In our 2023 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.

JENNIFER YURACHEK

Jennifer Yurachek has been a part of the Northwest Arkansas community since 2017, when her husband Hunter joined the University of Arkansas as vice chancellor and director of athletics. They have moved seven times to get here, and it was worth it. She grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. She and Hunter have three sons: Ryan, 26, who is married to Morgan; Jake, 23; and Brooks, 18. She also has a Goldendoodle named Hank.

Education:
B.A. Mass Communications and Speech Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Previous occupation:
Well I thought I was going to be a news reporter, but I got into marketing and my career took off from there. I worked in various marketing positions at all of our different stops. My employers ran the gamut, everything from radio stations to family fun centers to retirement communities.

Best part of being the First Lady of Razorback Athletics:
Easily it is the people I have an opportunity to meet and develop relationships with in my role. From the incredible Razorback student-athletes, to the coaches, department staff and families, to the generous people who support the athletic program and ensure its success.

Best part of being involved with Arkansas Children’s Northwest:
As a mom of three, I’m acutely aware of how important it is to have access to care for your children if and when you need it. Thankfully my three boys (now young men) only needed the occasional emergency room visit. It’s such a gift for families in Northwest Arkansas to have a pediatric hospital right here in our own backyard. It means parents don’t have to take off work, kids don’t have to spend hours in the car or miss days of school, and families aren’t separated during an already stressful time. Hunter and I value family above all else, and that means promoting and supporting the health and wellbeing of every child in our community.

Why is it important to help/support Arkansas Children’s?
Everyone you meet in Arkansas has a connection to Arkansas Children’s. To be able to support an organization that has such an incredible impact on so many families is truly remarkable. At the end of the day, parents want what’s best for their children — and you never know how important pediatric care is until the day comes when you need it for your own family. I feel very privileged to not only support this mission as a donor myself, but also as an Arkansas Children’s Foundation board member.

Other nonprofit/volunteer involvement:
I’m involved in the Fayetteville High School Booster Club; the Philanthropy Club, a program of the Arkansas Community Foundation that supports local nonprofits; Cancer Support Home; and CASA of NWA. I’m on the Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board and the Washington Regional Medical Foundation Board. Hunter uses his platform as athletic director to emphasize volunteerism and community giving to University of Arkansas athletes.

Best advice you’ve ever received:
It’s on signs and T-shirts, but probably “Bloom Where You are Planted.” When you move around as much as we have, you learn that happiness doesn’t come from a location. Happiness comes from your attitude, the people you surround yourself with and how you chose to spend the waking moments of your life. OK, maybe I have two, because I also love “Find your NEW normal.” When change hits you, you have to hit your stride and find your new normal.

Advice you’d give to other working women/moms:
Give yourself a break! Why are we, as women, the hardest on ourselves? It’s OK to take a break and curl up with your dog (in my case Hank the Goldendoodle) when you need some downtime. If you make a mistake, move on. If you said something you shouldn’t have, ask for forgiveness. When the bumps in life come, know that tomorrow is another day, and it will get better.

Quality you admire most in women:
The ability to multitask. Women amaze me with their ability to go from board room rock star to gourmet chef to playful parent, all in a day’s work!

Surprising fact about you:
I was once chosen from the audience to participate in the audience speak out portion of the “Late Show with David Letterman.” It was my five minutes of fame!

Thing you’re most proud of:
My Faith, marriage and family.

You can view Jennifer’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2023 3W Magazine here.