GROWING THE NEIGHBORHOOD
No one is more involved in SoMa than Elizabeth Michael — the founder of Bud Agency, the former owner of the Bark Bar and the current executive director of SoMa 501, a nonprofit organization that promotes SoMa’s development.
“I am originally from Lake Village, Arkansas, and moved to Connecticut for high school, then to the Philadelphia area for college,” Michael said. “I thought I would stay in Philadelphia after college and start my career, but it turns out living as a young adult in the city is not as fun as being a carefree college student.”
As SoMa 501’s executive director, Michael works with stakeholders to promote economic development and the neighborhood, and preserve the historic aspects of the area.
“SoMa is my neighborhood and something I have been a big fan of since I moved to Little Rock from Lake Village,” Michael said. “SoMa is a small tight-knit community, and I enjoy making meaningful connections with other residents and business owners. It gives me the small-town feel. The opportunity to help promote and grow it as an executive director was something I just couldn’t pass up. The joy and fun I have working to further the neighborhood is boundless.”
Michael lives in the historic Hemingway House with her husband, Dan Roda; her son, Paul; and two dogs, Poppy and Philly.
“I love being able to spend time enjoying the culture, restaurants and shopping downtown,” Michael said. “Getting to know all of the shop owners, their passions, quirks and creativity is refreshing and comforting. Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family, these are my kind of people.”