We're excited to share that our very own Dr. Arla J. Bentley has been selected as one of the 2021 Maryland's Top 100 Women by the Daily Record!
Maryland’s Top 100 Women was founded in 1996 to recognize outstanding achievements by women demonstrated through professional accomplishments, community leadership and mentoring. Dr. Bentley is the Deputy Administrator to the National Secretary-Treasurer at the AFGE national office.
“I am beyond humbled and honored to receive this prestigious recognition. It is my mantra to be of service to all who need assistance,” said Dr. Bentley.
Dr. Bentley wears many hats. As the Deputy Administrator to the AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer, she helps federal workers from various agencies and is responsible for overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget, as well as facilitating fiduciary compliance for over 1,000 AFGE local affiliates with the Department of Labor (DOL) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
“Dr. Bentley is one of our most valued employees and she is consistent in her quest to assist those who need help,” said AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer Eric Bunn, Sr. “As the National Secretary-Treasurer, I experience her tenacity and brilliance daily and for that I am truly grateful.”
Dr. Bentley is also the presiding president of Xi Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – the oldest sorority of the historically Black sororities – of which Vice President Kamala Harris is a member.
Through her sorority, she has made an impact on the lives of Maryland residents – and even others on the other side of the world. Under her leadership, the chapter won the 2020 Humanitarian Award with the Lions Club for its humanitarian work (past winners include international luminaries like Doctors Without Borders, President Jimmy Carter, and Mother Theresa).
Her chapter provided scholarships to college-bound students, donated to local Historically Black Colleges and Universities, helped high school students with the college application and scholarship process, donated thousands of new and used shoes to Soles4Souls, donated blankets and toiletries to local shelters, shipped hundreds of personally made clothes to Haiti and Africa, and partnered with a local refugee organization to provide resources.
“How were these remarkable community-based endeavors possible? The 100 + members of her chapter were mentored and supported by the exemplary leadership tenaciously exhibited by Dr. Bentley,” said AKA member and Clinical Psychologist Teresa Grant. “She communicated her vision and empowered her members through her passion for service.”
Dr. Bentley said mentoring others is how she helps others to lengthen the footprint of service.
“Fighting for those who are unable to fight for themselves will be how I live my life. It’s more than a duty, it’s a calling,” she explained. “My 25 years at AFGE has helped to shape my viewpoint about ensuring that the underserved get the opportunity to rise, shine, and be productive within their fields in a fair and equitable manner.”
Congratulations Dr. Bentley on this wonderful accomplishment!
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