Vee Webb-DeLesline believes relationships are everything—and she’s using hers to change lives.
Vee Webb-Delesline doesn’t just serve her community—she’s woven into it. Across the River Valley, her name is tied to connection, compassion, and a steady commitment to showing up where she’s needed most.
With more than fifteen years at CASS Job Corps, Vee has dedicated her career to helping young people find direction, stability, and purpose. But her impact doesn’t stop there. From the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and Junior League of Fort Smith to the Lions Club and statewide workforce development efforts, she is deeply involved in the work of strengthening her community from every angle. Through her role as Ms. Elegant Southern States for FACS, she also advocates for children and families facing food insecurity, bringing awareness to challenges that often go unseen.
Originally from Missouri, Vee’s journey from New Jersey to the River Valley has been shaped by a willingness to step into new roles and lead in spaces where her voice matters. Today, she lives in Van Buren with her husband and their goldendoodle, continuing to build relationships and open doors for others.
At the heart of it all is a belief she carries into every role: when people are given support, opportunity, and someone who truly listens, lives can change. And for Vee, that’s what service is all about.
“Leadership and giving back is in my blood.”
DS: When people in the community hear your name, what do you hope they think of first, beyond your titles?
VW: I hope they think of someone who leads with compassion—someone who is service-driven, advocates for the community and underserved youth, and treats everyone with kindness.
DS: You’ve described yourself as “a connector.” What does that look like in your everyday life?
VW: I work hard at listening, which allows me to build genuine relationships. Relationships are everything, the world revolves around them. Being a connector allows me to bring awareness to concerns, advocate for others, and inspire people to reach their highest potential.
DS: When did your passion for serving others, especially young people, first take root?
VW: My passion for serving came from my mother. She showed me what service looks like through her actions—helping others and giving back to the community. In our family, serving was non-negotiable; it was simply part of who we were. She taught me that it’s important to do something that not only impacts your own life, but also improves the lives of those around you.
My passion for working with young people began during my time at the Devereux Foundation in Chester, New Jersey. I served as a direct care supervisor for female adolescents—a role my sister encouraged me to pursue. That experience was transformative and helped shape both my purpose and my commitment to supporting underserved youth.
DS: What do you wish more people in our community understood about Job Corps and the students you serve?
VW: I wish more people understood that Job Corps is truly one of the best-kept secrets. Our students are not “bad kids” or criminals. They are young adults, ages 16 to 24, who may not have had the same opportunities as others. Through Job Corps, they can earn a trade, complete their education, obtain a driver’s license, and gain the tools they need to succeed. It truly has the power to transform lives.
“People poured into me—and we should do that for one another.”
DS: Can you share a moment when you saw a student truly turn a corner?
VW: I’m blessed to witness change happen right before my eyes. This work is incredibly rewarding. One student I’m especially proud of is Jasmine Bullock. She faced many challenges, but during her time at CASS, she rebuilt her life. She earned her GED, obtained her driver’s license, and completed her trade.
What stands out most is her resilience. She became sober, gained confidence, and learned to use her strength to rise above obstacles. Today, she lives in Hot Springs and works at the sheriff’s department. She is a true testament to the life-changing power of Job Corps.
DS: What does success look like for your students beyond graduation or job placement?
VW: Success means students leave better than when they arrived. It means they return to their communities as contributors—giving back, supporting others, and sustaining themselves with the skills and confidence they’ve gained.
DS: What are some of the biggest barriers they face, and how do you help them push through?
VW: Some of the biggest barriers students face after leaving Job Corps include finding adequate housing, securing reliable transportation, and adjusting to independence. Partnering with community leaders, agencies, and outside resources is essential during that transition. It truly takes a joint effort from staff and partners working together to support each student’s success.
DS: As Ms. Elegant Southern States for FACS, what has that platform allowed you to see, and why is this work so important to you?
