“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!”
— Maya Angelou, writer and civil rights activist who received the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Throughout history, women have made positive and influential changes but often went unrecognized. Women’s History Month allows us to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women within the electric cooperative field. We are proud to amplify the stories of a few of our positive and influential leaders who are leading change in their fields.
First Electric energized its first power lines April 15, 1938, with three employees and 150 members. Today, First Electric serves more than 100,000 member accounts throughout parts of 18 counties in central and southeast Arkansas with over 250 employees. The cooperative’s headquarters is located in Jacksonville, with four full-service offices in Bryant, Heber Springs, Perryville and Stuttgart.
In 2011, Tonya Sexton was hired as the first woman to be part of the Senior Staff. Now, half of the Senior Staff are women. As a cooperative, we celebrate how we have evolved.
Melissa Wood, Chief Financial Officer
As a female working in a traditionally male field, what kind of struggles did you face? With both accounting and electric cooperatives historically being male-dominated fields, I have been fortunate to not feel like I have had to work harder in my career to get where I am today. I have worked mainly under male leadership and feel that I have never been treated any differently than my male counterparts. I’ve been lucky in my career to be valued and respected as a woman and to be promoted accordingly.
What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career within the electrical field/cooperative? As far as women in accounting, there are a lot more of us these days. And co-ops, especially electric co-ops, are hidden gems; they don’t teach you about co-ops in college. My advice would be: If you ever get an “in,” take it. It’s such a great environment for an accountant; it’s a great industry to be in.
When you began your career, did you ever imagine that you would have a leadership role in this profession? Yes, actually. As an accountant, you either strive to be a partner in a public accounting firm, or CFO in an industry. I might not have expected to be the CFO at an electric cooperative, but I definitely knew my goal was to become a CFO.
Ashley Garringer, Chief Operating Officer
Is there any woman in your life who has made an impact on your life to help mold you into the leader that you are today? How? I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by strong women in my life, starting with my mom. She instilled in me the importance of hard work, emphasizing that what you invest in life is what you get out of it. Additionally, my Nanny (her mom) taught me the value of trusting in God’s plans, as they often surpass anything we could plan for ourselves.
When you began your career, did you ever imagine that you would have a leadership role in this profession? Over 20 years ago, I started my journey at the co-op in an entry-level position. I considered it a blessing just to be part of such an amazing organization. My focus was on doing good work for a company that had been good to me. I never imagined back then that it would lead me to the leadership role I hold today. It’s a testament to the opportunities and growth within the cooperative that I am grateful for.
What advice would you give to young women entering this profession? My advice to young women entering this profession is to work hard, leveraging the talents they are blessed with.
Tonya Sexton, Vice President of Marketing and Development
What important achievements have you made within the electric cooperative? When I was hired in 2011, I was the first female vice president at First Electric. I worked with a staff of seasoned and mature men who were very welcoming and accepting. I learned so much about the cooperative business model from them.
What attributes do you have that helped you get where you are? I grew up in Mountain Home, where my dad practiced veterinary medicine. Growing up, I worked at his office and went on my fair share of farm calls with him over the years. So I’m not afraid of dirt or hard work. However, during my teenage years, I started competing in pageants, so I had to refine the farm girl. I won Miss Missouri USA in 1992, and that changed how I presented myself. Both of those experiences contributed to who I am today, and they have proven to be helpful.
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self? Don’t be afraid to take chances! Oftentimes as young women, we’re afraid to go for what we want. I tell women all the time to have the confidence in themselves and determine your value – don’t ever let anyone do that for you!
