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Creating change, Anna Beth Gorman believes, requires partnerships between public and private entities. “So, yes, we’re a nonprofit, but I think a good nonprofit and a good mission statement still have to have a sustainable business model to be successful in the delivery of that mission.”
That philosophy makes particular sense at the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, which works to economically empower women and girls.
Gorman, who’s led the nonprofit for five years, is proud that under her direction it has grown from one employee, her, to now four staff members. Even more impressive is the foundation’s growth in grant-making, from $25,000 a year five years ago to now more than $100,000.
Asked about mentors or heroes, Gorman said, “I have so many,” going on to add, “I always give credit to organizations like the Girl Scouts and the Girls State program for providing me the space to grow and become empowered.”
In addition to her foundation work, Gorman is also a sustaining member of the Junior League of Little Rock and a member of the boards of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame.
“It’s a very serious job, advocating for women and girls, but I have a lot of fun doing it,” she said.
