Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
AMBER, Procurement Administrator
Decorated with an array of accolades, Amber Yates has served as an administrator in LRWRA's award-winning procurement department for nine years. She is responsible for leading, mentoring, and guiding the procurement department staff, as well as directing strategic planning activities. Amber ensures that the utility complies with all laws and state guidelines. She earned her MBA from UA Little Rock and has obtained a wide variety of procurement certifications. When she isn’t helping the utility with its business processes, you can find her cooking for her family, reading, or snow skiing.
Amber takes pride in working for an organization that embraces and commits to diversity and inclusion.
“By supporting the advancement of women in their careers, LRWRA is a real-life example of what women can do given the opportunity,” she said. She credits the utility’s leadership for encouraging workplace equality by prioritizing measurable actions over words.
Amber is grateful for the opportunity to reach her career potential without fear of internal opposition and is hopeful that the commitment to diversity and being inclusive of all voices shown at LRWRA will inspire girls to be who and what they want.
“Seeing women who have advanced their careers provides inspiration to young girls everywhere about what their future can hold,” she said.
Female Empowerment Quote(s)
“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” - Coco Chanel
CONNIE, Level II Administrative Support Professional
Connie, a native of Rose Bud, Arkansas, has served as a Level II Administrative Support Professional on the LRWRA team for the past seven years. She is responsible for entering data from various labs into a program to monitor the plant processes. Connie monitors access to the plant and handles the majority of the record keeping for the domestic septic hauling program at our Adams Field Water Reclamation Facility. Before joining the LRWRA team in 2016, she held administrative positions for organizations including Edward Jones Investments and the State of Arkansas. When she’s not juggling office procedures, Connie can be found crocheting and making epic playlists.
One aspect that Connie appreciates most about working for LRWRA is that there is a place for everyone. Regardless of background or identity, the organization seeks to provide equal representation and opportunities.
“Everyone perceives and initiates based on their own experiences. Different experiences allow others the ability to broaden their own perceptions,” she said.
Connie especially appreciates this aspect of the utility’s culture.
Female Empowerment Quote(s)
”It has been said that ‘men are from Mars and women are from Venus,’ yet somehow, we inhabit the same planet. Understanding the experiences of women opens the mind to a broader scope of intellect,” she said. “Women often offer a viewpoint that encompasses more than just the immediate issue.”
SARITA, Communications Specialist
Little Rock native Sarita has served as Communication Specialist for LRWRA since 2020. A seasoned communications specialist with over 10 years of experience in branding and communications, she develops and implements effective communication strategies to serve over 67,000 homes and businesses. Prior to joining LRWRA, Sarita worked in the telecommunications and SaaS industries. She holds a bachelor's degree in marketing management from Arkansas State University, and an MBA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Outside of advocating for public health and environmental safety, Sarita holds a variety of volunteer positions and has many hobbies. She currently serves as Chair of the Board for the University District Development Corporation and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Omega, and Beta Gamma Sigma. A true creative, she also enjoys sewing, fashion, and watching anything starring Tracee Ellis Ross.
Sarita is passionate about granting women opportunities to soar and believes that LRWRA has allowed her and fellow employees to do so.
“We recognize and support women of all backgrounds in their pursuit to reach higher career heights,” she said. “We work diligently to create an environment where ladies can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields ranging from science and engineering to construction and procurement.”
Female Empowerment Quote(s)
“Women who speak out and share their stories are powerful forces of courage, resilience, and strength.” - Sarita