Little Rock Soirée
Little Rock Soirée is a lifestyle magazine showcasing the culture, business leaders, events, and philanthropic work of Central Arkansas.
AUDIENCE: 500 professional women and community leaders
LOCATION: Little Rock, Arkansas
CHALLENGE: Creating an inclusive and inspiring environment that fosters genuine networking and personal growth opportunities for women, empowering women professionally and personally.
CARA BROOKINS’ SOLUTION:
Delivered a powerful keynote tailored for a diverse group of women in business, philanthropy, and leadership
Participated in pre-event coordination with event organizers for tech checks and logistics
Shared actionable steps and personal insights on building resilience and purpose in both career and community life
Little Rock Soirée, the premier lifestyle magazine of Central Arkansas, annually hosts a gathering of the region’s most dynamic businesswomen, thought leaders, and philanthropists. This annual empowerment-focused event is a celebration of ambition, leadership, and community impact, and a platform for inspiration.
In the heart of downtown Little Rock at the DoubleTree ballroom, over 500 professional women convened for a morning of connection and renewal. With a focus on empowerment and purpose, the event required a speaker who could resonate across industries while offering tangible inspiration. Cara Brookins was selected to deliver the keynote, "Rise & Resilience."
Cara arrived early for a sound check with Maddie from the Soirée team and was introduced by Anna Beth Gorman of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. Her keynote wove together her personal story of overcoming adversity and building a home with her children as a symbol of persistence and personal growth.
Speaking directly to the pressures faced by working women, balancing career advancement, community impact, and personal development, Cara offered strategies for building internal resilience and reclaiming control over one’s narrative. Her relatable delivery and honest storytelling inspired attendees to reframe their setbacks as stepping stones.
The session concluded with a lively Q&A, allowing audience members to dive deeper into themes of leadership, risk-taking, and overcoming self-doubt. Cara’s appearance left a lasting impression and sparked hallway conversations long after the event wrapped. Her keynote not only fit the tone of the Soirée gathering but elevated its mission by reinforcing that true empowerment starts with resilience.
