UA Little Rock alumna uses graduate degree to empower Arkansas entrepreneurs
January 19-25, 2026
By Bobbie Handcock
When Adriana Fuentes Archila moved from El Salvador to the United States in 2013, she set her sights on preparing for a career that would allow her to help others succeed. Today, the UA Little Rock alumna is doing just that as vice president of community development for ACC Capital, where she helps entrepreneurs gain access to resources and capital.
“My work gives me the opportunity to empower business owners by providing the financial knowledge and resources they need to thrive,” Archila said. “I value connecting with borrowers or potential borrowers and ensuring they feel supported and understood throughout their financial journey.”
Archila earned her master’s degree in mass communication with an emphasis in public relations from UA Little Rock in 2020. She augmented her undergraduate degree in business administration from Harding University. She said her graduate studies continue to play a key role in her career.
After completing her business degree, Archila considered pursuing an MBA. However, after visiting UA Little Rock’s School of Mass Communication, she decided a different path was right for her.
“I had a friend who was going to UA Little Rock,” she said. “I originally thought I wanted to do my MBA, but I remember going to the mass comm department, and it was so fun. I met one of the professors who became my advisor.”
Archila said the program gave her valuable experience working with organizations throughout the state.
“I had to come up with a professional project. I got to work with organizations all over Arkansas,” she said. “I worked with the Urban League of Little Rock, and the project was about how to retain their volunteers. I still have that professional project, and I use a lot of what I learned. I do a lot of writing, proposals, and presentations.”
Dr. Amy Barnes, one of Archila’s former professors, described her as “one of the most impressive and conscientious students I’ve had.”
“She was always first with questions, the type of questions that let you know she has studied the material and is genuinely interested in knowing more,” she said. “Her work was always exceptional, going above and beyond what was required, never so-so, even when her non-academic world was hectic and demanding.”
Barnes noted that the work was even more impressive considering Archila was using her second language—and using it better than many native English speakers.
“I’m sure her teachers before and after me predicted the same for her – that Adriana could and would achieve remarkable success,” Dr. Barnes said.
One of the most important lessons Archila took from her graduate studies was the value of building relationships — a skill that is central to her work at ACC Capital.
“One of my roles is to establish partnerships with different organizations in the state,” she said. “I learned how to meet people and how to maintain those relationships. (Professor) Amy Barnes always taught that relationships and connections are so important. You want to go the extra mile and talk to people. That was very helpful for me.”
Attending graduate school full-time while living far from her family presented challenges. Still, Archila said she found strong support from her professors, including Dr. Barnes and Dr. Kwasi Boateng, as well as from her grandmother back home in El Salvador.
“My grandma would pray for me and cheer me on,” she said, adding that her friends also helped her feel less alone and encouraged her throughout her studies.
Archila recalled that Dr. Boateng, who was graduate coordinator for the School of Mass Communication, helped her find some needed financial assistance.
“I had to pay out-of-state tuition and the last semester, it was difficult,” she said. “I was struggling. I didn’t know how I was going to do it. I remember having a conversation with Dr. Kwasi.”
While pursuing her degree, Archila worked as a graduate assistant, juggled online and in-person classes, and spent most of her weekends studying.
“It helped me with my time management,” she said. “Everything I learned was worth it.”
Archila graduated in May 2020 but did not have an in-person ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite that, she said earning her master’s degree remains one of her proudest achievements.
“Finally graduating with a master’s degree was a blessing,” she added. “I’m among the percentage of women of color to do this, and the first one in my family. I feel very lucky. It’s a privilege and a blessing, and at the end of the day, no one can take it away from me.”
Soon after graduating, Archila accepted a position as a business consultant for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at UA Little Rock.
“I was able to get my first job at UA Little Rock at the business school,” she said. “And now I’m the chair of the ASBTDC board, so it’s a full circle.”
Archila said she appreciated UA Little Rock’s welcoming environment and sense of community during her time on campus.
“I was able to experience meeting different people from different backgrounds and different countries,” she said. She also enjoyed student life, including “free basketball games and Food Truck Fridays.”
Through her current role, Archila continues to stay connected to the university since ACC Capital offers internships and which gives her an opportunity to engage with students.
Archila’s achievements have earned her widespread recognition. She has been named to the Little Rock Soirée Class of 2025 – Women to Watch and Arkansas Money & Politics 2025 – Women in Banking, as well as Arkansas Business Class of 2023 – 20 in Their Twenties and Arkansas Money & Politics 2024 – Future Icons.
Reflecting on her journey, Archila said her time at UA Little Rock continues to inspire her.
“It was so worth it,” she said. “I recommend it to anybody who wants to take the program. Learning something different really helped open opportunities for me.”
Photo Caption:
UA Little Rock Alumna Adriana Fuentes Archila is a mass communications graduate.
Photo Credit:
(Photo by Benjamin Krain)
