Introducing Local Professional (and Mom), Loria Oliver

By Terri Walker

 
If you have lived in NWA for any amount of time, then you are familiar with Peekaboo magazine- a local, monthly family and parenting publication. There hasn’t been an issue yet (since I have lived here) that I have not picked up and read. What (or who) you may not be familiar with is the PR specialist that plays a significant role in the brand– her name is Loria Oliver.  Loria is responsible for Public Relations and is also a contributing writer for the magazine.  One of her columns, “I Don’t Know How She Does It,” is about women in business. She recently profiled the owner of the Press Room.

Loria Oliver

 

Last year, Loria co-founded a new company, Peekaboo Media Group, with two business partners. She serves as Director of Public Relations & Special Events. Peekaboo Media develops and distributes relevant and creative content, connects brands with audiences, and produces events that bring women (and moms) together around products and services that make their lives easier, more fulfilling, and fun!

Her business has worked with multi-million dollar companies, such as Hasbro and Tyson Foods, Inc. Recently, they hosted a “Mom’s Night Out” Event sponsored by Evenflo and gave away thousands of dollars in merchandise.  The Peekaboo Media Group also has a morning news segment the focuses on parenting, fashion, marriage, children and more! Moms- you can watch it on Thursday mornings on KNWA/NBC and KFTA/FOX!  Their last two were focused on New Year resolutions and post-baby weight loss.

Loria has been married for almost four years and has two sons, ages 21 months and 2 months. (Yes, she’s a busy woman!) They moved to NWA almost three years ago. She is originally from Maryland and has lived in Atlanta, New York, and Houston.  She is also a board member at the Rogers Public Library and has served as a Marketing Chair for the Children’s Museum of Northwest Arkansas’ annual fundraiser.

Fun Facts:

“I honeymooned in Nantucket, MA and did a 20-mile bike ride around the island with my husband.”

“My favorite local date night spot is Ruth’s Chris in Rogers.”

“I love the chai vanilla honey latte at the Press Room in Bentonville.”

Creating Community While Surrounding Our Kids With Positivity

NWA EbonyKids First Informational 3/10/12

    

By Terri Walker

Welcome blog readers from Northwest Arkansas and beyond!

Thank You for caring about and connecting with the mission/interests of this organization!

HOW WE BEGAN TO FULFILL A DESIRE…

Soon after moving to NWA with our families, Leah Williams and I were culture-shocked!!   Because of the disproportionate population of African Americans, as compared to other areas of our nation, in conjunction with many persons and families not benefiting from having extended family in the area, a desire to develop an African American social support network (for the benefit of our youth) was born.

We, more than ever, wanted our children to continue to develop positive self-images, especially in a community where they often would not see others who look like themselves.

So in January of 2012, Leah and I joined forces to create an organization with the following MISSION:

Ø  Purposefully bringing African American children and families together, and

      Ø  To utilize resources that we have within our own community.

HOW, WHY?

Ø  To provide social and cultural events which will display positive historical and current figures that can give and support positive self-image and discipline in our children. 

OUR PASSION:

      Ø  To actively be advocates for the African American youth in NWA, so that they can stay encouraged, and to avoid opportunities for them to feel isolated or racially inferior. 

We would love to receive phenomenal support
from the community while attempting to fulfill this desire.



NWA Ebony Kids Mad Science Party 4/14/12

 

FAQs:

How do I join?
Ebony Kids is not a membership organization, therefore, there are no membership dues or fees. The organization exists to serve as a community of love, support, and cultural awareness for African American youth.

Is Ebony Kids an official organization?

Yes, Ebony Kids was formed on January 22, 2012 and became a 501(c)(3) corporation on April 5, 2012, as declared by the State of Arkansas.

 Is participation limited to a specific age group?

Not at all! All kids, regardless of their age, are always welcome to attend any of the events. If you have children of a particular age group and feel that some of the events are not catered towards them, by all means- PLEASE- share ideas to initiate an event for that particular age group.

What can I do to help?

We’re glad you asked! We encourage you to be supportive in any way you can, and there are so many ways! Offer ideas or suggestions for events; host an event; volunteer to be a mentor; provide food, items, or supplies needed for an event; create or share a cultural lesson. We need the support of the community, and welcome suggestions from all.

Are the events for African American youth only?

Absolutely not! Children of all ethnicities are welcome. In the process of building a positive social support network for African American youth, we honor cultural diversity. Cultural awareness is a benefit for all.

Thank you for visiting today-check back often for news, events, resources, guest bloggers, etc!!