Women’s Own Worth (W.O.W.), an Arkansas nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic violence and other traumatic experiences, has named Stephanie Keet its 2026 WOW Woman of the Year.
Keet will be recognized during W.O.W.’s annual WOWapalooza fundraising dinner on Friday, Oct. 16, at the North Little Rock Event Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s programs, which provide counseling, housing and transportation assistance, higher education scholarships, victim advocacy and other services for survivors. W.O.W. is also completing its third and fourth residential homes to help individuals rebuild their lives after trauma.
Each year, the nonprofit honors a woman whose leadership, compassion and service have made a meaningful impact on her community. Arkansans are invited to nominate women whose dedication often goes unnoticed, recognizing those who give back without seeking recognition.
“Stephanie is a working wife and mother of two boys who continually finds time to serve others in her community,” said W.O.W. Founder Jajuan Archer. “Her commitment to philanthropy began in college when she joined AmeriCorps and completed a year of service with Pulaski County CASA. Since then, she has generously shared her time, talents and resources with organizations supporting children, families, women and people facing difficult circumstances.”
Keet serves as marketing director for Keet Restaurant Group, the Arkansas-based hospitality company behind restaurants including Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe, Petit & Keet, Cypress Social, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer and Sonny Williams’ Steak Room.
Her community involvement spans more than 20 years. She began serving through AmeriCorps with Pulaski County CASA, advocating for children in foster care and the court system. Since then, she has supported numerous charitable organizations and fundraising efforts across Arkansas, including serving as a Taste of the Finest honoree for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 2019 and participating in the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Dancing with Our Stars fundraiser in 2022.
In 2023, Keet and her husband, Jake Keet, served as vice co-chairs of the Easterseals Arkansas Arkansan of the Year Gala honoring Jim Keet. She was also recognized as a Best Dressed Little Rock honoree benefiting the American Cancer Society in 2024 and was honored through Breakthrough T1D’s Party With a Purpose in 2025.
“Much of what Stephanie does is done quietly and without recognition,” Archer said. “She empowers the people around her, especially women in her workplace and throughout the community, and her commitment to reminding others of their worth is unmatched. We are honored that she has accepted this recognition.”
Keet said the award holds special significance because of W.O.W.’s mission to serve survivors of domestic violence and trauma.
“It is incredibly meaningful to be recognized by an organization that reminds women of their strength and worth during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” she said. “I have always believed that helping others is both a responsibility and a privilege. I am grateful to W.O.W. for this honor and for the life-changing work they do for women and families across Arkansas.”
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