Her Story
About Ronica
Ronica Watkins Babers, PhD, is a seasoned public-sector leader and Budget Officer for Dallas County, Texas, the state’s second-largest urban county. With more than 30 years of public-service experience, she has built a distinguished career spanning nonprofit organizations, higher education, legislative administration, grants management, and county government. At Dallas County, she has progressed from budget analyst to senior budget and policy roles before assuming her current position, which she has held since 2020.
Dr. Watkins brings extensive expertise in government budget management, budget development, fiscal policy, and the connection between financial planning and public policy. In her role as Budget Officer, she is committed to developing fiscally sound budgets and strengthening budget guidelines that support effective county operations and community priorities. Her academic background includes a degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, and a PhD in urban planning from The University of Texas at Arlington. She was also selected as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow following her participation in the Summer Public Policy Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Watkins is passionate about leadership, service, and helping others succeed. She is affiliated with the Government Finance Officers Association, the National Forum of Black Public Administrators, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and has contributed to community organizations through board and leadership service. She is also an author of Winning and Leading and Leading Against the Curve, with another book in progress. Her professional journey reflects a commitment to purposeful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and using public service to create meaningful community impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ronica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to having a strong foundation of family, community, and faith. Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I’ve always been surrounded by supportive relatives, friends, and a strong community. I’ve been fortunate to find my “village” wherever I go, and that support has played a meaningful role in my journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to focus on my own journey rather than competing with others. Everyone’s path is different, and success doesn’t happen overnight. After more than 30 years in my career, I’ve learned that doing work I genuinely love and focusing on what brings me joy allows the rest to fall into place.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering public service to understand that it requires hard work, long hours, and commitment. It can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. If you’re passionate about making a difference and seeing how your work directly benefits departments and communities, the impact makes it all worthwhile.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in public service is the demanding workload and long hours, but those challenges also create meaningful opportunities to make a real impact. For me, the most rewarding part is seeing how funding and appropriations support programs, departments, and communities and knowing that my work contributes to those outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are balance, connection, and making time for the things that bring me joy. I value spending time with my family, traveling, cycling, and staying active through Pilates. I also enjoy reading and listening to books, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, and expressing myself through my podcast, Life Is Good with Tuda. These activities help me recharge and stay grounded.
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