Oklahoma Republicans and Unions Don't Mix

It seems Oklahoma's statewide elected Labor Commissioner as well as the Oklahoma Republican Party oppose unions -- especially those that seek to negotiate pay and benefits for Oklahoma public employees and Oklahoma public school teachers. The following is from OKPolicy.org's May 15, 2012 In The Know email.

Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello is campaigning in Wisconsin this week for that state’s beleaguered governor, Scott Walker. Costello sponsored a resolution which was passed at Saturday’s state GOP convention to withhold money from candidates who take contributions from the Oklahoma Public Employees Association and the Oklahoma Education Association.

Do you know about filmmaker Kari Barber and her current project? A native of Moore, Oklahoma and a graduate of Moore High School and OU, Kari (http://www.karilbarber.com) is making a documentary entitled "Baking Alaska" about two sisters who leave their stable lives in Oklahoma to open a bakery in Homer, Alaska. She will be filming in Alaska this summer; the film should be completed in December. Here is the film's website http://www.karilbarber.com/baking-alaska.php ...

a completed Kickstarter video http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1192822328/baking-alaska-a-documentary-film?ref=card/...

a recent interview http://www.ksbitv.com/all-about-you/with-kealey/Baking-Alaska-147615855.html.

and some ways to follow Kari's adventure as she makes this fun, inspiring documentary:

Blog (Tumbler): http://bakingalaska.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BakingAlaska

Twitter: @Baking_Alaska

Who You Gonna Vote for?

Every two years, all 101 seats in the Oklahoma House of Representatives are up for election. But this year, 53 of the 101 House seats -- held by 49 men and 4 women (Lee Denney, Rebecca Hamilton, Pam Peterson, and Emily Virgin) -- have no race because they didn't draw an opponent. For these 53 House seats -- with the exception of Curtis McDaniel (District 1), Kevin Matthews (District 73) and Jon Echols (District 90) -- the incumbents get to stay another 2 years.

In the state Senate, half the 48 seats are up for election every two years. Six of those 24 seats -- all held by males -- are settled because they didn't draw an opponent. So those 6 incumbents are safe for another 4 years.

This doesn't mean -- if you are in one of these districts -- that you don't have people to vote for!!! There is a statewide Corporation Commission seat, several US Congressional seats and county offices to fill!

Oh yeah -- and a US presidential candidate! So stay tuned.

April 18 - Sherri Coale - Fundraiser

Please join the University of Oklahoma Women's and Gender Studies for a celebratory dinner and keynote address by OU Women's Basketball coach Sherri Coale on April 18, 2012 at 7pm! This celebration is for the 40th anniversary of Title IX and the great impacts it has made for women in our education system! Sherri Coale will headline a fundraising dinner on April 18, 2012 at 7pm. Funds from the dinner will be used to support critical OU Women's and Gender Studies programs. Click here to visit the OU Women's and Gender Studies website and click here to purchase dinner tickets or to donate to the event.

OK Rep Kern's Human Trafficking Bill to Become Law

State senators today approved legislation that would help protect the victims of sex trafficking and sent it to Governor Mary Fallin to be signed into law.

House Bill 2518, by state Rep. Sally Kern, expands the definition of human trafficking to include the act of recruiting, harboring or transporting a minor for the purpose of prostitution. The legislation also prohibits any attempt to claim the minor’s consent as a means of defense.

“This legislation will help district attorneys prosecute individuals involved in exploiting young men and women,” said Kern (R-Oklahoma City). “Sex trafficking is a horrendous crime that has become sadly prevalent in the U.S. Few people realize how widespread it has become because the crime is concealed in so many ways. Sex traffickers use violence, threats, false promises, debt bondage and other forms of control to keep their victims in line. That’s why the legislation has a provision dealing with consent, because no one should defend their crime by saying a child agreed to be exploited”

Oklahoma City police recently intervened when a 15-year-old girl was found prostituting on South Robinson Avenue.

“It is happening here in Oklahoma and we need to do what we can to help stop it,” Kern said. “It breaks my heart to hear of a young girl forced to participate in such a dehumanizing crime.”

House Bill 2518 passed unanimously in both the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate.

