Meet the Woman Behind Fort Smith’s Strongest Nonprofit Connections

Fort Smith’s Untold History with Tom Wing

In Episode 72 of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, Josh and Joe sit down with historian, professor, and preservationist Tom Wing to explore the deep historical roots of Fort Smith and Van Buren. From growing up around Westark College and Fort Chaffee to becoming a park ranger and director of the Drennen-Scott Historic Site, Tom shares the experiences that shaped his passion for history. The conversation dives into the powerful connections between Fort Smith and Van Buren, the impact of the federal court and Judge Parker era, Civil War stories from the Arkansas River Valley, and the importance of preserving local history through museums, archives, and historic homes. Tom also shares fascinating stories about the Boston Store, downtown integration during the Civil Rights era, Civil War reenactments, and the restoration of the Drennen-Scott House. If you love Arkansas history, historic preservation, Civil War stories, or learning how Fort Smith became the city it is today, this episode is packed with incredible insight and storytelling. Relevant Links * Fort Smith National Historic Site https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-national-historic-site * U.S. Marshals Museum https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/us-marshals-museum * Fort Chaffee Barbershop Museum https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-chaffee-barbershop-museum * Clayton House Museum https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/clayton-house * Fort Smith Museum of History https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history * Drennen-Scott Historic Site https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/drennen-scott-historic-site * Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Excursion Train https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/arkansas-and-missouri-railroad * Miss Laura’s Visitor Center https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/miss-lauras-visitor-center * Belle Grove Historic District https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/belle-grove-historic-district * Chaffee Crossing Historic Entertainment District https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/chaffee-crossing

How High School Students Are Landing Jobs Before Graduation with Peak Innovation Center

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, Josh Buchfink and Emily Horn sit down with Stephanie Freeman, Director of Career & Technical Education at Peak Innovation Center. Stephanie shares how Peak is transforming education by connecting high school students with hands-on career training, industry partnerships, and real job opportunities before graduation. From advanced manufacturing and healthcare programs to cybersecurity, construction, and graphic design, Peak Innovation Center is helping students across the River Valley discover career paths, build confidence, and gain industry-recognized skills. Stephanie also discusses how Peak partners with local businesses to meet workforce needs, why not every student’s path has to begin with a traditional college route, and how creating a different kind of learning environment is changing lives for students across the region. Relevant Links * Peak Innovation Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/peak-innovation-center/2159/ * University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith/664/ * Chaffee Crossing Trails: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/outdoors/ * Fort Smith Trails & Outdoor Recreation: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/outdoors/ * Fort Smith Skate Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/fort-smith-skate-park/1800/ * Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce: https://www.fortsmithchamber.com/ [https://www.fortsmithchamber.com/] * Discover Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ [https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/] * Las Americas Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/las-americas-too/1795/ * Paizi’s Gyros Mediterranean Grill: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/paizis-gyros-mediterranean-grill/1747/

How Girls Inc. Changes Lives in Fort Smith

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, Josh Buchfink and Emily Horn sit down with Amanda Daniels, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Fort Smith. Amanda shares the incredible 92-year history of Girls Inc., how the organization empowers girls to become “strong, smart, and bold,” and the impact their after-school programs, outreach initiatives, sports leagues, and leadership development opportunities have on young girls across the Fort Smith area. Amanda also discusses the importance of community support, volunteer coaches, transportation needs, and the growing partnerships helping Girls Inc. expand its reach into local schools. Plus, hear about life in Fort Smith, local restaurants, downtown shopping, and why Fort Smith continues to be such a supportive and family-friendly community. Relevant Links * Girls Inc. of Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/girls-inc-of-fort-smith/2180/ * University of Arkansas – Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/university-of-arkansas-fort-smith/664/ * Fort Smith Downtown Shopping & Dining: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/shopping/ * Fort Smith Riverfront & River Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/things-to-do/outdoors/ * The Hangout Fort Smith: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/the-hangout/2144/ * Western Arkansas Ballet: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/western-arkansas-ballet/1544/ * Fort Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ [https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/]

Why Ballet Still Matters in 2026 | Jared Mesa on Dance, Discipline & Art

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, Josh and Emily sit down with Jared Mesa of Western Arkansas Ballet to talk about his journey from Yuma, Arizona to Fort Smith and how a background in sports, martial arts, and theater eventually led him into the world of classical ballet. Jared shares the history of Western Arkansas Ballet, what it takes to train dancers, and why ballet remains an important and evolving art form today. The conversation dives into the discipline behind dance, the physical and artistic demands of ballet, and how Western Arkansas Ballet is creating opportunities for dancers of all ages in the River Valley. Jared also discusses the organization’s performances, community partnerships, and why anyone curious about ballet should experience a show for themselves. Whether you're a longtime arts supporter or have never attended a ballet before, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of Fort Smith’s longest-running arts organizations. Relevant Links Western Arkansas Ballet: https://www.waballet.org/ [https://www.waballet.org/] * Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/fort-smith-regional-art-museum/429/ * The Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/the-bakery-district/611/ * King Opera House: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/king-opera-house/835/ * UAFS Windgate Art & Design Building: https://uafs.edu/ [https://uafs.edu/] * Fort Smith Symphony: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/fort-smith-symphony/1173/ * Downtown Fort Smith Dining: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/restaurants/ * Patrick’s Butcher Boy Burgers: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/listing/patricks-butcher-boy-burgers/1015/

Building a Stronger Fort Smith: Inside the Boys & Girls Club with Beth Presley

In this episode of the Discover Fort Smith Podcast, we sit down with Beth Presley, CEO of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, to talk about the power of community and creating opportunities for local youth. Beth shares her journey from marketing and athletics to nonprofit leadership, and how her diverse background fuels her passion for serving Fort Smith. We dive into the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs across the city—from afterschool programs and STEM labs to the brand-new Teen Center that’s bringing together students from across the region. Hear how these programs are shaping the next generation through mentorship, education, and real-world experiences. Beth also highlights inspiring success stories, community partnerships, and exciting events like the annual fishing derby and golf tournament. This episode is a powerful reminder that Fort Smith’s future is built through connection, opportunity, and showing up for one another. Relevant Links: * Bakery District: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district [https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/bakery-district] * Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-center [https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/janet-huckabee-nature-center] * Ben Geren Regional Park: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park [https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/ben-geren-regional-park] * Fort Smith Regional Art Museum: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum [https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-regional-art-museum] * Fort Smith Museum of History: https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history [https://www.discoverfortsmith.com/fort-smith-museum-of-history]