"We work towards integration, not assimilation. Both the newcomer and the existing community come together, braiding the strengths of one another—it makes a stronger community overall."

– Joanna Krause

On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with leaders and team members from Canopy NWA—a powerful local nonprofit that has welcomed over 900+ refugees from 29 countries since 2016. Together, they discuss the heart of refugee resettlement in Northwest Arkansas and how Canopy’s community-driven “long welcome” model is changing lives.

Joanna Krause (Executive Director), Saratiel Mugisha (Case Manager and himself a former Canopy client), and Shabnam Faizy (Youth Services) offer personal insights into the challenges refugees face and the support that Canopy NWA provides, from meeting basic needs and finding community to entrepreneurship, youth services, and navigating the path to citizenship.

With federal refugee resettlement programs on pause, Canopy NWA’s role is more vital than ever. Learn how their “path to thriving” model has helped launch 21 new refugee- and immigrant-owned businesses in the past year and why integration—not just assimilation—creates a thriving region for everyone.

This inspiring episode is full of personal stories, practical support tips, and ways YOU can get involved to help make Northwest Arkansas a place of hope and belonging for newcomers.

Key Takeaways:

• Canopy NWA’s “long welcome” approach guides refugees well beyond the first 90 days, ensuring needs like housing, health, education, and mental health are met.
• Integration means working with both refugees and local residents to build new communities together.
• Entrepreneurship is a key focus—helping newcomers start businesses and use their skills in ways that benefit the whole region.
• Youth programs support refugee students emotionally, academically, and socially, preparing them for long-term success.
• Legal services at Canopy NWA help refugees and immigrants navigate the path to permanent residency and citizenship.
• Community engagement—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy—is essential to Canopy’s success, especially during times of political and federal funding uncertainty.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Website: CanopyNWA.org
• Canopy NWA on Facebook
• Canopy NWA on Instagram
• Canopy NWA on LinkedIn
• Inspired Hands (refugee women’s cottage industry, order bread/baklava/chutney and more)
• World Refugee Day – annual event held in June by Canopy NWA
• Canopy NWA Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Information
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

Tune in to

"Food and giving people food is my love language."

– Chef Tyler Rogers

On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Chef Tyler Rogers at the beautiful Stonebreaker Restaurant on Markham Hill in Fayetteville. Chef Rogers is an Arkansas native whose culinary journey has taken him from humble beginnings in Magnolia to the legendary French Laundry in Napa, California, before returning home to celebrate Arkansas’s rich agricultural bounty.

Chef Tyler talks about finding inspiration in Thomas Keller’s French Laundry Cookbook, learning the value of farm-to-table at Brave New Restaurant in Little Rock, and the impact of working in Michelin-starred kitchens. Now as Executive Chef at Stonebreaker, he’s all about making guests feel at home and connecting local farmers with the community through creative, comforting dishes.

You’ll also hear Chef Tyler’s advice for young chefs, his dreams of opening his own diner or a wood-fired bakery, and his passion for serving inclusive menus—including vegan and gluten-free options. If you love great food, local farms, and uplifting stories, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

• Inspiration at Home: Chef Tyler’s Arkansas roots and early kitchen experiences shaped his love for hospitality and detail.
• Culinary Journey: From dropping out of college to pursuing some of the top kitchens in the world, Chef Rogers shows how non-traditional paths can lead to big dreams.
• Farm-to-Table Focus: He’s passionate about forming “a conduit between farmers and consumers,” using as many local products as possible at Stonebreaker.
• Intentional Hospitality: Hospitality is at the heart of Chef Tyler’s approach—“servant leadership” and a guest-first mentality ensure everyone feels welcome.
• Continuous Growth: Tyler shares how stepping out of your comfort zone—whether in the kitchen or life—leads to true growth.
• Advice for Aspiring Chefs: Work hard. Seek mentors. Stage (apprentice) in great kitchens. Read, and never stop learning.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Stonebreaker Hotel and Restaurant Fayetteville | stonebreakerhotel.com
• The French Laundry (Napa)
• Brave New Restaurant (Little Rock)
• Vieux Carre in the Afterthought (Little Rock)
• Bansley Berkshire Farm (Harrison, AR)
• Hannah Family Farms (Bentonville)
• Onyx Coffee Lab
• Books Mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Resetting the Table, On Food and Cooking by Harold McGee
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

Tune in to

"Once I learned that they'd give me trophies and awards and scholarships for saying words, I thought, that's in my wheelhouse."

• Aaron Mankin

In this powerful episode of I am Northwest Arkansas™, we revisit the story of Aaron Mankin, a U.S. Marine who survived a devastating IED explosion in Iraq. Aaron shares his journey of recovery—from the battlefield to burn treatment to becoming an advocate for fellow veterans.

His story is one of deep sacrifice, resilience, and the healing power of community and purpose.

As we honor Memorial Day, this conversation reminds us of the personal cost of war and the strength it takes to carry on.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Listen to the original IANWA episode - 292.
• Email Steve Mankin
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

HootOwl Legal Ver 2

FindItNWA.com

Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!

*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.

• Grab our Newsletter
• Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.com
• Connect With Our Facebook Page
• Connect With Us on Threads
• Connect With Our Instagram
• Connect With Our LinkedIn Page
• Join The Facebook Group
• Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedIn

Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

FindItNWA.com

🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now.