Emily Ladner is CSR by day, barrel racer by night

While Emily Ladner was a student at Pearl River Community College, she worked part-time at Deb’s Pizza and met Nita Gilpin, a customer service representative in Poplarville.

After graduating from William Carey in Hattiesburg, Gilpin encouraged Ladner to apply for an opening for a Mississippi Power CSR job and she did.

That was eight years ago. Ladner currently works in the Picayune Customer Office, not far from where she grew up in Pearl River County.

“The people are the most interesting part of my job,” Ladner said. “I have met some very unique people in Picayune!”

When she’s not working, Ladner spends time with her husband of 11 years, Deon, and their two boys — Rylan (7) and Karsen (9 months).

And when she finds herself with some spare time, she can usually be found riding her horse, Grace.

“My family was raised around the rodeo. My grandfather used to have bulls and other animals that are used in the rodeo,” Ladner said. “Right now, we have six horses and a pony. The oldest horse I have is named Freckles and she is 26. I got her when I was 11.”

Ladner enjoys taking her oldest son to youth rodeos so he can get some of the same experiences she had as a child. She’s already looking forward to getting back in the saddle when her children get a little bit older.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Ladner said. “I’ve made some of my best friends out there.”