Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas is excited to announce that Mrs. Johnelle Hunt will be honored as the 2016 “Arkansas Woman of Inspiration.” The honor will be presented at a luncheon at the Statehouse Convention Center on the morning of October 13th, 2016, and all proceeds will be used to support Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas and their pursuit in implementing more centers and to provide funding for existing centers across our state. This event will continue with a new honoree annually, and the event will serve as a substantial fundraiser for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. 

At the Woman of Inspiration event, the Blue Ribbon Award will also be presented to Matthew and Dr. Marc Smith who has overcome the trauma of abuse and  help the mission of child advocacy centers. The 2016 event will be chaired by Shayla Copas and Sara Massana. 

Child advocacy centers help children and their families deal with the aftermath of child abuse. A child advocacy center is a safe, child friendly environment where law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, victim advocacy, medical and mental health professionals can share information and develop effective, coordinated strategies sensitive to the needs of each unique case and child. 

Johnelle Hunt was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas. She met Johnnie B. Hunt when she was a junior in high school and four years later they were married. She attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She and J.B were married 55 years and blessed with two children and seven grandchildren. 
In 1962, the J.B Hunt Company, a rice hull packaging company, opened its doors in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Johnelle worked part-time to help her husband get started in the business. In 1969 the couple co-founded J.B Hunt Transport with five trucks and seven trailers. J.B Hunt is now one of the largest transportation logistics providers. 
Mrs. Hunt currently holds a seat on The Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute Advisory Board. She is the founding Chairman of the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society for Washington County as well as a founding Executive Board Member of the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Koman. 
In 1990, she and Mr. Hunt were chosen as the Arkansas Easter Seal Arkansans of the Year, the first couple to receive this award. Mrs. Hunt has also been recognized as: Worthen Professional Woman of Distinction, “The Top 100 Women” list for Arkansas, Citizen of the Year from March of Dimes. In 2001 Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame; in 2015 Mrs. Hunt was inducted in to the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame.
Johnelle Hunt inspires not only in her business ventures, but in her passion for the state of Arkansas. Congratulations Mrs. Hunt!