DESOTO COUNTY, MS (abc24.com) - There are only a handful of women leaders in Mississippi, and you can find several in DeSoto County. Women are leading the county and working in DeSoto's top jobs.
They've been using the word "first" many times over the last few months, with DeSoto County's first female supervisor, mayor, and county administrator.
"I'm very excited to be DeSoto County's first," says Lee Caldwell. More Mississippi women are saying that. "It says a lot about DeSoto County, that DeSoto County is progressive."
Caldwell's in the middle of her term as DeSoto's first female supervisor. There are 410 supervisors in the entire state, only 12 women.
"I'm working into my 18th year," says Vanessa Lynchard, who represents another female first, just named county administrator. She's worked in DeSoto government the last 17 years.
"It's more about qualifications than it is about gender," she says.
"It's not all about male or female it's about who can get the job done," adds Caldwell.
Both agree women can bring a different perspective. "Just the way you approach things," says Lynchard.
"A lot of times I think with my heart and one of the other supervisors may be thinking with their head," says Caldwell. "Well those are both good things and it's really good when it comes together. It's not all about 'I am woman hear me roar,' but I do want the young ladies out there to know if you think you can do the job then set the course and go for it."
There are several women aldermen in DeSoto County. Walls, Southaven and Horn Lake all have one, and there are two in Olive Branch.
