What Leaders Need: Communications That Work
2026-02-17 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | Online Event – Zoom
When resources are tight, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs. The What Leaders Need online training series for new and emerging literacy leaders is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states.

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QUICK LINKS FOR THIS WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:

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Basic details

About this topic

Meet the presenters

Online registration

PD Certificates

Downloads and printable documents

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, June 5, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT).

Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS TOPIC

In non-profit organizations, we carry the weight of many heavy challenges facing our student population. Imagine how light our adult literacy load would feel if we were able to spread the weight across many shoulders. Imagine how much more you could do if you had more hands to help. In this special panel discussion, literacy leaders will discuss collaboration in their communities – what’s worked, what they’ve learned, and how to bring your community together for a common goal.

MEET THE PRESENTERS

DesJean Peyton-JonesExecutive Director, Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Oklahoma County DesJean Peyton-Jones is the Executive Director for Opportunities Industrialization Center of Oklahoma County, Inc. (OIC), a nonprofit adult literacy agency. She is a professional life coach, has a background in advertising, organizational management, education and training. DesJean’s professional areas of emphasis include life coaching and career coaching, with a focus on “unsticking the stuck.”

Sarah RichardsonExecutive Director, Literacy Council of the Ouachitas Sarah Richardson has served as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of the Ouachitas since July 2020, leading the organization to increase its impact by over 400% through expanded services, increased funding, and outreach to multiple counties. Under her leadership, the council successfully secured additional state literacy funding and launched innovative programs to bridge education and workforce development. With a background in early childhood and special education, Sarah holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and is currently a PhD Candidate in Change Leadership at The University of Central Arkansas. A dedicated advocate for lifelong learning, she has spearheaded collaborative efforts to improve adult literacy, economic mobility, and community resilience. In addition to her professional work, Sarah is actively engaged in her community through leadership roles in the Hot Springs Area Chamber, National Park College Foundation, and Rotary. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, kayaking, hiking, and traveling with her family.

Kristina RivasExecutive Director, Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties Kristina brings with her over 20 years of combined experience in healthcare, marketing, higher education, and as a former small business owner. This work is incredibly personal to her. She knows exactly what can happen when a community steps in because she is the first generation removed from generational poverty. Kristina completed her Human and Family Development thesis and graduated with a Master of Science in Human Services from Stephen F. Austin State University.

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

click here to register now

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Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!

Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.

PD CERTIFICATES

Someone who completes the full session will receive 1.5 hours of PD credit.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email in the days following the training.

DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS

Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer].

Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon.

SPECIAL THANKS

Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Oklahoma County

Literacy Council of the Ouachitas

Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties

The Texas Workforce Commission

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Page checked/updated: 3/20/25

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