Source: Oklahoma House of Representatives - Media Division, April 12, 2012

Valerie Couch is Law Day Speaker

Oklahoma City University Law School Dean Valerie Couch is the speaker for this year's Law Day luncheon, May 1, at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City. This lady ROCKS!

Couch received a B.A. degree from the University of California and an M.A. degree in English from the University of Oklahoma. She then earned her J.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma College of law in 1983. She worked as a trial attorney with the Oklahoma City law firm of Hartzog Conger & Cason PC until 1999. At that time, she was appointed a Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma in 1999. Couch recently gave up her federal judgeship to become Oklahoma City University's 12th law school dean -- and the law school's first female dean. She had taught as an adjunct faculty member at the law school since 2001.

Source (article and photo): The Journal Record

Oklahoma's Mothers of the Year Address OK House of Representatives

Congratulations to former Nichols Hills Mayor Kathy Walker on being named Oklahoma's 2012 Mother of the Year and Carrie Keating Leonard on being named Oklahoma's 2012 Young Mother of the Year. There will be a ceremony in their honor Monday, April 2nd, 2012 at 10:30am in the Blue room of the Oklahoma State Capitol. Then at 1:30pm Kathy and Carrie will address the State House of Representatives. Guests are welcome to attend.

Dr. Phil's Show to Feature OATH's Mark Elam

Be sure to watch the Dr. Phil Show on March 28th, 2012. He will be interviewing two U.S. survivors of sex trafficking. OATH's Director Mark Elam is the guest expert on his show to help explain how child sexual exploitation has grown into a national crisis of commercial sex trafficking of U.S. kids. Learn more about this remarkable organization at http://oathcoalition.org/.

April 4 is "Women & Girls Advocacy Day"

You are invited to "Women and Girls Advocacy Day" on April 4, 2012. The program is hosted by the Oklahoma Women's Coalition. You can view the program below. Click here to register online.

This is a fun, informative, but also VERY IMPORTANT day. Learn about bills in the Oklahoma State Legislature that impact women and girls. Hear state experts share ways we can improve the potential of Oklahoma's women and girls.

The event takes place at the Jim Thorpe Association and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame at 4040 North Lincoln Blvd in Oklahoma City. All are welcome. I hope you will come and bring along a friend or two.

9 to 10am Registration and Coffee

10:00am Program
Jean Warner - Greetings and Overview
Kristin Davis - Domestic Violence
Rep. Rousselot - HB2396: Protection Order Extension Bill
Pat Marshall - HB2267: Local Control of Smoking Bill
Jan Loftis - Other Bills on OWC's Legislative Agenda

11:30am Lunch & Ice Breaker/Networking
Anne Roberts - How to Talk with Your Legislator

12:30pm Find an Advocacy Buddy & head to the State Capitol

This year the Oklahoma Women's Coalition is supporting HB 2267 (smoking), HB 2396 (domestic violence protective orders), HB 2585 (aid to children of incarcerated parents), HB 2698 (physical fitness curriculum in public schools), HB 3052 (public safety), and SB 1959 (bonus pay for National Board certified teachers) . In addition, the Women's Coalition is also supporting in principle limiting texting while driving and provision of healthy meals and snacks in our public schools. If any of these are important issues to you, please join us on April 4th.

Happy 100th Birthday Girl Scouts!

100 years ago today Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low uttered her famous words, "I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!" It's hard to know what Juliette expected Girl Scouting would look like 100 years later, but I imagine she'd be proud of all that our Girl Scouts have accomplished.

We celebrate this historic day with over 3 million active girl and adult members and over 50 million living alumnae across the United States. These living alumnae account for:

• 80% of women business owners
• 69% of female U.S. senators
• 67% of female members of the House of Representatives
• And virtually every female astronaut who has flown in space.

These numbers are no accident. These results come from the hard work and dedication of our volunteers who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts.

Today, and every day, I extend my sincerest thanks to all of you - our volunteers, donors, trainers, parents, and supporters. Because of you, we celebrate Girl Scouts today, right here in eastern Oklahoma.

I am especially proud to be able to say today at the dawning of a new century...I am a Girl Scout!

