LEAD

Too often, those most affected by poverty are excluded from decision-making spaces and leadership roles. We believe people with lived experience are essential leaders with immense potential to reshape the narrative of poverty. By developing these leaders, we ensure that those closest to the challenges are leading the way to the solutions.

VOIS Fellows are community-rooted leaders with lived experience navigating some of the most urgent challenges facing Northwest Arkansas. Trained in advocacy, public narrative, and community leadership, they bring firsthand insight into issues like housing insecurity, low wages, healthcare gaps, and structural poverty—along with a deep commitment to shaping more just and equitable solutions.

MEET THE FELLOWS

Malath Alarnosi

Immigrant & Refugee  Uplifting Women  Economic Empowerment

Malath Alarnosi is an Iraqi American advocate and Voice Fellow with Circle NWA, committed to expanding opportunities and resources for immigrant and refugee communities. Based in Northwest Arkansas, she leads initiatives that promote mental well-being, economic empowerment, and cultural belonging. Rooted in her own lived experience, Malath is especially passionate about uplifting women, ensuring they have the tools, support, and voice to thrive in their new communities.

Contact Malath

Carmen Gonzalez

Mental Health  Disability Rights  Affordable Housing

Carmen Gonzalez is a community advocate based in Springdale, Arkansas. A proud mother of three, she is passionate about building a better future for families in Northwest Arkansas through greater access to mental health care, disability rights, and affordable housing. Inspired by her own lived experience, Carmen uses her voice to uplift others who are too often left out of the conversation. Through advocacy and storytelling, she is committed to shaping more inclusive policies and ensuring that those most affected by systemic barriers are not only seen—but heard.

Contact Carmen

Jonathan Nunez

Economic Equity  Justice Reform  Uplifting Marginalized Communities

Jonathan Nunez lives in Springdale and is an advocate whose work is rooted in his lived experiences with income instability, mental health challenges, and the juvenile justice system. As an immigrant to the United States, he brings a deep understanding of the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. Jonathan champions economic equity, justice reform, and inclusive policymaking through storytelling, community engagement, and hands-on service. He is especially committed to amplifying the voices of those too often left out of the conversation.

Contact Jonathan

We grow leaders, movements, and ideas that change the story — and the reality — of poverty.

LEAD

Co-Create

CO-CREATE

Innovate

INNOVATE

Advocate

ADVOCATE