Her Story
About Kenesha
My journey into administration wasn't something I initially planned, but it has become a calling that perfectly aligns with who I am. I realized early on that being an executive assistant is a very powerful position to hold, to be trusted with running the office and being the face of that office, and the first point of contact for people trying to reach that senior level leader. When I got my first role as an admin, I realized that the best way, or really the only way, that role can even be successful is through communication. My background in communications from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff prepared me perfectly for this work, even though I didn't see the correlation at first. A supervisor saw how I handled a specific instance and asked if I had ever considered being an admin, and that conversation changed my career trajectory. I've always wanted to be a servant leader, because as you grow in your field and in who you are, it's all about service. I'm able to communicate with all different kinds of people, and communicate with them well, showing up the same way all the time and being dependable for those around me who are depending on someone to assist them with their needs. In my current role, I've been able to come in and transition the office by creating spreadsheets and databases to assist with efficiency. The person before me was there for 10 years, so many systems were efficient 10 years ago but times have changed significantly. I was able to restructure a filing system that dates all the way back to 1999, archiving older materials in a central location while keeping current materials front-facing and accessible for 2025. My daily responsibilities include regular communication with our board of visitors and our University of Arkansas system office, aggressive calendar management for the Chancellor who must show her face in many places, tracking curriculum programs, processing invoices and expense reports, and coordinating travel requests. I service three women in leadership, the Chancellor, our Chief of Staff, and our University Affairs Vice Chancellor, assisting them with whatever they need.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kenesha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my daughter. She has motivated me in a way that I didn't know was possible. Knowing that she is looking at me, looking at the decisions that I make and depending on me to set an example for her, drives everything I do. She is my inspiration and the reason I push myself to achieve and grow professionally.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be flexible, because priorities change. What may be a priority for you may not be a priority for someone else, and what may be a priority for someone else may not be a priority for you. Be open, be available, be dependable, and show up ready to remove any roadblocks or stumbling blocks that could be standing in your way, or the person that you serve's way. This role requires adaptability and a servant leadership mindset.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is misconception. A lot of people think that an EA role is a stepping stone, but it can actually be a final destination. This role, or EA roles in general, don't get the recognition that they need, and so a lot of people aren't rushing to that field. But it's so much more than just a secretary. There's a misconception about what an EA is and what they do. Some people get in the role and either don't feel like they're doing enough, or feel like they are doing a lot, so there's a middle ground. Some people are absolutely positively in love with what they do here, and then there are some people who feel like they can excel further. I don't ever like to underestimate what a role like this does for the people that it serves. On the opportunities side, there's always opportunities to learn and grow. Even if you choose to stay in this role, there are associations and member-based organizations that will have quarterly or yearly conferences where you can go and learn new ways. The big thing now is AI, and how does AI translate into an executive assistant role? You go to these conferences and find out. So there's always room for growth, and you can never know enough.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are transparency, dependability, integrity, trustworthiness, and discretion. Everybody doesn't need to know everything, and there is a time when things can be revealed, especially when you're working in a setting where you know things before the public does. Sometimes it's not your place to put things out, even if you know it already. I also believe in showing up every day and giving it the very best that you've got. I know that changes from day to day. Some days you can give 100%, and sometimes you can only afford to give less. But giving all that you've got is what matters. If you give 100% on 75 days straight, then it's okay for you to give 40% on one day. You know the difference, because you've shown up. We already know who you are and we know what you can do. There's always some flexibility when people know that you're gonna do what you're supposed to do.
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