Roberta Preston
Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma

April 4 Come to "Women & Girls Advocacy Day" at State Capitol

Wednesday April 4, 2012 is

Women and Girls Advocacy Day in Oklahoma.

Join with concerned women and men from across Oklahoma. Learn about bills in the 2012 Oklahoma Legislature impacting women and girls. Hear about exciting initiatives to improve the potential of Oklahoma women and girls. Enjoy a networking lunch; then buddy-up & head for the State Capitol. We'll deliver fliers on bill's OWC supports this year . . and visit with Oklahoma legislators.

This is a really fun day.

I hope you will attend.

Location: Jim Thorpe Association of Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
4040 North Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK

Time: 9AM - Registration and Networking
10-11:30AM - Program, speakers, good information!
11:30- 12:15 Lunch and networking
12: 30 Head to the State Capitol for Legislative Visits

Click here to register for Women and Girls Advocacy Day 2012.

Consider This About Women Today

Today is International Women's Day. The theme this year: “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women.”

Consider this:

Women ...

perform 66% of the world’s work,
produce 50%of the food,
but
earn only 10% of the world’s income,
own only 1% of the world’s property.

1 in 4 women in the US will be abused in her lifetime.
1 in 6 women in the US will experience a forced or attempted rape in her lifetime.
Every 2 minutes someone in the US experiences sexual assault.

These crimes are preventable. We each have the responsibility and ability to become informed and outspoken by-standers and STOP this insanity.

Source. Marcia Smith, CEO, Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

OK's Presidential Primary Election is March 6

Remember to vote in Oklahoma's Presidential Primary election on March 9.

Candidates on the DEMOCRATIC ballot include Barack Obama, Bob Ely, Randall Terry, Jim Rogers, and Darcy Richardson. REPUBLICANS have more familiar names to choose from including Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum, Michele Bachmann and Jon Huntsman.

Here are some other important dates:

6/1/12	Primary Voter Registration Deadline
6/26/12	Primary Election Day
8/3/12	Runoff Voter Registration Deadline
8/28/12	Runoff Election Day
10/8-12/12	Statewide Workplace Voter Registration Week
10/12/12	General Voter Registration Deadline
11/6/12	General Election Day

See http://www.ok.gov/elections/support/ppp_filing.html and

Oklahoma Legislature Recognizes Importance of Marriage

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

February 9, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Mark McCullough

Capitol: (405) 557-7414

Lawmakers Observe Importance of Marriage

OKLAHOMA CITY – With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, state lawmakers declared the importance of marriage to a stable Oklahoma, issuing a formal citation observing “Marriage Week” in the state.

“There is simply no denying that stable marriages and intact families contribute greatly to our state, both culturally and financially,” said state Rep. Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa. “When families fragment, the repercussions are extensive and cost Oklahoma taxpayers more than $400 million annually. But the benefits of healthy marriages go far beyond fiscal impact; they improve quality of life and social cohesion in our state. That’s why it is so important to celebrate the institution of marriage and to hold up successful marriages as a model.”

In a citation, lawmakers declared the week of Feb. 6 to be “Marriage Week,” The citation declares that members of the Oklahoma Legislature “wish to express their support to the institution of marriage and to those married and soon to be married couples who have promised, before God, to dedicate themselves from death do them part to a lifetime of love and commitment to one another.”

McCullough and state Sen. Gary Stanislawski (R-Tulsa) authored the citation t in conjunction with National Marriage Week, and Mike Jestes, former director of the Oklahoma Family Policy Council spoke at its presentation.

A study, “The Taxpayer Costs of Divorce and Unwed Childbearing” conservatively estimates divorce has a dramatic impact on the cost of state government (largely through public assistance programs) – up to $430 million annually in Oklahoma.

Research shows children from broken homes are 12 times more likely to be incarcerated, seven times more likely to live in poverty and three times more likely to be expelled and receive lower grades. They also are more susceptible to substance abuse and mental health disorders, McCullough noted.

“Family disintegration is at the root of many challenges facing our state today, and healthy marriages are the foundation for preventing and resolving many of those problems,” McCullough said. “Our job as lawmakers is to foster a policy environment in Oklahoma that supports healthy families and helps those teetering on the brink from falling apart as much as possible.”

