Her Story
About Rickita
Rickita C. Hudson is a distinguished public service and governance professional who serves as Board Executive Secretary at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of the largest water agencies in the nation. In this leadership role, she oversees the Board Office and ensures that Board meetings, materials, records, and procedures comply with applicable government codes and organizational policies. She supports a 38-member Board representing 26 member agencies serving approximately 19 million people. With nine years of experience at the organization, Hudson has steadily advanced from Executive Assistant in the legal department to Board Specialist and ultimately to department leader, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership, governance, and public service. Hudson’s expertise encompasses board governance, meeting operations, parliamentary procedure, legal administration, project management, compliance, and organizational effectiveness. Her interest in governance was strengthened through her earlier work as a legal assistant in the nonprofit sector, where she gained valuable experience supporting board operations and legal matters. She holds a Legal Assistance Certificate from the University of North Florida, a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Administration Management from Kaplan University, and M.P.A. and M.B.A. degrees from The University of Arizona Global Campus. She has also completed a Water Studies Certificate from Metropolitan State University of Denver, and holds the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Hudson is committed to leadership, service, and continuous development. She is an active member of the Certified Municipal Clerks Association and the International Municipal Clerks Association, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She credits her success to the unwavering support of her family, who continue to inspire her to pursue meaningful work and think about the impact she can have on future generations. Guided by the values of lifelong learning, transparency, organization, and service, Hudson is dedicated to strengthening governance, supporting effective leadership, and contributing to the responsible stewardship of resources that serve communities today and for generations to come.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rickita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support and encouragement of my family, who have always been my biggest cheerleaders. They inspire me to keep moving forward, persevere through challenges, and remain focused on creating a meaningful impact. Much of my motivation comes from thinking about the next generation and the legacy I want to leave behind. This perspective is also at the heart of my commitment to protecting our water resources, because I want to help ensure that future generations have access to clean, sustainable water.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never stop learning and to always read. Coming from an underserved community, I was fortunate to have parents who strongly emphasized the importance of education, even though they did not have the opportunity to attend school themselves. Their encouragement instilled in me a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth. I also believe that knowledge is accessible to anyone who is willing to seek it, which is why I encourage others to read everything they can. My guiding principle is simple: Read everything.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is not to become overwhelmed by its challenges or complexity. It can be a demanding and fast-paced field, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Stay focused, be willing to learn, and give yourself time to grow and build confidence. Embrace the challenges as opportunities to develop your skills and make a meaningful impact.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is staying organized amid the constant flow of information and competing demands. With emails, Microsoft Teams, Zoom meetings, and unexpected interruptions all happening throughout the day, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. I believe strong organization, prioritization, and time management are essential to staying focused, productive, and effective in such a fast-paced environment.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Transparency is one of the most important values I carry with me in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being honest, open, and authentic in my interactions with others while taking life one day at a time. A quote I once saw at my grandson’s school resonated deeply with me: “when you tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said.” That principle reflects how I strive to live and work, particularly in the water industry, where transparency, accountability, and trust are essential to serving the community.
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