brings diverse people, organizations and communities together, offering opportunities to connect and contribute to a more inclusive Northwest Arkansas. EngageNWA was founded in 2013 on the principle that diverse communities perform better economically, and in the increasingly global economy, the regions that embrace these challenges will thrive. Engaging this diversity – across all levels, sectors, and communities – is how the region will secure its place as one of the nation’s best places to live and work. Learn more at engagenwa.org.

About Welcoming Week
Through Welcoming Week NWA, regional organizations and communities bring together neighbors of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and organizations the opportunity to showcase their values through events and initiatives that foster connections and collaboration between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as belonging for all.