-30-

Jasmine Pascoe gets perfect sore on ACT exam

Edmond Memorial High School senior Jasmine Pascoe is one of only 704 students in the United States so far this year (out of 1.6 million) to earn a perfect score on her ACT exam. Way to go, Jasmine. See Edmond student hits perfect act score, nov 5, 2011.

Spc. Sarina Butcher first female OK National Guard soldier killed in combat

Not only was Sarina Butcher the first female Oklahoma National Guard soldier killed in combat, she was also the youngest Oklahoma National Guard member to die in either Iraq or Afghanistan. 


Sarina died November 1 when the vehicle she was driving as part of a resupply mission was struck by a roadside bomb in Paktia province in Afghanistan. 


For more, see "Family, friends say goodbye to fallen Checotah soldier."


Image from http://militarytimes.com/valor/army-pfc-sarina-n-butcher/6568041

Mary Fallin, Jari Askins Documentary "First & Female"

This Thursday, Dec 1, at 9pm, watch or record "First & Female" -- the documentary film produced by Oklahoma City’s deadCENTER Film Festival. It will be on OETA - Cox channels 14 & 713. Oklahomans interviewed include Rita Aragon, Gena Timberman, Jane Jayroe, Debby Hampton and several more Oklahoma women.

Remembering Oklahoman Judy Copeland

We were all shocked and saddened to learn of the recent death of Oklahoma attorney and public servant Judy Copeland. Legal counsel to Governor Mary Fallin at the time of her death, Copeland was only 42 years old. Read her obituary here.  Her untimely death from a stroke has many Oklahoma women determined to double their efforts on the "Go Red for Women" campaign which raises awareness about women and heart disease.

How many Oklahoma hospitals are run by women?

The Journal Record ran a lovely article recently on Cathy Hibbs who is CEO of Deaconess Hospital in Oklahoma City. She was born in Tulsa and raised in Miami, OK. After working in Texas and Kentucky, it is great to have her back home in Oklahoma!


Know any other women running hospitals in Oklahoma? If so, leave a comment and tell us about them, please! 

Kathy LaFortune to be Honored

Congratulations to Tulsan Kathy LaFortune. She will be the 2011 recipient of the Oklahoma Psychological Association Distinguished Professional Service Citation at the annual OPA meeting in November.  A licensed psychologist and attorney, LaFortune serves as Chief of Forensic Psychological Services for the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System. She is also an Adjunct Faculty Member in both the College of Law and the Department of Psychology at the University of Tulsa.  She received a  

8th Annual "Girlie (Art) Show" Is This Weekend in Oklahoma City

It’s only 9 days away! The 8th Annual Girlie Show is coming up! Is it on your calendar?
Here’s the scoop: Friday, November 4th, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
                            Saturday, November 5th, noon to 5 p.m.
                            Farmer’s Public Market in OKC

Friday features fab food from some of the finest area restaurants, so get there early and get some! (First 100 in the door get a Girlie goodie bag, too!)

Saturday there is live music from some of the hottest female musicians around; they'll be rockin’ the house all day.

Friday admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Friday ticket stub gets you in FREE on Saturday.
Saturday admission: $5. Tickets available at the door only.  Kids 12 and under FREE.

Purchase tickets online at http://www.ticketstorm.com/event/thegirlieshow2011/okcfarmersmarket/oklahomacity/7742/

Or in person at Blue 7 on N. May & Grand and DNA Galleries in the Plaza District.

OSU's Donna Branson Inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Dr. Donna H. Branson who was inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame at the 2011 induction ceremony October 11 at the Oklahoma Athletic Hall of Fame Museum in Oklahoma City. Here is the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society's write up on Dr. Branson:

Donna Branson has left a matchless record in the area of material design and construction of body protection clothing.

In 1972, she earned a Ph.D. in Family Ecology, emphasizing functional apparel design, from Michigan State University. She had already served as instructor at the University of Rhode Island and at Michigan State University for several years before she was hired as Associate Professor in the Department of Clothing, Textiles, and Merchandising in the College of Human Environmental Sciences at OSU in 1983.

