The 2026 Hidden Figures of Pine Bluff celebration Saturday was a night of historic recognition, featuring the presentation of the Glass Ceiling award to former Councilwoman Irene Holcomb for her transformative leadership as the first Black woman elected to the city council.
The evening also featured a landmark announcement: Pine Bluff Police Deputy Chief Shirley Warrior is set to become assistant chief this April.
The event’s host, Dr. Tamara P. Glover, highlighted the importance of Holcomb’s legacy, characterizing her as a woman who “lived a life rooted in service, compassion and deep love for the people of Pine Bluff.”
Holcomb broke barriers during her more than two decades of service, being praised for always showing up, always speaking and always standing up for her community. Beyond her political career, she was an educator for more than 30 years.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Glover affirmed Holcomb’s role as a “steady presence in Pine Bluff that people can count on” and noted that her legacy is measured “not just in titles or mass stones, but in the countless hours and lives she has touched along the way.”
Holcomb shared reflections on her personal and political journey. She recalled facing strong opposition when she first entered politics, including critical remarks from people. She expressed gratitude that such comments were not spread on social media platforms at the time.
Holcomb served 24 years, or six terms, on the city council. During her tenure, she worked with four different mayors and was sometimes the only female council member. She cited being one of the lead sponsors of a summer youth program as one of her greatest accomplishments before her departure.
“I will always be for this community, and I will always be for people,” she said.
Warrior’s introduction praised her leadership for contributing to significant progress in crime reduction. Reflecting on her three-decade career, Warrior added: “My prayer is God, you bless me, you can trust me to bless your people.”
Stacia Anderson Ward was honored in the arts category for her work with Stacia Star Dance Studios, where she mentors the next generation. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff graduate emphasized the importance of giving back.
“Everything I do is about giving back,” she said, concluding that when empowering the young generation, legacy is created.
In the business category, Tanya Mitchner was recognized for her entrepreneurial resilience as the founder of Preppy Chic Boutique. Mitchner shared her journey of overcoming childhood loss.
Mitchner recalled the pain of losing her mother at age 7 and hearing dismissive words that she “wouldn’t amount to anything.” She revealed that failing her nursing board exams ultimately proved to be a “redirection.”
She now helps women feel confident through her boutique and creating welcoming spaces as an interior decorator. Mitchner offered encouragement to those struggling.
“The one who feels overlooked … I see you because I am you,” she said. “You don’t have to have it all together to start. … You can become anything they say you would not be.”
Dr. Leydel Johnson-Willis received the education award for her 58-year career, including more than three decades as a principal. She encouraged her former students in attendance.
“I am so proud of you … you just keep me smiling and going,” she said.
Willis was one of the first female school bus drivers in her district and a writer of the state’s junior high curriculum. Now an accomplished author with 12 published books, she spoke with gratitude for her path.
Leslie Woods, honored for finance and banking, was celebrated for her leadership at Simmons Bank and her commitment to financial literacy.
“I care about your financial journeys … It’s the young generation of individuals that we have to pour into,” Woods told the audience.
Woods admitted she was complacent for 17 years at a previous job, thinking she would retire there, until the “heavenly father pushed me into a corner” to apply for banking. She spoke passionately about her core mission and emphasized the urgent need to instruct the younger generation.
“I wish that I had a Leslie Woods when I was 10 years old, or when I was 15, so I knew the value in saving, (and) I knew the value in my credit,” she said.
Dr. Rhonda Coleman was recognized for her contributions to health care and her new role as interim chair of nursing at UAPB. Coleman spoke of her divine redirection, noting that her current role was “not in my plan.”
She recalled leaving UAPB in 2023 when “God told me to leave,” only to return in 2024 when God made it known that “I’m sending you back on purpose for purpose.” With a clear vision for the university, she promised a resurgence in the department’s stature. “UAPB nursing department used to be one of the top in the state, and it shall be again,” she said.
Charla Colen was honored in manufacturing for her groundbreaking work as a project analyst at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. In a speech read by her mother, she expressed: “When you serve with faith, purpose and integrity, you don’t just move forward by yourself. You lift the entire community.”
Colen was the first Black and youngest project analyst at the Arsenal. She was unable to attend the ceremony because she was working in Tokyo.
Her mother, Tanya Colen, accepted the award on her behalf, sharing Charla’s philosophy on servant leadership. Her mother also passed on a message of gratitude from Charla: “Thank you for being my solid foundation. I love you.”
Verna Perry received the nonprofit award for her work. As a skilled carpenter, she was honored for founding the Carpenter’s Daughter Apprentice Program, which creates pathways for youths, including those in juvenile detention centers. Though absent from the ceremony, the host celebrated her dedication to vocational education and providing young people with “hope and direction.”
Ajanae Johnson was recognized for professional service, balancing her career with her studies. She was recognized for her work as an acquisition manager with State Farm while pursuing a master’s degree in organizational leadership.
Johnson shared a deeply personal story of returning to college 15 years after dropping out and passing all four state insurance exams on her first attempt. She passionately informed the audience that about 62% of Arkansans lack the necessary insurance coverage.
“At the end of the day, this isn’t about coverage; it’s about legacy,” Johnson said regarding her passion for protecting local families.
Angelica Walton received the Up & Rising award for her dynamic impact as a creative visionary and co-owner of Kingdom and Community Media. The former Miss UAPB shared her personal connection to Pine Bluff, explaining that her mother was born here but was placed in the foster care system, and she returned reluctantly. Now, her family has reconnected with biological relatives.
She challenged the room to “continue to promote the positive … that’s how the narrative changes.”