Our 2024 Board of Directors
Meet The Board of Directors
​Executive Team
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Lisa Sarmiento
President
Greetings, I'm Lisa Sarmiento, originally from Madison, WI, but my life's journey has taken me on quite an adventure through 5 states and 4 countries. Born on August 15, I've always had a soft spot for the color blue – it's like a piece of the sky wherever I go. My family is my anchor: Geovanny, my Ecuadorian partner for a remarkable 25 years, and our two incredible kids. Zolia, at 18, is already conquering college, while Viviana, our spirited 12-year-old with boundless enthusiasm, adores gymnastics, dance, music, and the company of friends. I find my bliss in the great outdoors, whether it's hiking, biking, swimming, or simply tending to the yard. Equally content at home, I cherish quality moments with family and friends—be it gaming, puzzling, or escaping into the pages of a captivating book. In the corporate realm, I navigate the intricate world of Accounting Transformation and Business Integration at Walmart. Fueled by curiosity and a talent for simplifying complexity, I relish strategic thinking. I'm thrilled to bring my professional expertise to foster DSCNWA's growth and advance inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome in NWA.
Cyndi Najar VP/Governance
Hello, I'm Cyndi Najar, proud to call Sand Springs, OK, my hometown. Born on June 5th, I find joy in sharing life with my husband Eddy and our two sons, Matt and Jeremiah. Our furry companions—Holly Bell, Loki, Mari, and Thor—complete our vibrant household. Purple hues paint my world, and the aroma of Thai cuisine always brings a smile to my face. As a devoted reader, the Harry Potter series has a special place in my heart, and I find solace in the world of hydroponic gardening. For King and Country provides the soundtrack to my days, and my scientific curiosity drives my interest in the subject. Embarking on a new adventure, I'm honored to be a first-year board member at DSCNWA, bringing my skills as a communicator, organizer, and compassionate advocate to the table. Each day brings new proud moments on this journey. Beyond the boardroom, you might hear the nickname "Cyndipooh" floating around. It's just another facet of the person who is passionate about making a positive impact and fostering connections within the DSCNWA community.
Zach Stevens
Treasurer
Hey there! I’m Zach Stevens, hailing from Hot Springs and celebrating my birthday on December 25. I’m married to JoAnn, and we have a wonderful son named Ethan. Our family wouldn’t be complete without Finn, our beloved pet. Blue is my color, and you can always win me over with some cheese dip. When I’m not crunching numbers in accounting, I’m hooked on suspense audiobooks or out training for my next big race. I’m excited to bring my helpful, dedicated, and efficient spirit to the table. Beyond the boardroom, I’m an avid bicyclist and runner. I’m currently gearing up for my 3rd half Ironman, my 2nd marathon, and setting sights on completing my first full Ironman in 2025. Eric Church fuels my playlists, and I thrive in both high-energy pursuits and goal-driven environments. I’m ready to dive in, collaborate, and help make a difference alongside this incredible team!
Jessica Nieves
Member Programs & Support
Greetings! I'm Jessica Nieves, proudly from Rogers, Arkansas, and my birthday falls on September 13th. My world is beautifully chaotic with my husband Ricardo and our wonderful children: Idaly, Michelle, Sofia, and Mary. To complete the picture, we have a furry friend named Bruno. In the realm of favorites, black is the color that speaks to me, and Asian cuisine is my go-to comfort food. Anything penned by Nicholas Sparks finds a place on my reading list, and when I'm not engrossed in his novels, you'll find me baking up a storm. Grupo Frontera sets the tone for my musical preferences. Since February of 2023, I've had the honor of serving on the board, and some proud moments include contributing to the success of the 2023 Step Up Walk and ensuring a delightful spread of food for the event. Describing myself in a nutshell, I'm known to be nice, funny, and efficient. Beyond board responsibilities, I revel in the joy of being a mom, thrive in the midst of chaos, and insist on having music as my constant companion. Looking forward to more moments of laughter and impact within the DSCNWA community!
Open Position
Fundraising
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Lindsay Lewis
Member Programs & Support
Hey there! I’m Lindsay Lewis, a proud Hot Springs native born on August 17. I’m married to my wonderful husband, John, and together we have three amazing boys: Rawson (10), Clayton (7), and Hudson (2). Lime green is my color, Mexican food is my go-to comfort, and Little Women is my favorite read. When I’m not spending time with family, you can find me reading, running, or enjoying family game nights, all with Christian music playing in the background. This is my first year on the board, and I’m thrilled to be part of this community. My journey has been filled with memorable achievements, including earning my master’s in Occupational Therapy (OT), becoming a mom of three boys, and completing three half marathons. I’m servant-hearted, an advocate for inclusion, and a peacemaker—qualities I bring to every role I take on. As an only child and grandchild on my mom’s side, I learned to keep myself entertained, and now I’m always juggling books on Kindle, Audible, and in physical form at the same time. I’m a visual and hands-on learner and love diving into projects where I can see and feel the impact. Here’s to making a difference and bringing energy to everything I do!
Open Position
Historian
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Jennifer Sims Marketing
Hello everyone! I'm Jennifer Sims, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and celebrating my birthday on February 22th. My family brings me endless joy with my husband Brad and our fantastic trio: Will, Vivi, and the delightfully named Bear. Our canine companions, Frank and Murray, share our home, and we celebrate their birthdays together on April 1st. In the realm of favorites, purple is my go-to color, and sushi is my ultimate culinary delight. I'm a sucker for sappy and romance novels, and in my downtime, you'll find me sweating it out with my early morning workout group. Music speaks to my soul, and I can't pick a favorite band—there are just too many to love. As for subjects, food is a delightful fascination. Embarking on my first year on the board, I'm proud to have contributed to the success of the 2023 Step Up Walk. Describing myself, I'm known to be positive, goofy, and loving. Fun facts about me include having a twin sister, enduring a long-distance relationship with my husband before marriage, and previously finding fulfillment in philanthropy with the Alzheimer's Association. Excited to be part of the Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas community!