Our 2024 Board of Directors
Meet The Board of Directors
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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.
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Sharen Bense
Vice President
Hey there! I'm Sharon Bense, proud native of Cedar Hill, Texas. Born on July 4th, I've embraced independence and a love for community throughout my life.​ My world revolves around my wonderful family - my husband Zsolt, two lively dogs and a curious cat. Every day is an adventure with this lively bunch. Green is my color, tacos my go-to comfort food, and when it comes to books, Ken Follett is my literary escape. Beyond words, I find joy in backpacking, gardening, kayaking and biking. Currently, I’m rocking two years on the board, and proudly just accepted the role of vice president. Energetic, risk-taker, care-giver–that’s me in a nutshell. I also co-founded Clover Community School six years ago, driven by a vision of offering something refreshingly different for students. Here's to embracing life’s adventures and making a difference!
Cyndi Najar
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.
Susie Passmore
Secretary
Hello, I’m Susie! I’m joining the board with a quiet excitement and a heart full of commitment to make a difference, inspired by my wonderful family. My husband, our two boys, Ben and Liam, are my world. Liam being the reason I’m so passionate about contributing to our cause, hoping to create a brighter future for all our children. Outside of my family, my world is colored with creativity—I love to express myself through art, be it painting, digital drawing, or capturing life’s moments through photography. My current projects include a comic about heroic girls and dreams of publishing a children’s book. My personal joys include reading, collecting books, and spending time under the stars, fueling my fascination with astronomy. When it comes to tastes, my favorite foods are as varied as my interests, and I have a particular love for colors that you might find in a sunset—warm, comforting, and full of hope. I’m eager to bring my unique blend of creativity, love for my family, and passion for our mission to the board. Together, I believe we can make an impactful difference.
Open Position
Fundraising
Stay Tuned!
Jessica NievesFamily Support/Spanish Speaking Liason
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
Historian
Stay Tuned!
Lindsay Lewis
Family Support
Coming Soon!
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!