Pine Bluff Honors 2026 Class of Hidden Figures

Celebration recognizes trailblazing women leaders in the community

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:05am

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The 2026 Hidden Figures of Pine Bluff celebration honored several remarkable women who have made significant contributions to the city. The event featured the presentation of the Glass Ceiling award to former Councilwoman Irene Holcomb, the first Black woman elected to the city council, as well as the announcement that Pine Bluff Police Deputy Chief Shirley Warrior will become the new assistant chief. Other honorees were recognized for their achievements in the arts, business, education, finance, health care, manufacturing, nonprofit work, and professional service.

Why it matters

The Hidden Figures celebration shines a light on the inspiring stories of women leaders in Pine Bluff who have broken barriers and made lasting impacts on their community. By honoring these trailblazers, the event helps to amplify their legacies and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The details

The celebration featured the presentation of several awards to remarkable women in Pine Bluff. Former Councilwoman Irene Holcomb received the Glass Ceiling award for her transformative leadership and over two decades of service on the city council, where she was sometimes the only female member. Pine Bluff Police Deputy Chief Shirley Warrior was announced as the new assistant chief, recognized for her contributions to reducing crime in the city. Other honorees included Stacia Anderson Ward for her work in the arts, Tanya Mitchner for her entrepreneurial resilience, Dr. Leydel Johnson-Willis for her 58-year career in education, Leslie Woods for her leadership in finance and banking, Dr. Rhonda Coleman for her contributions to health care, Charla Colen for her groundbreaking work in manufacturing, Verna Perry for her nonprofit work, and Ajanae Johnson and Angelica Walton for professional service and creative impact, respectively.

  • The 2026 Hidden Figures of Pine Bluff celebration took place on Saturday, March 30, 2026.
  • Shirley Warrior is set to become the new Pine Bluff Police Assistant Chief in April 2026.

The players

Irene Holcomb

Former Councilwoman who served for more than two decades on the Pine Bluff City Council, breaking barriers as the first Black woman elected to the council.

Shirley Warrior

Pine Bluff Police Deputy Chief who is set to become the new Assistant Chief in April 2026, recognized for her leadership in contributing to significant progress in crime reduction.

Dr. Tamara P. Glover

The event's host who highlighted the importance of Holcomb's legacy and her role as a steady presence in the Pine Bluff community.

Stacia Anderson Ward

Honored in the arts category for her work with Stacia Star Dance Studios, where she mentors the next generation.

Tanya Mitchner

Recognized in the business category for her entrepreneurial resilience as the founder of Preppy Chic Boutique.

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What they’re saying

“I will always be for this community, and I will always be for people.”

— Irene Holcomb, Former Councilwoman

“My prayer is God, you bless me, you can trust me to bless your people.”

— Shirley Warrior, Pine Bluff Police Deputy Chief

“Everything I do is about giving back.”

— Stacia Anderson Ward, Arts Honoree

“The one who feels overlooked ... I see you because I am you. You don't have to have it all together to start. ... You can become anything they say you would not be.”

— Tanya Mitchner, Business Honoree

“I care about your financial journeys ... It's the young generation of individuals that we have to pour into.”

— Leslie Woods, Finance and Banking Honoree

What’s next

Shirley Warrior will officially become the new Pine Bluff Police Assistant Chief in April 2026.

The takeaway

The Hidden Figures celebration in Pine Bluff showcases the remarkable achievements and lasting impact of women leaders in the community, inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps and continue breaking barriers.