Theme: Exploring Innovations in Agriculture that tackle the climate crisis

Sustainability, agriculture, and innovations in conservation, collide with these exciting and motivational talks held in the “Natural State”, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Experts will tackle the obstacles of global warming and food shortages with educational, environmental, and collaborative efforts. RSVP to be a part of this epic discussion.

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Headquarters
2301 South University Ave
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72204
United States

Derek Griffin

Insurance and Financial Planning Professional

Derek Todd Griffin is the CEO of the Derek Todd Agency, Inc. (DTA) who has partnered with Nationwide Insurance to support the agribusiness asset protection needs of today’s Black farmers across the country. He is also Managing Partner of Housemen Investments whose mission is to help heir property owners grow their legacy by providing access to capital. With over 25 years as a noteworthy leader in the areas of: Business Development, Insurance & Bonding, Telecommunications, Banking & Finance, Marketing, and Sales, Griffin brings a vast array of wisdom and knowledge that will empower and protect today’s minority farmers’ generational wealth strategies through Nationwide Insurance’s, “Land as Your Legacy” program.

Isaiah Rucker Jr.

Champion Motivational Speaker & Author

Isaiah Rucker Jr is a seasoned professional with a remarkable 15-year history in leadership and development. His accomplishments shine brightly as a published author and acclaimed Champion Motivational Speaker, showcasing his ability to drive positive change. His holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Purdue University Global. Having dedicated a decade of his life to being a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Isaiah's spiritual guidance is an integral part of his character. Furthermore, he holds the esteemed title of Founder & CEO of UnLoaded, LLC—a platform designed to empower both individuals and corporations through motivational talks, strategic business insights, written literature, workshops, and personalized coaching. His influence is global, evident through his impactful books, "UnLoaded”, “28 Power Keys to Success," and "The R. I. P. P. Method," which have resonated with audiences around the world.

Keion Fair

Innovator, Trailblazer, Entrepreneur

A visionary entrepreneur with an unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community development. As the Founder of Fair Aquaponic Power LLC, he has pioneered groundbreaking solutions that promote natural, healthier resources to address nutrient deficiencies, fostering a better quality of life for all.

Kesha Cobb

Founder - Black Women in Ag / Agribusiness and Conservation Consultant

A seasoned entrepreneur and business developer in the industries of beauty, health care, education, wellness, agriculture and real estate. After becoming a home owner free and clear in 2016, she launched Sustainable Home, to create homeowners and help low to moderate income individuals build generational wealth with practical attainable goals. In 2020 she founded The Outreach Project. It stands to serve the underprivileged and less fortunate in central Arkansas by providing outreach, virtual training, financial planning, mentorship, and life skills that propel others into a place of self sufficiency. During the pandemic, she creating a working group with like-minded black women who wanted to break the dirty glass ceiling into agriculture. This lead to Black Women in Ag, a nationwide advocacy organization for black women in agriculture. In 2022 she founded National Women in Agriculture - Arkansas chapter as the first and only agriculture organization for black women in the state.

Leslie Glover

Farmer and Program Manager - USDA Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

Since 1992 Leslie has been employed with the United States Department of Agriculture, worked with the US Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He graduated with honors from both Alabama Agricultural & AMP; Mechanical University and Virginia Tech University in Environmental Sciences, and has completed additional academic coursework at Idaho University. In his current role with the USDA, Leslie is the Program Manager for the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP) in Washington, DC. The OUAIP was created as part of the 2018 Farm Bill to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and emerging agricultural practices. The coronavirus pandemic and social unrest of 2020 have brought issues like racial inequality, food deserts, food insecurity, persistent poverty, environmental justice, and food sovereignty to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness. Leslie envisions OUAIP as a positive change agent to create lasting solutions in those arenas.

Reginald Cason

Farm to Market Liaison

A liaison for farmers and historically underserved agricultural producers since 2020.

Sherri Degraphenreed

State CSP Program Manager - Arkansas - Agronomist and Conservation Professional

Skilled NRCS professional with a proven track record of effective leadership, communication, positive team and relationship building, innovative and creative problem solving attained through diverse positions in government, corporate, academic and non-profit organizational work and volunteer experiences.

Terrius Bruce

International Agriculturalist and Conservationist

Terrius Bruce is a dedicated Environmental Dynamics PhD student and graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas with a passion for developing sustainable communities. As a previous N.O.A.A. CCME scholar at Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work. Terrius is committed to addressing food security, sustainable housing, ecology and biodiversity, land use management, planning, and sustainable energy. With a background in information technology and service industries, he is skilled in project management, customer service, sales, and project planning. Terrius is a dynamic scholar who is leading the way for global change and has already made significant strides in addressing food insecurity through his work on community food security projects