Photo: Alicia Exantus and Traci Willingham
DeSoto County Ahead

Discover DeSoto: Traci Willingham Shares How DeSoto County Ahead Is Fostering Meaningful Connections

Posted on March 31, 2026

In this episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Traci Willingham, Community Relations and Engagement Director for the Neuro Challenge Foundation, to talk about her experience as an exhibitor at the DeSoto County Ahead community event.

From the 8 Emerging Themes Arcadia/DeSoto Community Conversations
SMALL PROJECTS TO GO BIG, the one  that resonated during our conversation was theme #3, “Nonprofit, Business, Resident and Economic Opportunities to Support DeSoto County.” This theme emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration among nonprofits, local businesses, and residents. Traci and the DeSoto County Ahead event are a perfect example of this theme in action. As an exhibitor and community advocate, Traci not only shared the mission and programs of the Neuro Challenge Foundation but also actively engaged with residents, organizations, and local leaders to build connections that could spark future collaboration. By bringing together nonprofits, youth, and community members under one roof, the event embodies the idea of supporting economic and social opportunities in an action-oriented way.

Hearing Traci reflect on her experience is a reminder that real progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people show up, invest their time, and commit to building something stronger together. The energy from the event continues to ripple outward, influencing how organizations connect and how individuals access support.DeSoto County Ahead is a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies around shared aspirations. 

I encourage you to stay connected through DeSotoCountyAhead.org and to learn more about the eight Arcadia/DeSoto community themes.

Timestamps
00:25 - Introduction to Traci Willingham 
01:12 - Alicia outlines The Patterson Foundation’s involvement in DeSoto County 
02:56 - Traci’s role with the Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s
04:06 - Traci reflects on exhibitor experience at DeSoto County Ahead Community Event 2026 
05:58 - How Neuro Challenge works with community partners and resources 
07:35 - Traci’s winning Newcomer Booth Award 
08:47 - Further discussion on resources for Parkinson’s disease 
10:28 - Evolution of DeSoto County Ahead Community Event as an exhibitor in 2025 and 2026
13:12 - Traci advises future DeSoto County Ahead Community Event exhibitors
14:55 - Traci shares her two Discover DeSoto gems, Jim Space Park and Yellow Deli

Links to Learn More


Connect Beyond The Blog on LinkedIn
Traci Willingham
Alicia Exantus
Neuro Challenge Foundation


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