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UA – Pulaski Tech to host Hispanic Heritage Month panel

University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College will host a panel discussion exploring community and culture in observation of Hispanic Heritage Month at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The free public event will take place inside the CHARTS Theater on the college's Main Campus in North Little Rock.

The discussion will showcase three prominent Latino leaders in Arkansas: Ashley Villarreal Fleeman, Maria Touchstone, and Jorge González. Mayo Johnson, teaching professor of computer science at UA – Pulaski Tech, will moderate the conversation.

Panelists include:

Ashley Villarreal Fleeman, MS, CCC-SLP, co-founder and owner of Amigos Pediatric Therapy Services in North Little Rock. A bilingual speech-language pathologist, Fleeman holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a Master of Science in speech pathology from Harding University. She works to expand access to culturally responsive pediatric therapy for Spanish-speaking and Latino families across Central Arkansas and serves on the board of The Center for Exceptional Families.

Maria Touchstone, a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience. An immigrant from Mexico, Touchstone holds a Bachelor of Arts in history and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from UCA. She is a dedicated advocate for children living in poverty, with a primary focus on immigrant students and language-minority populations.

Jorge González, an economic and small business development professional. As a first-generation college graduate, González focuses on building programs, partnerships, and resources that empower entrepreneurs, advance economic opportunity, and foster sustainable growth in local communities.

Moderator Mayo Johnson brings extensive experience guiding campus and community discussions on race and social justice.

"This panel discussion offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Latinos in Arkansas and explore how they are leading positive change across their communities and careers," Johnson said.

Photos of the panelists may be found here: Hispanic Heritage Month Panelist Headshots

About CHARTS

The Center for Humanities and Arts (CHARTS) is located on UA – Pulaski Technical College’s Main Campus at 3000 W. Scenic Drive in North Little Rock, Ark. The facility features convenient, free parking. Opened in 2016, the 90,000-square-foot facility houses a 456-seat proscenium theater and the Windgate Gallery for art exhibits. Learn more at uaptc.edu/charts.

Panelists pictured, from left: Ashley Villarreal Fleeman, Maria Touchstone, and Jorge González