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About

The foundations for our organization.
THE "WHY" BEHIND NWAGG

THE NWA GIRL GANG STORY

NWA Girl Gang Founder Rachel Fox envisions a future where children and adults living with disabilities are included in the growing opportunities available in Northwest Arkansas. As a media professional, Rachel saw the gaps in representation in creative, recreational, and educational spaces after the birth of her daughter who was born with Down Syndrome. Rachel dared to imagine a reality that welcomed her daughter into community spaces and activities. A future that provided her with equitable opportunities and rights, no matter her disabilities. Inspired by her daughter’s positive experiences with the Girl Scouts of the USA,

Rachel began NWA Girl Gang as an informal gathering space to curate relationships. Within four years, NWA Girl Gang became a 501c3 nonprofit and further extended its commitment to accessibility by deeply engaging with DEI efforts, mutual aid with other nonprofits and organizations, increased entrepreneurial opportunities for NWAGG’s vendors, and engagements with the arts and culture ecosystem.

Our Mission

We strive to offer safe, inclusive, and accessible programs for women and minoritized genders of all abilities and disabilities. NWAGG is dedicated to providing intersectional support to marginalized communities by reducing barriers and creating access to entrepreneurship, social and networking opportunities, enrichment activities, and mutual aid efforts in Arkansas.

Who Do We Support

NWA Girl Gang creates inclusive and equitable opportunities that support women and marginalized genders. Focused on creating “least restrictive environments,” our programming is designed to accommodate and encourage authentic participation for all abilities and the disabled community. NWA Girl Gang loudly and proudly values intersectionality, and successfully engages BIPOC, TSLGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, low-income, and more underrepresented communities.

Timeline

Where NWA Girl Gang started and how its grown.

Creation of NWAGG

October 2018

NWAGG was founded in October of 2018 by Rachel Fox, just one short month after moving her family to Northwest Arkansas. Fox was inspired by her childhood experiences, her long career in marketing, and her daughter born with Down Syndrome.  

First NWAGG Meet-Up

December 2018

NWAGG's first formal social and networking event was held in December of 2018. 55 women were in attendance from all over the region.

NWAGG Becomes a 501(c)3 Non-profit

August 2020

In August of 2020, NWAGG became a registered nonprofit for Community Development, Enrichment, and Social Impact.

First NWAGG Market

December 2020

In 2020, NWAGG held their first NWAGG MARKET providing support to women and marginalized business owners.  This was the first of many markets where entreprenuers and patrons alike could experience an inclusive and accessible experience.

Step 5

NWAGG celebrates 5 years!

December 2023

NWAGG celebrated 5 years with their Board of Directors, Advisors, Donors, and community partners in downtown Rogers, Arkansas...

As of September of 2024:

-50,000 have benefitted by NWAGG's programmed events, activities, and mutual aid efforts and

-800 women and marginalized business owners have been supported