10 Aug 2025 Person of the Month: Leah Greenfield
HOMETOWN:Little Rock
Family: My husband, Dr. Shannon Greenfield, is a clinical psychologist in private practice. We have two grown-and-flown adult children and one oversized boxer dog. Our son, Evan, works in Little Rock in the field of transportation logistics, and our daughter works in Atlanta, Georgia, in the field of global public health.
Education: In 1991, I graduated from Hendrix College in Conway and went on to earn a master’s degree in education administration from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C. I began my career in higher education in the area of fundraising and development in Missouri and at Hendrix College. I later moved into the nonprofit world and enjoyed working at the Arkansas Arts Center and Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation. I’ve been employed at LifeQuest of Arkansas since 2015 and have served as executive director since January 2022.
Professional accomplishments:I serve on the board of Aging Forward. Formerly known as Shepherd’s Center of America, Aging Forward is a national network of affiliate organizations serving older adults across the country. LifeQuest is the largest affiliate organization in the Aging Forward network for the size of its educational program.
Special interests:I love to travel! A favorite trip last summer was to England and Wales, especially London and the Cotswolds. This summer, my family and I travelled to Boston and Maine and loved the cooler weather and wonderful seafood! I must be drawn to the water because I’m looking forward to visiting Martha’s Vineyard in August and Charleston, S.C., in December.
What do you love about the 501? Friends and family! Parents, aunts, uncles and cousins are mostly gathered in Little Rock, and the majority of my college friends from Hendrix are also here. Arkansas is truly the natural state. We are so blessed to have beautiful and accessible parks and trails for biking and walking. Another asset is our public library system, which is such a resource for our community.
Since 1981, LifeQuest has served older adults in our community and state by promoting healthful longevity and active aging through lifelong learning and meaningful volunteerism. As the state’s largest educational organization for retired-aged adults, LifeQuest is similar to a small college – with no test, grades or required attendance! Inquisitive older adults come together for the joy of lifelong learning and to stay intellectually engaged, socially connected and physically active. LifeQuest is a volunteer-led organization. Hundreds of volunteers make the program possible through teaching, planning, organizing and serving our members. Approximately 2,000 members enroll in 275-plus classes per year — all taught by volunteers! It truly takes a village to keep LifeQuest running.
As we approach our 45th anniversary, the LifeQuest board of directors developed the visionary goal to grow our programs and to strengthen LifeQuest’s position as a leader in lifelong learning for older Arkansans. To meet this goal, the first satellite campus, LifeQuest at Conway, will open on Sept. 15. In partnership with Hendrix College, our lifelong learning model of volunteer-led classes is anticipated to expand to meet the continuing education needs and interests of the Conway-area community and beyond.
