Waco Women Profiles: Anna Dunbar
Throughout March, Women's History Month, we virtually visited with Waco Women throughout our community. Here are their stories. In their own words, we asked them to share about the work they do, the women who inspire them, and why they love Waco.
Anna Dunbar: Outreach Administrator, City of Waco Solid Waste Services
“I am the Outreach Administrator for City of Waco Solid Waste Services; that means I help with public education about recycling, waste diversion, and special waste, like household hazardous wastes. I also work with Keep Waco Beautiful, Inc. on exciting ways to reach our residents and businesses to encourage recycling. I love interacting with folks from 5 years old to 95 years old ‘talking trash’.
I was born in Japan and raised all over as my father spent his career in the US Army. I went to Mineral Wells High School (Ft. Wolters was in Mineral Wells, TX) and graduated from Baylor University with a BS in Biology. I also have an MS in Environmental Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. We have lived in Woodway for 25 years. My husband is a soon-to-be retired Baylor professor. Our daughter has an MS in Biology from Baylor and works for an environmental consulting firm in Austin.
I love community involvement. I am on the board of Keep Waco Beautiful and a proud member of Waco Rotary. I also am a member of the board of Central Texas Audubon Society.
Carol Batterton, who is also a Baylor alum, made a difference in my career. She was a model of the smart woman who managed to maneuver a work environment through big changes in the state agency we worked for, with a smile on her face and her sights on taking care of her folks. She inspired me to push myself at that time in my career and I remain grateful to her. I don’t think I’ve ever really expressed to her how I admire her so.
[What I love about Waco is] its people! Wacoans are the best. I also love the natural beauty we have here, the energy about Waco and Baylor (especially sports), and the fact that at least parts of Waco still have the personal touch and small town feel."