Power Women 2021: Ashley Hudson
Partner, Kutak Rock LLP
State Representative, District 32, West Little Rock
What’s your secret to success?
Every successful woman I know has an amazing support network around her. My family, my friends, my colleagues, my community of faith and my mentors and heroes in public service are all of that for me. None of us does this alone — that’s the secret. We listen, we collaborate and we take people with us. We learn from one another.
What attracted you to your career?
I was practically born into the practice of law. My dad and stepdad were both lawyers, so I grew up in law offices and courtrooms. I actually even practiced law with my dad for about five years when I first started out. My family also has a strong tradition of public service, so as the kids started to grow up, I started to turn my attention to how I might be helpful to my community.
Which of your accomplishments are you most proud?
I’m the most proud of my first term in the Arkansas Legislature. Winning my first political campaign was not an easy task, of course, but it was the work of legislating that I’m most proud of. I saw my role as a bridge builder and as someone who could draw on my own experience as an attorney to bring people of differing views to the table.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
Everybody on this list has faced similar obstacles. We know we’re smart. We know we’re qualified. We know we’ve got what it takes. We know we’re working hard enough. And then it happens: We get second-guessed because we’re women. Or someone defers to a male colleague because he must know better. It’s a challenge, but every woman I know learns to navigate that space with brilliance and care. I’m so proud of us for doing that.
