Ep. 8 - From UCA to CEO: Alexa Williams’ Journey

A double alum with a double take on impact. We’re joined by Alexa Williams, president of Celebrate Arkansas, to explore how a regional magazine became a precision PR platform that connects businesses, nonprofits, and culture across Northwest Arkansas, without losing the soul of print. Alexa’s path runs from HR to tech to graphic design, then into entrepreneurship with Glass Ivy, and ultimately into leading a brand known for standout covers and community-first storytelling.We dig into the practical playbook: why internships in HR and marketing gave Alexa an edge, how a hybrid MBA unlocked momentum while working full time, and what it takes to build a client base that lasts a decade. She shares the moment a cold call turned into her first long-term account, the strategy behind Celebrate’s year-ahead editorial calendar, and why “print is dead” misses the point when distribution is targeted and the audience is crystal clear. Expect insights on brand trust, targeted media, and the power of return on relationship in a region dense with nonprofits.Beyond business, Alexa gets honest about leading while parenting: choosing non-negotiables like school drop-offs, embracing an unpredictable schedule with a shared digital calendar, and finding reset time through weekly rock climbing. We also spotlight recent cover wins, from a food and beverage issue with Feeding America’s Claire Babineaux-Fontenot to a culture-jolting Nelly cover with Walton Arts Center, showing how local teams can deliver national-quality storytelling.If you care about Northwest Arkansas growth, UCA roots, entrepreneurship, or the future of regional media, this conversation delivers practical takeaways and fresh energy. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves Arkansas stories, and leave a quick review to help more listeners find the show.