Join Us!

Leadership

Our Chair


Katy Marino, M.D.

Thoracic Surgeon | UAMS

About Our Chair

Katy A. Marino, M.D., is a board-certified thoracic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive chest surgery. As the only female thoracic surgeon in Central Arkansas, she brings a unique perspective to the care of patients with cancers of the lungs, esophagus, thymus, and chest wall. A 2025 Best Dressed honoree, Dr. Marino is deeply passionate about her patients and the innovative solutions minimally invasive surgery can provide. She is committed to delivering safe, personalized care through advanced technologies such as robotic surgery and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach. Outside of work, Dr. Marino enjoys spending time with her husband, her two dogs—Betty and Maple—and her two cows, Mitch and Kevin.

If you are interested in joining our Planning Committee, please reach out to Alexandra Beard at [email protected] or 501.350.9250

Planning Committee


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Eve Geiggar

VISION LEAD

Women's Empowerment Coach | Made to Manifest LLC

Eve Starr Geiggar is a doctoral student at the University of Central Arkansas, pursuing a Ph.D. in Change Leadership with a focus on Community Leadership. She is the Founder and CEO of Made to Manifest LLC, a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise.   Outside of her professional pursuits, Eve is actively involved in Junior League of North Little Rock, the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce Vanguard Committee, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Beta Pi Omega Chapter. She is also a committed wife, servant leader, and transformational speaker.

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Mary Kate Whitmire

SOCIAL MEDIA LEAD

Advertising Copywriter, Dillards

Mary Kate is an advertising copywriter for Dillard’s department store in Little Rock, where she merges her love for writing and fashion. She was recognized as an honoree for Best Dressed Little Rock’s inaugural event in 2023 and as an honoree for the Finest Gala in 2024 benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Arkansas. Mary Kate is also actively involved in the community, currently volunteering with the American Cancer Society as a member of the planning committee for Best Dressed Little Rock.

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Kiana Waits

DECOR LEAD

Marketing Coordinator, BreachBits

Kiana is an experienced marketing and media professional with over a decade of experience in her field. Kiana is a proud alumni of Henderson State University where she continues to serve as an advisory board member for Henderson State University’s Digital Media Program.

She actively serves within the Little Rock community as an ambassador for the Little Rock Regional Chamber. Kiana was also recently appointed as a board member for the Little Rock Regional Chamber’s Create Little Board, which is geared towards creating initiatives and providing resources to young professionals throughout Arkansas.

Her passion and early career success has landed her numerous recognitions including being named as one of Little Rock’s Influential Women of 2025, and Marquis Whose Who in America in 2026. Kiana’s purpose is rooted in her faith and mission to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

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Danielle Johnson

HONOREE MENTOR

Dyslexia Interventionist, eStem

Danielle serves as a Dyslexia Interventionist at eStem Elementary School in Little Rock. Currently living in Maumelle, Danielle is a native of Arkansas, born in Little Rock. With twelve years of teaching experience, she has shown a deep devotion to education. Danielle was recognized as a 2024 Honoree for Best Dressed Little Rock. She enjoys volunteering with various organizations such as American Cancer Society, Central Arkansas Fermenters, Women’s Own Worth, Title I Math and Literacy Nights, Fall Festivals, New Student Orientations, and Scripps National Spelling Bee, for her school.

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Hana Settles

HONOREE MENTOR

Digital Marketing Manager, Saracen Casino Resort

Hana Settles is a Wynne, Arkansas native and UCA alum who now gets to do what she loves as the Digital Marketing Manager at Saracen Casino Resort. With a degree in Public Relations and Digital Filmmaking, she’s all about creative storytelling, building brands, and bringing big ideas to life across Saracen’s digital platforms. Hana got her start in media at THV11 in Little Rock before making the jump to Saracen, where she’s helped grow the brand from the ground up.  When she’s not working, you’ll find her cheering on the Razorbacks, watching sports, going to the movies, or spending time with her husband, Franklin, and their dog, Gylo. Hana was recognized as a 2025 Honoree for Best Dressed Little Rock.

