Tykeena Watson-Arnold, a proud Helena-West Helena native and KIPP Delta graduate, has dedicated her career to mathematics education. She earned her degree in Mathematics from Fisk University and pursued Secondary Math Education at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. With experience as a math educator and coach, she now serves as a K-12 Math Specialist at the local Education Service Cooperative, supporting teachers and students across the region. Outside work, she enjoys crafting and engaging with students and families at local community events.
Jordan Yancey graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Communications and a minor in Marketing. She is the owner and operator of Bella Boutique, a women’s clothing store known for its curated styles and personalized customer service. A passionate advocate for her community, she has been actively involved in supporting the downtown area for many years. She founded the “Alive After Five” program, a monthly business-after-hours event that brought professionals together on the first Thursday of each month. With a strong background in communications, marketing, and retail, she brings both creativity and strategy to her work. She is married and the proud mother of three children, and she remains committed to building a vibrant and connected community.
Martin was born and raised in Phillips County, Arkansas and now lives in Marvell, Arkansas. Martin attained an Associate’s of Arts degree from Phillips Community College, a Bachelor of Social Science Education from Delta State University, and a Master’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Delta State University. Martin teaches and coaches at Marvell Academy. Martin is a board member of the Sonny Boy Blues Society, the Helena Museum, and the Tri-County Fair. Martin also serves as the Youth Leader at First Baptist Marvell. Martin is also a member of the Helena-West Helena Kiwanis Club and is a business partner in his own small business, Biscuit Blues Nutrition. Martin serves as the Justice of the Peace in Phillips County for District 8.
Crystal Vital has been in Helena since 2018. She runs a small family specialty grocery store, Abarrotes Vital, that carries Mexican spices, snacks, candy, baked goods and other Hispanic products. She champions community involvement and shares the vision of seeing the town grow and prosper.
Joshua Mondy currently serves as an IT professional, broadcast engineer, educator, and youth mentor. Joshua Mondy, born in 1993 in Chicago, Illinois, is the son of Elijah and Belinda Mondy. He was raised in Helena, Arkansas, where he developed a strong connection to both technology and community. After graduating from Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) in 2014, Joshua continued his academic journey and earned a degree in Computer Information Technology from Arkansas State University in 2019. A versatile professional with a passion for technology, Joshua works in his family’s business, serving as an engineer for KJIW 94.5 FM. He is also the Director of Information Technology for Delta Circles and has extensive experience in providing computer repair and maintenance services to individual clients. Additionally, Joshua works as an audio and video engineer for the City of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas. His dedication to technology and education is evident through his role as a computer and technology instructor at PCCUA where he shares his knowledge of technology with the next generation. Beyond his professional work, Joshua is committed to making a difference in his community. He has a heart for the youth and started a youth group focused on helping young people learn, grow, and succeed in various aspects of life. With his diverse skill set, passion for youth and thoughtful, kind-hearted nature, Joshua Mondy continues to inspire those around him and make a meaningful impact in his professional and personal life.
Robin moved to Helena 42 years ago, with the opening of her husband's optometry practice in Helena. After teaching one year at Central High School, she taught English at PCCUA and was involved in several departments before retiring, all over a span of 40 years. She feels encouraged to see young leadership in Helena-West Helena and a renewed interest in the downtown area where her husband had a practice for several years. Serving with the Phillips County Chamber of Commerce is a way for her to stay involved with the community.
Reteisha is a Helena-West Helena native currently residing in Little Rock, AR. She has 8 years of community and economic development consulting experience, working nationally with a number of chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, cities, counties, electric utilities, and state organizations on their strategic plans, workforce studies, and economic impact studies. Reteisha is now an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Associate for Kiva U.S. where she co-manages a portfolio of more than 100 partners that are supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in their local communities. Kiva provides 0% interest, $0 fee crowdfunded loans to small business owners who have been left out of traditional financing options. Reteisha is passionate about building better communities across the country and she understands that small businesses are the heart of our communities, creating new jobs and creating revenue that circulates in the local economy. Through serving on the Phillips County Chamber Steering Committee, Reteisha is taking an active role in supporting the growth and development of Phillips County and re-visioning the community where she was born and raised. Reteisha is a two-time graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration.
Qway Duvall is the Pastor of Hope Church. He, his wife Mikala, and their son Theo moved to West Helena in 2019 to plant a life-giving church in the community. Qway has a deep love for the city and a passion for seeing it grow into a healthy, thriving place for everyone.
Amanda Thomas has been the Assistant Superintendent of Mississippi River State Park since September 2023. She joined the Arkansas State Parks system in 2018 and has a strong passion for engaging with the public and working outdoors. Born and raised in Southwest Arkansas, she brings a deep appreciation for the state's natural beauty.
Mary "Mickey" Dinges and family moved to Helena-West Helena three years ago from the desert community of St George, Utah, following her retirement from her position of executive assistant at an estate planning and wealth management firm. One of her goals was to commit a good portion of her time and talents to supporting her community. To that end, she started The Tangled Web Designs out of her home. The Tangled Web offers low-cost support to small businesses with copies, faxing, business cards and small runs of promotional items. She is also an avid crafter, so she quickly partnered with Delta Circles, at first by selling at their pop-up shops, and then by offering classes as needed. The Delta Cultural Center has also been an important part of keeping her commitment to community, by offering classes and participation in events. Mickey credits the wonderful people of Helena-West Helena for her being made to feel welcome and at home. She maintains her excitement to see how the county can pull together and reinvent, revitalize and renew itself.
