Edwards has served as executive director of the Social Justice Institute at Philander Smith College since September 2018.

 

She has 20 years of experience in public policy and community development. She has served as director of governmental affairs at Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, where she led the development and execution of the organization’s legislative strategy. Edwards has also served as community affairs specialist for U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, where she worked to further community and economic development efforts and served as the senator’s grassroots representative.

 

Edwards was recognized by Arkansas Business in its “40 Under 40” class of 2010. In 2017, she was recognized in Arkansas Business Publishing Group’s inaugural edition of The Arkansas 200 as a leader “who influences the way we live, learn and do business in the state.”

 

In 2019, Edwards served as part of Mayor Frank Scott’s transition team to help plan Little Rock’s future. She chaired subcommittees on mobility and on public safety during his transition. 

 

Edwards earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a Master of Arts in professional and technical writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and a J.D. from Bowen Law School. In addition to serving in numerous community leadership roles, she is a contributor to Talk Business and Politics.