The City of Little Rock hosted residents this Spring for an engaging, in-depth program about municipal government. The program was led by Melissa Mitchell, creative economy and special projects adviser. Several of the 43 graduates of the Spring 2026 cohort of R.O.C.K. Academy were asked to provide their perspectives on the program. Here are their first-person accounts:
Terence Bolden
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to take part in R.O.C.K. Academy. The experience gave me a greater appreciation for the important role city government plays in building stronger, more connected communities. 
As someone who values community service and community-based leadership, I was especially interested in learning more about how local leaders work together to meet needs, create opportunities, and serve residents well.
R.O.C.K. Academy gave me valuable insight into city government, civic engagement, and the power of collaboration. It reminded me that positive change happens when people stay informed, get involved, and work together with a shared purpose.
I plan to take what I learned and use it to help encourage community and civic involvement in meaningful ways. I’m thankful for the experience, the knowledge I gained, and the opportunity to be part of a program that helps prepare people to serve and lead in their communities.
Marchello Burks
I became involved with the R.O.C.K Academy program because, as a public servant pursuing a career in the legal field, I wanted a deeper understanding of how city government operates on a day-to-day basis. 
The R.O.C.K. Academy delivered just that- and far more. Throughout my time in R.O.C.K. Academy, I gained insight into the inner works of municipal departments throughout the city, the decision-making processes that shape city services, and the many resources available to Little Rock residents, including the City’s own mobile app that I utilize.
One of the greatest benefits from the program was the opportunity to build meaningful connections. I had the privilege of meeting a Judge, the Chief Deputy City Attorney, the Creative Economy Advisor, the Mayor of Little Rock, and several other influential leaders who participate in shaping the future of Little Rock. These interactions reinforced the importance of networking and community engagement, both of which are essential to public service and the legal profession. Thank you, Melissa, for all your hard work and dedication you put into the program to make it such an awesome, memorable experience.
Chaplain Gail Cheatam
Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with R.O.C.K. Academy. I was both surprised and honored to be selected as a candidate for the program. 
What began as simple curiosity became a transformative experience that reshaped how I see my city and my place within it.
R.O.C.K. Academy opened my eyes to the heart behind Little Rock’s city government, the intentional care, thoughtful planning, and genuine desire to include the voices of its people. I discovered that even in a growing city, there is still space to be seen, heard, and valued. That realization awakened within me a renewed sense of belonging, commitment, and purpose.
This experience did more than inform me; it inspired me. I now carry both knowledge and responsibility. I am better equipped to share resources, connect others, and engage meaningfully in my community. R.O.C.K. Academy reminded me that change begins with awareness but is sustained through action. I am now prepared to move from awareness to action, becoming not just a witness to change, but a participant in it.
Marisol Filares
I first heard about ROCK Academy at a BACA meeting while we were talking about trail projects around the city, and one of the alumni mentioned it as a great way to learn how city funding works. I joined hoping to better understand where tax dollars go, but I ended up getting so much more out of it
The academy
gave me real appreciation for how far city resources stretch and introduced me to programs like the mobile food truck, teen job opportunities, volunteer programs, and accessibility initiatives. More importantly, I learned how residents can access these services. In a time when information can feel distant or hard to navigate, getting to talk directly with department directors and the people who keep the city running made local government feel much more personal and approachable. I also made some friendships along the way.
As someone who works in public service in the transportation industry, I interact often with the public and get asked questions outside of my specific role. Thanks to R.O.C.K. Academy, I now feel better equipped to help connect people with resources across the City of Little Rock.
I’m grateful for the opportunity and especially thankful to Melissa Mitchell for her energy and dedication, which kept us engaged and excited to come back each week.
Regina Pacek
My first-hand experience with R.O.C.K. Academy has been both eye-opening and empowering. I initially got involved
because I wanted to better understand how decisions in Little Rock are made and how I could play a more active role in the community.
Through the program, I learned how city government operates, from budgeting and public safety to community development and policy making. It gave me a clearer picture of how local leaders collaborate to address real-world challenges.
One of the biggest benefits of R.O.C.K. Academy was the direct exposure to city officials and departments, which made the learning experience practical and engaging. Moving forward, I plan to use this knowledge to stay informed and advocate for issues that matter in my community.
J. Cleveland Payne
When the tornado of March 31, 2023, tore through my neighborhood of Walnut Valley, it served as a defining moment
that reconnected me with the operational and civic heartbeat of Little Rock, Arkansas. In the immediate aftermath, I reengaged with city leadership and services, not just as a resident seeking recovery, but as someone committed to contributing to the rebuilding process for my neighbors and the broader community. Before that moment, my involvement had been more distant since leaving local broadcasting, where it was once my responsibility to inform the public with clarity and accuracy about city affairs.
Participating in a recent R.O.C.K. Academy Little Rock cohort further expanded my understanding of the city’s evolving needs and highlighted tangible opportunities to contribute meaningfully. While I do not position myself as a traditional advocate, I recognize my ability to serve in a more impactful capacity, specifically in community engagement. I have a drive for strengthen connections between the city and its residents, ensuring that accurate, timely information is accessible. By addressing communication gaps and countering misinformation, I aim to present a more complete, authentic, and favorable narrative of our capital city to residents and visitors alike.
