This month, we celebrate four women whose impact spans service, real estate, nonprofit leadership and artistry: Toni Rose, who made history as the first black woman to hold the position of Chief Deputy of the Pulaski County Detention Facility; Allison Pickell, a top-producing real estate agent who earned the 2025 International President’s Elite award; Artist Sandra Sells, a former Army mechanic who now creates stunning wood sculptures; and Janell Mason, Ronald McDonald House CEO, who provides compassionate support to families when their children are being treated at nearby hospitals.
Toni Rose
Chief Deputy of the Pulaski County Detention Facility
What lasting impact do you hope to make — locally or beyond?
I hope the impact I leave behind is showing people that leadership is about service and integrity. I’ve spent nearly three decades working in corrections, and along the way I’ve tried to lead in a way that’s fair, compassionate and focused on doing the right thing — even when it’s hard. I also hope my journey shows others that where you start does not define where you can go.
What’s something you’re proud of that won’t show up on a résumé?
I’m most proud of the people I’ve been able to encourage or mentor along the way. Over 29 years, you work with a lot of people, and watching someone grow in confidence or step into leadership themselves is incredibly rewarding. Awards and titles are wonderful, but the relationships you build and the lives you touch are what really stay with you.
What’s a piece of advice you received that still guides you today?
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is to lead with integrity and treat people fairly. Positions and titles may change, but your character and the way you treat others will always define you. That advice has guided me throughout my career.
Allison Pickell
Coldwell Banker RPM Group Top Producing Real Estate Agent
What lasting impact do you hope to make — locally or beyond?
As a Central Arkansas realtor and long-time Little Rock resident, the lasting impact I hope to make is to help strengthen neighborhoods and connect people to places where they can truly belong. Through my work in real estate and with our neighborhood association, I’m dedicated to keeping our neighborhoods strong by creating more beauty, advocating for thoughtful infrastructure and partnering with city leaders to improve the place we all call home. I also volunteer with my church and Mount Holly Cemetery, a historic cemetery, because preserving the stories and sacred spaces of our past matters to the future of our community. As a mother of two grown children and a mentor to newer realtors, I believe it truly takes a village to do this work well, and that our entire industry rises when agents are well trained, ethically grounded and deeply invested in the people they serve.
What’s something you’re proud of that won’t show up on a résumé?
One thing I’m proud of that will never show up on my résumé is how consistently I show up for my neighborhood and my clients as a real person, not just a ‘top-producing realtor.’ I’ve spent years investing in my community through participation in neighborhood and business associations, by attending local events, and I make a point to be the calm, steady person people can lean on during what’s often a very stressful life transition. I love helping solve problems and providing practical solutions.
What’s a piece of advice you received that still guides you today?
One piece of advice that’s really stayed with me is that something good can come out of everything, even when it doesn’t feel like it in the moment. Life has its share of challenges, but I’ve learned to focus on the positive and look for ways to grow from every experience, good or bad. Gratitude is truly an attitude, and keeping that mindset helps me find meaning and light even in difficult times.
Sandra Sells
Artist
What lasting impact do you hope to make — locally or beyond?
Art has a significant impact on my life, offering both balance and purpose. Through creative expression, I am able to cultivate my thoughts and ideas into objects. The path I took to becoming a full-time artist is long-range planning and dedication to my desire. Initially, making an impact wasn’t my focus, but over time, I have considered that my unrelenting persistence worked out in the long run. I hope my dedication can influence others and inspire their own curiosity.
What’s something you’re proud of that won’t show up on a résumé?
I crochet afghans and potholders for relaxation — a skill my mother taught me when I was young. The rhythmic motion comforts and reminds me of spending time with her.
What’s a piece of advice you received that still guides you today?
Showing up to the studio is a must no matter the level of creativity I am feeling. If I am not feeling creative, there are always maintenance tasks to do. Organize supplies, clean equipment or review unfinished projects to stay productive.
Janell Mason
Chief Executive Officer, Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana
What lasting impact do you hope to make — locally or beyond?
I hope my work leaves families with seriously ill or injured children feeling fully supported, comforted and never alone. Even small moments of normalcy for families can make a huge difference during a child’s medical journey. More than 10 years into my role as organizational leader, I’m blessed daily to connect with families and witness the impact of our programs, made possible by generous donors, dedicated volunteers and our laser-focused board and teams. In that time, we’ve grown our programs from two to nine across four regions, reaching more families than ever. I’ve also focused on mentoring our team, giving them opportunities to develop as leaders so their impact multiplies and our programs grow stronger. Beyond our region, I’m honored to serve on the Ronald McDonald House Global Board of Trustees, helping strengthen this mission worldwide. I hope that the heart I have for this work continues to ripple outward, creating a network of care and compassion that families everywhere can rely on.
What’s something you’re proud of that won’t show up on a resume?
For me, seeing our three sons grow into genuinely good humans is the icing on the cake. Each of them has stayed true to who they are and found their own unique path. Watching the way they treat others, with kindness, respect and compassion and hearing friends and colleagues comment on those same qualities makes me incredibly proud.
What’s a piece of advice you received that still guides you today?
Practice gratitude and joy each day. My personal mantra is “make today count.” For me, it begins with gratitude and joy. I try to start and end every day by reflecting on what’s good, before I go to sleep and again when I wake up. It’s a simple practice, but it changes your perspective. About eight years ago, I brought that idea into our work. I bought red bells for each member of our Ronald McDonald House team and labeled them “Good News.” Whenever we receive good news, we ring them, and other team members join in the celebration. We also have a Good News bell for families. It’s a small ritual, but it reminds us to pause, celebrate progress and be grateful for the moments that matter.
"Awards and titles are wonderful, but the relationships you build and the lives you touch are what really stay with you."
"I hope my dedication can influence others and inspire their own curiosity."