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Sam Kamran

HONOREE MENTOR

Sam is a tech-savvy professional from the Emirates, combining over six years of experience in the IT corporate world after graduating from the University of Arkansas at LR.  Beyond her professional journey, she is driven by a heart for service – honored as an American Cancer Society honoree in 2025 and proudly volunteering with the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, the Finest Gala for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the American Heart Association. Giving back and uplifting others fuels her soul, especially in the fight against heartbreaking diseases and in supporting vulnerable children and families.

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Reynardo Marks

Director of Communications | North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce

Reynardo Marks is a dynamic professional with a passion for communication, community engagement, and leadership. As the Director of Communications for the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Reynardo plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s reputation and fostering relationships with members and stakeholders. With a focus on strategic marketing, branding, and social responsibility, Reynardo ensures that the Chamber’s messaging resonates with its audience and reflects its values.

One of Reynardo’s key strengths is his ability to lead and oversee various initiatives that have a positive impact on the community. Through his involvement with North Little Rock Connects, Military Relations, and Vanguard Ambassadors, Reynardo demonstrates his commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and youth development. Additionally, his role on the Chamber’s Minority Business Accelerator board allows him to advocate for underrepresented communities and promote economic empowerment.

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Chandler Sullivan-Perry

FUNDRAISING LEAD

Paralegal/Administration at McDaniel Wolff, PLLC

Chandler Perry is the Litigation Paralegal at McDaniel Wolff PLLC law firm in Little Rock, Arkansas. Chandler serves as the President for Arkansas Women’s Outreach Board, volunteers as a CASA for Pulaski and Perry counties, and as a Peacekeeper for Women & Children First. Chandler is recognized as a 2024 Finest Young Professional and Central Arkansas Finest Gala Honoree for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Arkansas.  She is also a registered Organ Donor and an Ordained Minister. Chandler was born and raised in Carlisle, Arkansas and currently lives in Sherwood, Arkansas with her husband Lee, and their four Australian Cattle Dogs. She enjoys volunteering, EDM festivals, chasing tornadoes, and Star Wars marathons.

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Pearman Parker, PhD, MPH, RN, PMH-BC

MISSIONS LEAD

Assistant Professor, College of Nursing

Dr. Parker is an assistant professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is most passionate about growing her program of research which is focused on assisting and improving the sexual health of young women breast cancer survivors as they reclaim their identities after cancer treatment. In her spare time, Dr. Parker enjoys competing her horses in eventing and loving on her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Vivi and Gigi.

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Dr. Kari Hooper

AUCTIONS LEAD

Pulmonologist, Jefferson Regional Medical Center

Dr. Hooper is a board-certified anatomic and clinical pathologist practicing at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Her areas of subspecialty include cytopathology and hematopathology. She is passionate about improving the health of those residing in rural communities and has recently published about the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women in Arkansas. Her future goals include instituting a program for HPV self-testing through a mobile unit covering rural communities in lower Arkansas in hopes of reducing cervical cancer rates locally.
Dr. Hooper has previously been involved with the American Cancer Society Oklahoma chapter as an executive baron, raising money and donations for auction items. Additional volunteerism includes raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Oklahoma chapter as the winner of the 2021 Woman of the Year as well as a planning committee member the following year.
Most of her time away from the microscope is spent with her husband James and 11 year old daughter Quinn, a competitive cheerleader at Cheer City United, as well as their two cats, Gramma and Pepper.
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Skye Martin

Assistant District Counsel
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Skye Martin is an attorney for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  She graduated from the Bowen School of Law in 2012 with High Honors.  Skye serves as a Trustee of the Arkansas Bar Association and as Chair of the Arkansas Access to Justice Commission.  She serves on the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish MidSouth and the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers.  Skye also volunteers for the American Cancer Society, Children’s Advocacy Centers of AR, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Easterseas, and Women & Children First.  She lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas with her husband, Jonathan Martin, and their golden retriever Indy.