Tamika S. Edwards is the special advisor to the Central Arkansas Water (CAW) CEO on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Engagement. She works across all departments and in partnership with community organizations to eliminate systemic organizational marginalization and promote inclusive practices for the betterment of the utility, the communities CAW serves,and the water profession overall.

Prior to joining CAW, Edwards served as the executive director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College, director of governmental affairs at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, director of public policy at Southern Bancorp Community Partners, and community affairs specialist for former U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln. She was recognized by Arkansas Business in its “40 Under 40” class of 2010 and named the 2021 “Woman of the Year in Business” by Arkansas Women’s Foundation.

Edwards earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from UA Pine Bluff, a Master of Arts in professional and technical writing from the UA Little Rock, and a Juris Doctor from the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. A Little Rock native, Edwards enjoys spending time with her family, researching anything related to history, psychology and sociology and watching reality TV.

Edwards is in her first term on the Little Rock Port Authority Board of Directors having been appointed by Mayor Frank Scott, Jr in 2021.