VW: The FACS platform aligns perfectly with my passion for service and my commitment to supporting underserved individuals. I was drawn to this organization because of its transparency and its deep dedication to fighting childhood hunger.
Serving as Ms. Elegant Southern States FACS has given me the opportunity to advocate for and raise awareness about childhood hunger right here in Arkansas. FACS believes no child should ever go hungry, and I share that belief.
What many people don’t realize is the number of barriers families face when trying to access basic needs like nutritious food, heat, and water. These are everyday struggles for far too many families. I’ve worked to educate the public, help families access resources, and use my voice wherever I can to bring awareness to this issue.
DS: You’re involved in so many areas—what drives you to keep saying yes?
VW: I stay involved because I truly believe we were put on this earth to serve. Saying yes comes naturally when I know my time and effort can make a difference.
“Relationships are everything—the world revolves around them.”
DS: How would you describe your leadership style, in human terms, not business ones?
VW: I would describe my leadership style as that of a builder. I believe in involving people in the process, because when people are given the opportunity to contribute, good things happen—for organizations, families, and communities. Leadership is about relationships, and great leaders focus on meeting the needs of the people they serve.
DS: What keeps you grounded when the work feels heavy?
VW: My faith and my family keep me grounded when things feel heavy.
DS: Who has poured into you along the way, and how has that shaped how you lead?
VW: I’ve been fortunate to have so many people pour into me. My husband and family are my biggest supporters. Professionally, I’ve been influenced by incredible leaders like Mayor George McGill, whose guidance and leadership I deeply respect, and Cindy Kopack, who encouraged women to step into leadership roles. Pat Powell challenged me to grow and try new things, and my twin sister has supported and pushed me in every season of life.
Leadership Crawford County and Franklin County Leadership also played pivotal roles in my professional growth, helping shape the leader I am today. Organizations like the Junior League of Fort Smith have further strengthened that foundation by developing confident, capable women leaders in our community. I’m also incredibly grateful for my current supervisor, Larry Flynn, whose support, guidance, and example of true servant leadership continue to influence how I lead and show up for others. All these people and experiences have shaped how I lead, and how I pour back into others.
DS: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
VW: People might be surprised to know that I’m really more of a behind-the-scenes person. I learned early on that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to make things happen.
DS: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
VW: I would tell her not to second-guess herself, just go for it.
DS: When you think about your impact, what do you hope lasts?
VW: I hope my impact continues by inspiring others to step up, get involved, and carry the work forward.
DS: At the end of the day, what matters most to you?
VW: My family, my faith, and standing up for what is right. I’m committed to staying true to my values and never shrinking back for anyone.
Vee doesn’t measure success by titles or recognition, but by the lives that are changed along the way. In every role she holds and every connection she builds, there is a quiet but steady purpose—to serve, to uplift, and to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In a community that thrives on people showing up for one another, Vee is a reminder of what’s possible when compassion leads and service becomes a way of life. And for those who cross her path, her impact doesn’t just stay with them, it carries forward.
Vee’s Favorite Things
GO-TO COMFORT FOOD:
Chocolate & ice cream.
FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT:
Benson’s Grill & Chili’s.
FAVORITE MUSIC:
Blues.
FAVORITE WAY TO UNWIND:
Walks & yoga.
FAVORITE WAY TO RECHARGE:
A spa day.
FAVORITE SOURCE OF JOY:
Family.
FAVORITE SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
FAVORITE SPLURGE:
Shoes—and more shoes!
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE RIVER VALLEY:
The people and the food.
FUN FACT:
I eat a small bowl of ice cream almost every night before bed!
In the Community
Vee is active across multiple boards and organizations including Arkansas Workforce Development, Board of Directors Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce, CASS Job Corps Center, Colley Care House, Ms. Elegant Southern States, FACS (Fight Against Childhood Starvation), Mrs. Franklin County, Rotary Club, Junior League of Fort Smith, and Lions Club of Fort Smith.
