Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority

LAUREN, COMMISSIONER
Lauren is the executive director of the Arkansas Advanced Energy Association and Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation. A native of Moro, Waldrip oversees policy priorities, promotional efforts, communications, trade association management, event planning, membership recruitment, fundraising and activities for state and federal PACs. She has also worked in development as Project Coordinator for the Razorback Foundation, where she implemented a program that increased membership by 20%. Lauren assisted with the re-branding of the Razorback Foundation and aided in planning and coordinating events for current and prospective donors. Additionally, she has provided public relations assistance for U.S. Senator John Boozman and for the Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation, where she worked to develop content marketing and communications strategy. She holds undergraduate degrees in marketing and public relations from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She completed her Master of Business Administration at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton Graduate School of Business. Lauren enjoys promoting rural Arkansas and the Delta region, deer and duck hunting and collecting vinyl records. Her current term expires on August 1, 2024.

Female Empowerment Quote(s)

“So now the perception is, yes, women are here to stay. And when I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the supreme court]? And I say when there are nine, people are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?

Unfortunately, our progress when compared to our male counterparts is currently viewed as unique or uncommon. My hope is that the more we celebrate our success now, the more it will be accepted as the norm in the future.

KARLAH, ACCOUNTING CLERK
Karlah has been employed with LRWRA for eight years and counting as the Accounts Payable Clerk III. She is a mother of two daughters. She enjoys traveling, family time, and painting in her free time.

Female Empowerment Quote(s)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” G. D. Anderson

Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?
It is essential that we remember and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions women have made to our culture and society throughout the years. Women were once said to be inferior and assigned roles to supports leaders but in actuality, women have always been the backbone and bared the weight of many responsibilities from science to politics all while maintaining elegance and beauty.

LYNDSEY, LAB TECHNICIAN II
Lyndsey has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from Columbia Southern University. She started at LRWRA in 2013 in the laboratory at the Fourche Creek Water Reclamation Facility where she is currently a Lab Tech II. As a Lab Technician, Lyndsey analyzes various samples for process control, permit reporting, and compliance monitoring. Some of the tests include testing for solids, bacteria, nutrients, and other parameters. She holds a Class II wastewater license and is involved with wastewater organizations such as the Arkansas Water Works & Water Environment Association. Hall has served on several teams within the utility including the Safety Team and the Wellness Team. She has also received a Going the Extra Mile award. Hall was born in Helena, AR but currently resides in Cabot, AR with her 10-year-old daughter. She became interested in the environmental field after spending much of her childhood living in Utah. Growing up in a state where the environment was dry and seeing the impact of a water shortage made her appreciate the value of water. She is very passionate about protecting the environment for our future generation.

Female Empowerment Quote(s)
“I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values – and follow my own moral compass – then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own.” - Michelle Obama.

Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?
Women are full of wonderful and great ideas. Women often view the world from a different perspective than men. Women have made great impacts in the world from science to business to politics and everything in between. We will continue to have a profound effect on the world going forward. We must hear each voice and lift each other up. Expressing our gratitude for women’s contributions will not only motivate us, but will also show society that our opinion matters and we deserve recognition.

TONYA, PROGRAM MANAGER (FACILITIES)
Tonya, Program Manager (Facilities), is a resident of Hensley but grew up in White Hall, Arkansas. Her career started with Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) in 2005 as a Storeroom Data Entry Clerk in the Clearwater Maintenance Storeroom and a year later she earned a Bachelor’s in Construction Management at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. In 2006, she passed the Associate Constructors exam. In 2007, she was promoted to Engineering Project Administrator and in 2015, she was promoted to her current position as Engineering Program Manager. Tonya is responsible for asset management, capital improvement plan, annual budget, assessment and repair of Little Rock Water Reclamation Authorities 130 miles of large diameter collection system, and rehabilitation efforts of the small-diameter collection system through General Ledger Engineer Studies.

Tonya is Vice President of the Arkansas Barrel Racing Association where she has been a member since 2001. She has also served as President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Division Chairman. Tonya has also served as a committee member for Arkansas Water/Wastewater & Water Environment Association since 2009. Tonya graduated in the spring of 2021 from the Arkansas Governmental Manager program hosted by Arkansas Public Administration Consortium (APAC) and is set to graduate as a Certified Public Manager in the Spring of 2022 with APAC.

Tonya enjoys camping, boating, running barrel horses, taking care of our four horses, four dogs, one cat, and hunting with her husband Brandon.

Female Empowerment Quote:
“She overcame everything that was meant to destroy her.” - Unknown

Why is it important that we celebrate the role of women in history-making change?
When you go back and do a little research you learn how women played big roles in history. For a long time, women were not publicly acknowledged for those accomplishments so the history you learned growing up might not be the whole truth. I am glad we continue to progress to a time of giving credit where credit is due.