TEXARKANA -- Interstate 30 and its offshoots form a well-worn path for Brittney Haynes.
In her adolescence, after her parents divorced, Haynes would travel regularly from Texarkana to Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Now as an adult, she travels from Texarkana to Paris, Texas, to train professionals in medical marketing concepts as a marketing supervisor with Texarkana SignatureCare Emergency Center.
"I have been burning up I-30 my entire life," she said.
When she is not on the clock, Haynes gives back to the community as a member of various civic organizations. She is the president of the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals and volunteers with Friends For a Cause and Partnership for the Pathway.
"Planning events, volunteering in the community and connecting with people are some of my true passions," Haynes said.
One event on the horizon for Haynes is Destination Downtown, GTYP's yearly fall tour of downtown Texarkana, from bars to art galleries and everything in between. It is sort of a "business hop," she said.
Haynes has been a servant to her community wherever she has lived.
While attending Henderson State University, she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta and spent time raising funds and awareness for Autism Speaks. She also volunteered with Make a Wish Foundation in Garland County.
Haynes graduated in 2015 from HSU with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in history and Spanish. She later interned with the city manager's office in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and at the local Museum of Regional History.
"One of my favorite things about giving back is how powerful we are as a community when we all rally together to help those in need," she said. "Volunteering and dedicating time to making a difference in people's lives and in the community truly gives one a greater sense of purpose."
Haynes said the skills she has needed to succeed professionally came from volunteering in the community.
"Serving the community shows the importance of empathy, teamwork, communication and commitment, which are all very beneficial in the workplace."
From Haynes' perspective, staying open-minded and diligent to growing and learning new skills are qualities that a leader should exhibit.
"Feeling uncomfortable is a real way to experience personal growth, just by stepping out of your little bubble and doing things that seem intimidating or a little scary," she said.
A great leader, she said, is someone who listens to understand instead of listening to respond.
"A great leader inspires others to dream more, learn more and become more. Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about one life influencing another," Haynes said.
Being the president of GTYP and a member for over two years now has provided Haynes with the opportunity to represent and support other up-and-coming professionals in the Texarkana area.
"Having people's support and confidence in my leadership is such a surreal feeling sometimes. It means so much to me."