Across NWA and the greater Fort Smith area, many businesses and companies are implementing more diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions and programs.

• In 2019, Latricia Hill-Chandler became Arvest Bank's first diversity and inclusion officer. Next Tuesday, Jan. 19, John William Blue will become the first executive director of DEI at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. -Talk Business and Politics
• These are just a few examples of the area's inclusion efforts. In addition, The Northwest Arkansas Council's EngageNWA Program is set to launch the NWA DEI Business Cohort.
• JB Hunt Transport Service announced its $2.25 million collaboration with Walmart that will also contribute to DEI Efforts. -Talk Business & Politics
• And finally, TRUE NWA, an initiative supported by the Walton Family Foundation, is contributing $1.2 million to 14 local organizations to support DEI efforts.