30 Dec 2023 Person of the Month: Gabriel Womack

Posted at 1:31 PMh in Neighbors by

HOMETOWN: I was born in Dayton, Ohio, and grew up in Malvern (Hot Spring County). Little Rock is my home!

Family: I live with my partner, Jordan, and our two fur babies, Caesar and Ransom. My family extends through Central Arkansas in Hot Spring, Garland, Saline and Pulaski counties.

Education: I began studying music at the University of Central Arkansas (go Bears!). After my third year of college, I lost focus, which resulted in the decision to leave school and enter the workforce a year later. I went back to school in 2018 and I am very proud of earning my Bachelor of Arts In Music degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in my 30s! I earned my high school diploma from Malvern High School in 2006.

Community activities: I currently serve as a board member for the Little Rock Wind Symphony and the ACANSA Arts Festival of the South. Both organizations enrich our community with art, advocate and collaborate for more art, and stimulate our local economy through – you guessed it – ART!

Hobbies/personal interests: I play tennis as much as I can! I have a love for musical theater and enjoy opportunities to perform locally with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Argenta Community Theater, and the Studio Theatre.

Work: I am vice president of mortgage lending for Guaranteed Rate Mortgage. I have been in this role since 2020.

Professional accomplishments: I was ranked as a top mortgage professional in Central Arkansas in 2021 and 2022. I also earned the Dale Carnegie Highest Award for Achievement in 2022.

Why do you enjoy playing the saxophone:  When I got my first saxophone in a beginner band, I was like the toddler we all know who has discovered their voice and talks just to hear themselves talk. My understanding of the music has changed since then, but rather than trying to be the best or play the fastest, hardest music – which were ways I found validation and success when I was younger – now I enjoy playing because I find joy in my voice on the instrument. It is my privilege to share that with others. In addition to saxophone, I also play flute, clarinet and bassoon!