Kandi Chitman Hughes

Southwest Power Pool is a regional transmission organization that oversees the bulk electric grid and wholesale power market in the U.S. on behalf of utilities and transmission companies in 14 states. I was blessed and fortunate enough to land at SPP in our corporate legal department after working as associate general counsel at UCA. I manage SPP’s vendor contract matters, provide legal support to SPP’s human resources department and provide legal support to our regional state committee comprised of regulators from our member states.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best career moment so far:

Failing the Bar Exam when I initially sat for it. What could have been a career killer (before I could even begin my career) ended up being the motivating factor and driving force behind my strong work ethic.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field:

You do not have to move to Texas in order to be in the oil/gas/energy/water industry. If you so desire, there are abundant opportunities to work in the utility industry right here in Little Rock.

Best advice I've ever received:

"God did not give you a spirit of fear." Although that is biblical scripture (2 Timothy 1:7), my mother has had to remind me countless times over the course of my life that many successes are rooted in fearlessness.

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

First Lady Michelle Obama to discuss her thoughts on how we can ensure our daughters are better equipped to thrive in a male-dominated society.

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about:

The PEARLS Foundation of Central Arkansas is organized for charitable and educational purposes. Its mission is to implement programs that provide opportunities for educational advancement through the Dr. Phillis Nichols-Anderson Faith-Based Scholarship.

What makes Little Rock feel like home:

Everything! My family, friends, the experiences and culture, personal and professional opportunities. Little Rock feels like home because Little Rock is home for me.

Biggest challenges in my career:

The biggest challenge in my career is the learning curve that comes with transitioning into the utility industry. Thankfully, I embrace life-long learning and I work for a phenomenal company that invests in the potential of people.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day:

The people and our culture, for sure. Working at SPP has been one of the greatest professional challenges I've faced. Working here has also been one of my greatest rewards simply because of the close-knit, family vibe our culture embodies.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

Best career moment so far:

The one thing I wish people knew about my field:

Best advice I've ever received:

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

A nonprofit I wish more people knew about:

What makes Little Rock feel like home:

Biggest challenges in my career:

What keeps me coming back to my job every day:

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Little Rock

First thing I do at the office

Check email

Best coffee in town

Starbucks

Binge watch

"Grey's Anatomy"

Last good read

"How Exceptional Black Women Lead" by Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever

Podcast recommendation

"Rock the Culture"

Best recent local discovery

Cheers in The Heights

Latest splurge

My BMW X5

Hobbies

Journaling, DJing, volunteering

Most-used app

Tidal

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