Leadership doesn’t happen by accident, especially in a community as interconnected as Texarkana. For almost 50 years, Leadership Texarkana has been the organization developing the people who step up, take responsibility, and move our region forward. This month, as we focus on influence and impact, it’s the perfect organization to spotlight.
Leadership Texarkana began with a simple belief: if we want a stronger Texarkana, we need more people willing to lead it. The nonprofit formed to answer that challenge by equipping local citizens with the knowledge, relationships, and perspective required to take on bigger roles across business, civic life, and community development.
Each year, about 30 participants complete the nine-month program — gaining an insider understanding of Texarkana’s assets, challenges, and opportunities. This shared perspective builds a network of leaders who not only collaborate but also advocate for the city’s progress in their own industries.
Leadership Texarkana’s influence extends far beyond its classroom-style sessions to Alumni influence. Graduates go on to lead in education, nonprofits, local government, economic development, healthcare, and the business sector, shaping nearly every major community initiative in our city.
This is an exciting time in Texarkana, and I truly believe we have some of the most impactful leaders our community has ever seen. Texarkana leaders have embraced the idea of valuing collaboration over competition, and they are working together to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities like never before. By sharing knowledge, resources, and talents, we all win, and we are seeing these wins in economic development, non-profit work, government, and everything else. It's powerful! In multiple meetings recently, I have heard different Texarkana leaders say, "rising tides raise all ships." I truly believe that there is a genuine interest here in taking care of our community and one another.
Jenny Walker, Executive Director at Leadership Texarkana
How This Impacts Marketing in Texarkana
Leadership Texarkana plays a larger role in the region’s marketing environment than most people realize.
Here's Why:
1. Stronger Leaders = Stronger Messaging
When key decision-makers understand the community’s priorities and identity, the marketing that comes out of their organizations is clearer, more intentional, and more aligned with what Texarkana actually values.
2. Better Collaboration Means Bigger Impact
Leadership Texarkana alumni work across all sectors which means partnerships, events, campaigns, and civic initiatives come together faster and with more shared momentum. That creates more cohesive community marketing and larger regional visibility.
3. A Unified Brand for the City
Many cities struggle with fragmented messaging. Texarkana’s leadership network helps unify our story, a critical ingredient for promoting downtown, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and driving economic growth.
4. More Community-Driven Content
Good marketing is built on real stories. Leadership Texarkana cultivates leaders who champion the community, spotlight local wins, and drive engagement.
Leadership Texarkana isn’t just developing leaders. It’s strengthening the way we communicate, collaborate, and promote the Texarkana region as a whole. In a city where word-of-mouth and community influence matter, their work shapes the foundation of how Texarkana shows up to the world.
