Love and Sweet: NW Arkansas Chapter
Meet the Team

NW Arkansas Chapter: Director
Riley Smith
Riley is a sophomore at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She learned about Love and Sweet Bakery through attending the National Academy of Future Physicians and loved the objective of the nonprofit. Riley has been baking for as long as she can remember, although “baking” as a child was more like licking the beaters of whatever her mom made. Since then, she has progressed to more complex treats, such as macarons and cheesecake, and hopes to bring those to the L&S Bakery selections. Using the skills she has acquired from owning her own small business, Riley plans to serve her community through hard work and dedication. She feels so fortunate to be able to combine her two passions, baking and service, and is very excited to lead her chapter in helping the Northwest Arkansas community.

NW Arkansas Chapter: Coordinator
Olivia Shirkey
Olivia Shirkey is a sophomore at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. Along with her sisters and mother, Olivia has been baking for what seems like forever. One of her earliest memories is baking Christmas cookies with her mom while wearing a little apron and chef's hat. In recent years, Olivia and her mother have been experimenting with desserts that accommodate a gluten sensitive diet, especially since her sister is allergic to gluten. Olivia is also involved with two other non-profits, the Arthritis Foundation and Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock, Arkansas. Olivia is excited to become further involved in her local community through Love and Sweet Bakery in the coming years.

NW Arkansas Chapter: Social Media Director
Katelyn Bennett
Katelyn Bennett is a junior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She learned about Love and Sweet Bakery through her participation in a volunteering event with the NWA chapter. Katelyn has been baking ever since she was little, starting with her own self-proclaimed concoctions and moving up to passed down family recipes. Katelyn says that baking has always been a passion of hers, and her favorite part of it is being able to see the smiles on everyone’s faces when they get to enjoy her homemade treats. She is extremely excited to join the Love and Sweet Bakery team and extend that happiness to others.

NW Arkansas Chapter: Baker
Eekshita Allipilli
Eekshita Allipilli is a senior at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She's lived in various places around the US, such as Connecticut, New Jersey, Arizona, and finally, Arkansas. Her food life took a U-Turn when her dad brought brownies home. To this day, her family relies on her to bake sweet treats for them. Eekshita is also a member of HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) and Interact. When she saw the Love and Sweet Bakery posters around her school, she just couldn't resist joining. She looks forward to baking not only for her family but also for her community!

NW Arkansas Chapter: Baker
Danielle Zielske
Danielle is a sophomore at Haas Hall Academy Bentonville. She has a younger brother as well as two dogs. Danielle has enjoyed baking and cooking since she was young, and invested further in her baking several years ago. Danielle especially enjoys baking brownies, making ramen from scratch, and decorating ramen cakes. Danielle has also enjoyed helping those in need in her community since she was young, and is excited to help those in need through her baking.