Community Connectors

As Executive Director of Hark at Excellerate Foundation, Josh leads efforts to strengthen how Northwest Arkansas connects people to the resources they need to thrive. Hark serves as a trusted convener and connector - bringing together nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders to align around shared priorities and coordinated action.

By combining deep relationships with community data and real-time insights, Josh helps translate what residents are experiencing into clearer understanding, smarter decisions, and lasting systems-level change across the region.

Outside of work, Josh loves hanging out with his wife, Melissa, and their two sons, Luke and Josiah.

Tanya Deasis is the Director of Community Engagement at Hark. Tanya grew up in Los Angeles, California before moving to Rogers, AR. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and her MBA from John Brown University. Before her current role at Hark, Tanya started her career as a Community Liaison and later played an integral role in the success of the Emergency Rental Assistance program during the pandemic.

Tanya would describe her role at Hark as collaborative, innovative, and motiving. Her favorite aspect of her Hark role is being part of a passionate team who works daily to provide care for our neighbors. She values Hark’s willingness to listen to community needs and their collaboration with incredible organizations. Outside of work, you will most likely find Tanya traveling, reading good books, trying new foods, and enjoying time with her loved ones. She loves Northwest Arkansas’s beauty, the kind people it hosts, and the growth that has positively impacted the lives of everyone who lives here. For podcast listening, she recommends Adam Grant’s “WorkLife."

Shawntill Puryear is the Director of Community Resources at Hark. Shawntill grew up in eastern Arkansas before moving to Northwest Arkansas. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Arkansas State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Education.  Shawntill has extensive experience in the business, education, and non-profit sectors and is a Certified Beegle Poverty Coach.

Shawntill would describe her role at Hark as innovative, collaborative, and rewarding. Her favorite aspect of working with Hark is being able to build relationships within the community. She values our organization's passion to serve and loves NWA's willingness to grow and change. You will most likely find Shawntill enjoying time with family and friends. For podcast-listening, she recommends Dr. Beelge “ Breaking the Cycle.”

Timora Gilbert is the Lead Community Liaison at Hark. Timora brings to Hark her experiences and learnings as a program eligibility worker with the Department of Human Services. 

Timora would describe her work with Hark as community-based, resources-centered, and helping! Her favorite aspects of her Hark role are the opportunity to advocate and work with people in the community to build bridges to resources. She values Hark for its team of people who want to assist however they can.

A native of Missouri, Timora can be found spending her time outside of work with her other / “better” half and husband, Joel, her dog, Sadie, and her family, attending sports games, and enjoying downtime with friends. She loves Northwest Arkansas’ outdoors and all of the opportunities that the area brings to life! For podcast-listening, she recommends Jody Moore’s “Better Than Happy.”

Alechia Buttry is a Community Liaison at Hark serving clients within the communities of Northwest Arkansas. She grew up in New Mexico and moved to NWA in 1997.  She has a strong social service background and has worked with her community for over 25 years through the state of Arkansas government offices. She truly loves to serve others.

Alechia describes her work with HARK as way to give back to others and pay it forward. She loves being a part of Hark because it makes a great difference for the community.

Outside of Hark, Alechia loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, listening to music, traveling, and church. 

Briana is a Community Liaison, serving both the English and Spanish speaking communities. Briana has lived most of her life in NWA, she has a very special connection with the community, that connection motivated her to obtain a degree that would allow her to give back to the place that helped her grow. Briana obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Harding University. Briana brings to Hark her experience and learning from interning in Rogers Public Schools and being involved in community service projects. 

Briana would describe her work with Hark as facilitating communication between residents and the resources available in the community. Another aspect of the job Briana considers to be crucial is to emphasize with every client, and building a healthy communication is key in the role of a liaison.  Outside of work you will probably find Briana enjoying a beautiful picnic at the park, traveling and exploring new cities, or sipping on a cup of coffee in the company of her family. Briana tries to enjoy every moment and hopes to continue growing to give back to her community.

Evelyn Cardona is a bilingual Community Liaison at Hark, supporting both English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Having lived most of her life in Northwest Arkansas, Evelyn has developed a deep connection to the area and a strong dedication to helping others thrive. Her passion for community inspired her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work with a minor in child services at the University of Arkansas.

During her education, Evelyn interned at a local food pantry and an advocacy center, gaining valuable experience supporting vulnerable populations and learning how to connect individuals with essential resources. These experiences strengthened her ability to advocate for others, foster trust, and provide compassionate guidance to families and community members. In her current role, Evelyn focuses on connecting individuals with resources while emphasizing empathy, clear communication, and inclusive support. As a Spanish speaker, she is able to reach and serve a diverse range of community members, ensuring all voices are heard, valued, and empowered to grow.

Outside of work, Evelyn enjoys practicing self-care, spending time with family, and exploring new hobbies.

Originally from Miami, Florida, Nathaly’s family brought her to Northwest Arkansas during her high school years. While family connections first brought her to the region, it was the deep relationships and the vibrant, rich, and green community that inspired her to make NWA her permanent home.

Nathaly holds a degree in Spanish and brings experience as an interpreter and translator, along with a background in administration and nonprofit work. As a member of the Hispanic community, she has seen firsthand how language barriers and other factors can impact an individual’s opportunity for upward mobility. This perspective drives her passion for working in spaces that value equity, compassion, and community.

Nathaly would describe her work at Hark as dynamic, supportive, and progress-driven. Her favorite aspect of her role is the opportunity to work alongside her clients, exploring resources together that can truly transform lifestyles and long-term journeys. She values Hark’s people- and community-centered mission and is proud to work under leadership that prioritizes not numbers, but the growth and well-being of individuals.

Outside of work, you will most likely find Nathaly sipping tea and spending quality time with her friends and family. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, she loves attending local workshops, community events, and NWA’s seasonal activities year-round. Her favorite book recommendations include Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and her all-time favorite novel, Unwind by Neil Shusterman.

Rilanda Ralpho is a Community Liaison at Hark, serving both the English and Marshallese Speaking Communities. Rilanda grew up in Springdale, AR. Rilanda brings to Hark her experiences and learnings from her prior role at the NWA Center for Sexual Assault. 

Rilanda would describe her work with Hark as helping, serving, and referring! Her favorite aspect of her Hark role is how she can assist the Marshallese community through both resources and communication with them. She sees that this matters especially for those who face language barriers that could otherwise prevent them from reaching out for help. Rilanda values how Hark helps everyone with up to date resources. Outside of work, you will most likely find Rilanda spending time with her family and trying out new baking recipes. She loves how Northwest Arkansas has grown to be more Marshallese friendly. She states, “Even if I'm not in the Marshall Islands, I feel like I am with the number of Marshallese living in NWA. Especially with all the Marshallese churches and stores in the area making NWA my home away from home.” Rilanda extends a shoutout to her dad, Remas M. Ralpho, “for leaving his home and moving his little family to a foreign country, having to learn a new language and adapting to a new culture just so that I can have better opportunities!”