What does it take to uproot your family from a city you've called home for 21 years and move to a place you never imagined living? Iffy Ibekwe, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Arvest Wealth Management, shares the surprising journey that brought her from Nigeria to Dubai to Austin and finally to Northwest Arkansas.

Iffy's story is a testament to holding plans loosely. Originally set on becoming a neonatologist like her father, everything changed when she watched the second tower fall on 9/11 during her sophomore year at the University of Texas. This pivotal moment redirected her path toward law, eventually leading to her own estate planning practice before a pandemic-era visit to Bentonville changed everything again. "Stars Hollow," she called it, comparing Bentonville's charming square to the fictional town from Gilmore Girls. That brief visit was enough to convince her family of six to sell their Austin home and relocate to a region she describes as brimming with opportunity.

As a member of Bentonville's Planning Commission, Iffy now helps shape the future of a rapidly growing community that reminds her of Austin decades ago. Her professional role at Arvest allows her to guide clients through estate planning and wealth management while her volunteer work with the Benton County Literacy Council fulfills her passion for communication and connection. Whether she's helping someone improve their English skills, leading financial literacy discussions, or balancing career demands with four children at home, Iffy demonstrates that community engagement stems from curiosity and willingness to reach out.

Looking for ways to connect in your community? Follow Iffy's advice: identify what piques your interest—whether it's art, children, seniors, or financial education—and take that first curious step toward involvement. Your skills and passions might be exactly what your community needs.

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