Impactful Women of the 918: Amanda Curtis

Photo by Makenzie Howard Photography

“During a difficult season in my life, I needed a job, and that led me to a position as a scale house attendant at a landfill,” Amanda Curtis says. “Little did I know this would grow into a career I would truly love.”

Her roles at American Waste Control (AWC) have ranged from customer service to executive assistant to the VP of Sales. But Curtis says her favorite may have been as the company mascot, Mr. Murph.

“If you recycle at home or at your business, chances are those recyclables come through our Material Recovery Facility in Tulsa.” What can’t be recycled is used to capture methane gas to generate electricity for over 25,000 Oklahomans daily. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a company that prioritizes sustainability.”

AWC supports the Tulsa Christmas Parade and the American Therapeutic Riding Center, which provides equestrian therapy for children and adults with disabilities, and Curtis serves on the board for the parade.

She says her involvement with the National Waste and Recycling Association’s Women’s Council has inspired her to support other women, just as she was supported in her career.

Curtis also serves on Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and completed Leadership Broken Arrow. “The Angel Tree Program is especially close to my heart because I was an Angel Tree child growing up. Giving back through that program is incredibly meaningful.”

“Tulsa is a city that truly cares about its people,” Curtis says. “It’s business-friendly, community-focused and incredibly supportive of small and locally owned businesses.”

Curtis says that she grew up in poverty, and education wasn’t emphasized in her family. “I want to see children in similar situations have access to resources and opportunities that can change their lives,” she says. “When we’re all serving, our community becomes stronger, more united, and more hopeful for generations to come.”