Community Activities

As a lifelong learner, I am a dedicated teacher. I enjoy my college students so much that we have a reunion each year! I make sure we have both fun and fellowship in class as well as learning. The field of personal finance can make a tremendously positive difference in people’s lives, and that is why money education has become my life’s mission.

God has blessed my life through both difficult and good times. Being of service to my community and volunteering in a variety of areas is fulfilling, and is my way of giving back. I also find various fund raising events fun and challenging, and I present motivation magic and participate in celebrity roasts.

I grew up in Mabelvale Methodist Church, where I enjoyed folk dancing. My current membership is at St. James Methodist Church, and I serve as a greeter on 2nd and 5th Sundays. In Mabelvale, my parents, Joe and Gladys Briscoe were so active in our community, I developed my most important roots for volunteerism from their examples.

Some of the volunteer activities that I enjoy include giving time in High School Financial Planning Programs in public and private schools, donating presentations at retirement centers and public Financial Planning Days, and presenting annually to senior medical students at the University of Arkansas Medical School. My early background in 4-H, FHA, and county extension activities helped to build my advocacy for Cooperative Extension Services, and I was presented with the Friend of Extension Award in 2002.

I’ve shared my love of magic with hospital patients and children at summer medical camps for many years. I met David Copperfield at a magic convention in New Orleans, and as a result, I headed his Project Magic program in Arkansas. Through this program, we work with occupational and rehabilitation patients and therapists to teach them magic exercises.

Improving the success of small business owners has also been a big part of my life for many years. I served for six years on the National Women’s Business Council, and two years as Chair of that Council. Not only did I meet and work with women entrepreneurs in major cities across our nation, I also spoke and met with the business people in Mexico and Switzerland. As a member of Southwestern Bell’s Small Business Advisory Council for four years, I met in five states to address issues of business owner’s interests in each area. I served for three years on the National Advisory Council of the Association of Small Business Development Centers, and met from Alaska to Florida to work on issues important to all small business owners. I currently serve on the executive committee of the Arkansas Women's Forum, and was selected by Arkansas Business as one of the Top 100 Women in Arkansas.