FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Dr. Shaneil Ealy
Executive Director, Women’s Leadership Network
501-339-3116, shaneil@wlnarkansas.org
wlnarkansas.org
Women’s Leadership Network names Ealy as Executive Director
WLN expands impact in the state
CONWAY, Ark. (March 26, 2025) – The Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is proud to announce Shaneil Ealy as its first Executive Director.
“Dr. Ealy was instrumental in the creation and evolution of the Women’s Leadership Network. As a founding board member, I am confident that selecting her as our first executive director will guarantee our continued success,” said Shelley Mehl, founding WLN member and current board treasurer.
A passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and a founding member of the organization, Ealy steps into this role with more than two decades of leadership and service in higher education and community engagement.
Founded in 2017, WLN is best known for its flagship programs and events that celebrate, support, and strengthen women leaders, including the Women’s Leadership Academy, Women’s Business Showcase and Level Up Conference for entrepreneurs and the annual International Women’s Day Brunch.
“This moment represents both a professional milestone and a personal mission,” said Ealy. “I’m honored to lead WLN into its next chapter, expanding our impact and continuing to build a community where women are supported, inspired and empowered to lead authentically.”
Under Ealy’s leadership, WLN will expand its reach across Arkansas and beyond, launching new initiatives and experiences to engage women from all backgrounds.
The first event is “Living the Life You Deserve”, which will be held on Thursday, April 3, at the Shewmaker Center at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville. This dynamic networking experience is designed to create a space for women in Northwest Arkansas to connect, be inspired, and feel empowered to embrace the life they truly deserve.
Through meaningful conversation, authentic connections, and the powerful message of guest speaker Kristen Guillory, this evening is designed to uplift and celebrate women as leaders, dreamers, and change-makers. Thanks to the generous partnership of Northwest Arkansas Community College and UCA’s Center for Community and Economic Development, there is no cost to attend the event, but registration is encouraged at wlnarkansas.org.
The next WLN event in Central Arkansas will be the highly anticipated Women’s Business Showcase on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the University of Central Arkansas. The showcase gives women-owned businesses a platform to showcase their products and services. Visit wlnarkansas.org for more information.
Ealy recently concluded a 20-year career at the University of Central Arkansas, where she served in various leadership roles, with her last role being associate vice president for the Division of Outreach and Community Engagement. Her transition to leadership at WLN marks the realization of a lifelong dream to create a platform that connects, equips and uplifts women at all stages of life and leadership.
Ealy earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She has been recognized for her service and leadership, including honors such as UCA Employee of the Year, the CALI Award and Outstanding Woman in Nonprofit by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce.
She is married to her husband, Taft, and the proud mom of two sons, Henderson and Jase. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, cycling, hiking and cheering on her boys at football games.
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The Women’s Leadership Network is an organization dedicated to the empowerment of women to live authentically and become agents of influence. WLN provides women the opportunity to connect, share resources and empower one another. WLN was founded in 2017 on the campus of the University of Central Arkansas after a conversation about supporting women who are both seasoned and aspirant leaders in the home, at work or in their communities. In 2023, the organization was designated a 501(c)(3) and has evolved into a network of over 3,200 women committed to promoting gender equality, providing resources and fostering community engagement and leadership for women.
