Angela Duran*

Angela Duran says two things set her on the course to become president of the Southern Good Faith Fund: her parents and grandparents, who had roots in Bradley County in southeast Arkansas, and attending Catholic schools in Little Rock, which instilled in her the values she holds today.

“I believe we’re here on Earth to give and to serve and that’s what I try to do,” she said.

Duran, with the Southern Good Faith Fund since 1998, took over as president four years ago during a time of economic crisis. Forced to make cuts in staff and programs as a result, she still has managed to nearly double the total number of people served by the fund, which is part of Southern Bancorp of Arkadelphia.

The secrets of success, Duran says, are hard work and having a great team. “It’s all about the team effort. No leader ever did it all by herself.”

She was instrumental in lobbying the Legislature to establish individual development accounts, which are matched savings accounts for working poor families trying to buy a first home, pay for post-secondary education or job training or start their own business.

Duran and her staff also worked with Southeast Arkansas College at Pine Bluff in developing a model Career Pathways program, which helps move low-income adults up the career ladder through educational programs, letting them combine school and work and advance to better jobs. The state is now working with all 22 two-year colleges on Career Pathways.

Duran, who says she most admires Jo Luck, the CEO at Heifer International, finds time to serve on the boards of Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families, Mount St. Mary Academy and the Jefferson County Single Parent Scholarship Fund and on two national boards.

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