Board Member Q&A: Mandy Shoptaw

What is your favorite part about Arkansas?

I grew up in Hot Springs and our family had land just outside the city with forest, creeks, and mountains. I love the peacefulness of this natural setting. You can see something new and inspiring every visit.

What is your favorite memory from living in Arkansas?

When my son was a toddler the City of Little Rock began work on the Big Dam Bridge. We used to take walks to check on the progress and he would toddle along or enjoy a wagon ride. It’s so neat that we’ve been able to see so many positive changes to our city just in the past two decades.

What was your motivation for joining the KAB Foundation board?

I was inspired by the passion of Colbie Jones for the work of KAB. I see the tremendous impact that a clean Arkansas has on our tourism economy.

As a board member, do you have a specific goal you want to achieve?

I hope that in the next 10 years that people become aware of the work of KAB and engage on a daily basis by doing their part to prevent litter in our environment.

What needs do you see that the Foundation can work to fill?

I think the foundation can be the fundraising arm of KAB and work towards specific objectives like purchasing items for clean ups or funding projects. I would love for us to one day get to a point where we can offer grants and provide training for groups around the state.

What would be your one message to someone to get them involved in the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission and Foundation mission? 

It starts with picking up one piece of trash and committing to being an everyday advocate for litter prevention. If everyone can take responsibility for their waste then we would be much better off.

Check out Mandy's biography.