Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
Kelley, Procurement Coordinator
Kelley began her career with the State of Arkansas in the early 90s and is currently the Procurement Coordinator for Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA). She has 29+ years of experience working for the public sector and has worked in a procurement-specific position since 2004. Throughout her career, Kelley has established guidelines, policies, and procedures to help protect the integrity of the public procurement process and has developed and provided training to hundreds of employees and vendors on these processes.
She is a member of the National Institute of Public Procurement (NIGP) and a member of the Arkansas Chapter of NIGP (ARNIGP). She holds two procurement certifications (CPPB in 2010 and CPPO in 2012). Kelley served as ARNIGP president in 2008, served as a member of the board at various times thereafter, and is currently serving as the organization’s treasurer. Kelley was awarded the ARNIGP Buyer of the Year for 2012-2013 and again in 2017-2018.
Female Empowerment Quote:
“Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” - Maria Sklodowska-Curie, Physicist
Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?
“Women have played an integral part in history, from being warriors, political leaders, writers, doctors, teachers, and so much more. Knowing their history inspires girls and women of all ages to excel and make a difference in their world and in the world in which we all live.”
Ashley, Plant Operator
Ashley began her employment at Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority in 2015 as an Environmental Sampling Technician soon after graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in biology. After obtaining her Class III Arkansas Wastewater Operator license, she transferred to her current position as a Treatment Plant Operator at the Little Maumelle Water Reclamation Facility, where she works daily to maintain the processes that protect public health and the environment. She and her husband, both natives of Warren (Arkansas), reside in Little Rock and attend Little Rock West Assembly of God Church. Ashley enjoys camping, hiking, and a good cup of hot tea.
Female Empowerment Quote:
“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” --Mother Theresa
Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?
“Celebrating the roles of women, especially in male-dominated fields, brings recognition to the talent and unique perspectives that women have to offer the workplace. Our differences from our male counterparts do not make us less qualified. Rather, they make us uniquely qualified."
Ganelle, Commission Chair
As top-performing leader in strategic planning and development, Ganelle is committed to increasing the transformational capacity of organizations through strategic decisions about missions, equity, and outcomes. She founded The Giovanna Group strategic consultants in 2016, and has since developed training methods and strategies for the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, Central Arkansas Library System, Arkansas Community Foundation, and more. Ganelle holds a B.A. in theatre and an M.Ed in secondary education from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, a master’s degree in public service from the Clinton School of Public Service, and is currently a candidate for her Juris doctorate at the William H. Bowen School of Law. Her current public service efforts include her roles as development vice president-elect for the Junior League of Little Rock and Chair of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Commission.
Female Empowerment Quote:
“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” – Audre Lorde
Brenda, Dispatcher
Brenda has been a member of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority team for 15 years. She joined LRWRA as a receptionist and currently works with our dispatch team to address customer questions, concerns and complaints. She is the only woman on a team of 90 at the Clearwater Maintenance Complex.
Brenda is a mother of two who enjoys spending time with her family and is looking forward to what the future holds for them. Her biggest accomplishment is being able to smile and persevere as God lays out her path one day at a time.
Female Empowerment Quote:
“For most of history, ‘Anonymous’ was a Woman.” - Virginia Woolf
Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?
“I believe that it is important that all people should be celebrated for their achievements in history no matter their gender, and/or ethnicity. We are one and should all be equal and respect each and every accomplishment that makes a positive change for the human race. That would make this world a better place. That is when real, history-making change will begin. With all that being said, I’ve always heard that “behind every good man, there is a GREAT WOMAN!”
Kenetta, Communications and Outreach Supervisor
Kenetta is a resident of Pine Bluff by way of Hamburg, AR. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff where she earned a B.A. in Journalism. She also graduated from Webster University with an M.A. in Media Communications.
Kenetta joined the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority team in 2016 as a Communications Specialist and is currently employed as the Communications and Outreach Supervisor. Her work experience includes almost 25 years in various sectors of communications including nonprofit, state government, public school systems, and federal contracts.
She is a member of the Arkansas Public Relations Society of America, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the UAPB Alumni Association and the NAACP. Kenetta also serves on the board of the D’Andre Seals Suicide Prevention Outreach Project.
Kenetta is the mother of two adult children and a bonus daughter with her husband, Michael.
Female Empowerment Quote(s):
Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?
“Women are a force to be reckoned with. We have always been a force. And it’s important to celebrate women to inspire the next generation, to empower the next generation. For some girls and young women, seeing women celebrated is the motivation they need to realize that achieving their dream is possible.”