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.

More About This Episode

Change is inevitable—whether in our careers, communities, or personal lives. But how we embrace it, adapt, and grow through the process makes all the difference. We had the pleasure of speaking with Iffy Ibekwe who was recently promoted to Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Arvest Wealth Management. Iffy’s journey—from aspiring neonatologist to lawyer, entrepreneur, and now financial leader—serves as a testament to the power of flexibility, curiosity, and intentional decision-making.

We explored her path to Bentonville, Arkansas, her evolving career, and the importance of building strong community connections. Along the way, we also discussed work-life balance, the challenges of rapid regional growth, and the role of financial literacy in empowering individuals and families.

The Unexpected Journey: From Medicine to Law to Finance

Like many of us, Iffy started with a plan—but life had other ideas. As the daughter of a pediatric radiologist, she initially set her sights on becoming a doctor. However, witnessing the events of 9/11 during her sophomore year at the University of Texas in Austin made her rethink her path. “I remember waking up and watching the second tower come down and realizing that I did not want to be a doctor if the world was ending,” she recalls.

At the suggestion of her brother—who recognized her love of debating—she pivoted toward law. She envisioned using her legal background to advocate for education reform, inspired by her mother’s career as a teacher. This decision led her to law school and eventually to launching her own estate planning practice in Austin.

But life had yet another shift in store. After years of running her own firm, she and her family relocated to Bentonville, seeking a simpler lifestyle. What started as a desire for change soon led her into banking, where she discovered a new passion for wealth management and estate planning. “I followed the path that is the next ‘yes,’” she explains.

Career Growth & Leadership at Arvest

Now in a new role at Arvest Wealth Management, Iffy helps individuals and families prepare for the inevitable transitions in life—whether through estate planning, trust management, or financial planning. Many people underestimate the need for a corporate trustee or fiduciary, assuming these services are only for the ultra-wealthy. However, she emphasizes that financial planning is essential for everyone.

At Arvest, Iffy has found a company culture that values community involvement and employee growth. “I have close access to leadership and feel championed at the bank,” she shares. This sense of belonging and support has reinforced her belief that banking, at its core, is about relationships and trust.

Balancing Career, Family, and Community Involvement

Beyond her professional achievements, Iffy is also a mother of four, a wife, and an active member of the Bentonville community. She acknowledges that managing a demanding career alongside a growing family requires teamwork and clear communication. “I have a really awesome husband,” she says. “We divide and conquer, keep an open line of communication, and share the workload.”

She humorously recounts a recent moment when her children prepared a full presentation on why they deserved a dog. While she admired their effort, she remains skeptical that they will follow through on their responsibilities. “They need to remember to brush their own teeth first before they can take care of a pet,” she laughs.

Bentonville’s Growth & Maintaining Community Identity

Having lived in places like Dubai, Doha, Houston, and Austin, Iffy initially never imagined calling Bentonville home. But after visiting a friend here during the pandemic, she was captivated by the region’s charm and potential. “It reminded me of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls,” she says, referencing the show’s idyllic small-town setting.

Northwest Arkansas is in the midst of rapid growth, attracting professionals and families from across the country. As a member of the Bentonville Planning Commission, Iffy is actively engaged in shaping the city’s future. She encourages residents to stay informed and participate in local discussions about development. “Planned change is far more successful than unplanned change,” she emphasizes.

While change can be uncomfortable for some, she believes that Bentonville’s leadership is approaching growth with intentionality—balancing modernization while maintaining the unique identity of each town. She also points out the increasing diversity in the region, noting that at a recent kindergarten orientation, only three parents in the room were originally from Arkansas. “It was like the United Nations in there,” she says.

Giving Back Through Literacy & Financial Education

Beyond her work at Arvest, Iffy is passionate about literacy and financial empowerment. She volunteers with the Benton County Literacy Council, tutoring English language learners and helping them navigate life in a new country. She finds this work deeply rewarding, recognizing the challenges that come with learning a new language as an adult.

One of her students, who holds a master’s degree from their home country, is determined to perfect their English to “sound like a native speaker.” Iffy admires their dedication and believes that literacy—both language and financial—is the key to independence and opportunity.

She also leads financial literacy discussions at Blake Street House, helping individuals demystify money management. “If you can demystify it, it becomes much easier to understand,” she explains. By fostering open conversations about finances, she hopes to empower more people to take control of their wealth and future planning.

How to Get Involved

For those looking to engage more deeply in their communities, Iffy’s advice is simple: follow your curiosity. “What piques your interest? Is it art, kids, the elderly? Whatever it is, start there,” she suggests.

She encourages people to reach out to local organizations, attend city planning meetings, and participate in conversations about their community’s future. By taking that first step—whether volunteering, advocating, or simply learning more—anyone can make a meaningful impact.

As Bentonville and the broader Northwest Arkansas region continue to evolve, Iffy Ibekwe stands as an inspiring example of how embracing change, prioritizing community, and maintaining a spirit of curiosity can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment.