Meridian Life September/ October 2022 | Page 46

Aa ’ Keela Hudnall

Aa ’ Keela Hudnall

Government Affairs Representative Mississippi Power
“ Lawyer by day … Musician by night .”
A Meridian native , Aa ’ Keela Hudnall is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi , where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Industry with an emphasis in Music Production and a Minor in Art . She also holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the Mississippi College School of Law .
While she did not have aspirations for a legal career , Hudnall was encouraged to pursue law by Meridian attorney Leonard Cobb . She stared as a clerk at Cobb ’ s law firm , working summers and during Christmas break while attending college . Since becoming an attorney , Hudnall has worked with Robert “ Robbie ” Jones , Henry Palmer , Rick Barry , Lee Thaggard , Bill May , Kacey Bailey , Bo Bailey , Roy Campbell and Wendy Mullins . She also served as an attorney for the Mississippi Senate .
An avid music lover , Hudnall sings , plays piano , writes music and plays sax and guitar . She has a popular party band called “ Aa ’ Keela & The Beats ,” which performs at weddings and corporate events . 1 . I love God ! I ’ m definitely a
church girl . I grew up in the church , and it ’ s my refuge . Church is also where I first exercised my musical skills . I taught myself how to play piano and started instructing choirs and leading the music ministry when I was 9 years old .
2 . My favorite music activity is worship . I am a member of Mt . Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Quitman , where I play piano . I am also the musician for First Baptist Church in York , Alabama , where I ’ ve led the youth ministry for over a decade .
3 . One of my most memorable music moments is singing background for Grammy and Academy award-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge at the MSU Riley Center .
4 . I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc . Also , I am a proud Rotarian , Optimist and Civitan .
5 . While attending Southern Miss , I was recognized as a Luckyday Scholar , which funds scholarships for Mississippi high school seniors who demonstrate leadership skills , who are exemplary students , who are involved in their communities , and need financial assistance to pursue a higher education
6 . I ’ ve enjoyed several career milestones . In my current post with Mississippi Power , I am the company ’ s first female hired in my division . I also served as the first African-American president of the Lauderdale County Bar Association ,
7 . I ’ ve have several “ Top ” honors . In addition to being recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 in 2016 by Meridian Power and The Meridian Star , I also was honored by the Mississippi Business Journal as one of Mississippi ’ s Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders
8 . I am a foodie ! I live for good food , and I will drive a good distance just for a good meal !
9 . I love apples ! In fact , my first word was “ apple .”
10 . I am the oldest of three siblings . Sadly , my youngest brother was murdered in 2020 . Experiencing that loss has made me extremely mindful of how I protect my peace , joy , and safety .
46 • MERIDIAN LIFE