Darlene “Goldi” Gaines

Running to Heal the Lands

Born in Arkansas and raised in North Little Rock, Goldi learned at a young age the importance of serving others. Her father, an artist and forty-two-year retiree of parks and recreations; mother, a nurse, was active in the community and church. Goldi is a mother of 3 young men and Gigi.

She loves working with the community in establishing community gardens which are paired with a love for teaching. She chairs a non-profit that focuses on environmental sustainability and community unity.

Goldi was admitted to the Arkansas AME 12th District Conference. Young Minster Gaines under the leadership of Dr. Hazikiah Stewart, former Pastor of Moody Chapel AME and Executive Director of The Watershed “World's First Social Hospital”. Worked alongside Dr. Stewart as Co-chair for Moody Chapel AME Social Action Commission and former Co-host of the WMCIH 102.5 Praise. Goldi is an ordained Prophetess by Train’em up ministries.

She served in the capacity of advanced medical support for Arkansas veterans and their eligible dependents, under the Chief of Staff, Goldi was responsible for providing leadership and communications resulting in retention-based workflow processes that promote accountability; increasing the quality of care for the veterans. In addition to her leadership with the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Goldi has served as an adjunct business faculty at Philander Smith College.

She seeks the office of Land Commissioner to focus on supporting the education of our youth, innovation of commercial development on state lands, and having accountability to Arkansans with the vital information from the Office of State Lands. She will be keeping an eye toward stewardship and preserving our beloved Arkansas lands while ensuring they are healthy and productive for today and future generations.