She became Professor in four years and in 1992 was chosen Head of her department. Under her leadership, for nearly seven years (1998 to 2005), almost all faculty obtained external funding for their research projects, and she was instrumental in setting up the Christine Salmon Endowed Visiting Professorships. As well, Donna Branson has produced an inspiring record as a researcher.

She has co-authored 32 journal articles, 23 pamphlets and professional reports, refereed 86 presentations, and juried seven design exhibits or competitions. Over the years, she has obtained 28 grants and now owns one manufacturing license and has four pending patents. Much of this scholarly output has been related to designing body armor that protects against bomb attacks but still allows for mobility and temperature control. Her work has been instrumental in protecting United States soldiers in the Middle East.

For her work, she has been given the Mortar Board Outstanding OSU Teacher Award, the Marguerite Scruggs Award for Meritorious Research, the National Textile Center Scientific Excellence Adviser, Oklahoma State University Regents Professor, and in 2006, the Homeland Security Award.

Professor Branson retired from OSU in 2006 but continues to serve as the Director of the Institute of Protective Apparel Research and Technology in Stillwater.

For this marvelous record of research and service to state and nation, the OHEHS proudly inducts Donna H. Branson into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame.

Register Now for Nov 15 Oklahoma Women's Issues Symposium

For years, Oklahoma has led the nation in sending women to prison, with rates reaching nearly twice the national average on a per capita basis. For the past three years, the Oklahoma Women's Coalition has played a role in developing public awareness, producing strategies for reducing Oklahoma's incarceration rates, and  promoting alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent female offenders. Last spring,  Governor Mary Fallin signed into law what she called a "landmark corrections reform measure."

How is that bill working? What others bills will we see in the 2012 legislative session on incarceration of women? What initiatives are underway to increase the number of women attending and graduating from college? What can we do to inprove Oklahoma's rankings on women's health? How can we support Oklahoma's women-serving organizations. Learn about these and more at the Oklahoma Women's Coalition  Fall Issues Symposium on the afternoon of Tues, Nov 15.View the program agenda and register to attend at http://ow.ly/75mRv

PS Plan to also attend a networking  party following the Symposium (5-6:30pm) at a fabulous home nearby!

Dana Weber Named 2011 Oklahoma Woman of the Year

Congratulations to Dana Weber (left) for being named "2011 Woman of the Year" by the Journal Record this evening. Weber is President/CEO and Vice Chairman of Webco Industries in Sand Springs. Under her leadership, she took her family's business from less than $20 million in sales when she started in 1971 to around $450 million today. In addition to her corporate success, Dana is active in the Tulsa Metro Chamber, The State Chamber of Oklahoma and Tulsa's Young Professionals and many other civic organizations.

Kudos to Mary Melon, President and Publisher of The Journal Record Publishing Company, for hosting the Woman of the Year Gala  and the morning Forum - both extraordinary events!  During the morning forum, we talked about our role models so I thought I'd have this picture taken in front of a protrait of my mother, Margaret McAvoy. In the image below, I am holding the special edition Journal Record magazine which contains  bios on all 50 "women making a difference in Oklahoma." (The bio of Dana Weber (click to enlarge) is on the right). In addition, Terry Neese and Shelia O. Lee were honored this evening. AND - five women-serving organizations were honored -- Suited for Success, Work of Women (World Neighbors), the YWCA of Oklahoma City, Stand in the Gap Ministries, and the Women's Leadership Initiative. There were also five runners up: Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women, Smart Start of Central Oklahoma, Legal Aid of Oklahoma, Inc and - - - -  wait for it. . . (ta da) . . .  the Oklahoma Women's Coalition!!! Yeah.

This year, the decorations, magazine cover and forum materials all bore the image of a peacock feather  which is why they are in the floral arrangement (a take home centerpiece from the banquet) and the feather I'm holding in the picture below. All in all, it was GREAT day!

Tulsa Hosting National Women in Communications Conference

The 2011 national conference of the Association for Women in Communications is going to be held October 13-15 at the DoubleTree at Warren Place in Tulsa. That's a great coup for Tulsa and I know participants will enjoy their time in Oklahoma. 

World Neighbor's "Work of Women" to be Honored October 4

At their 31st annual Woman of the Year Gala on October 6, The Journal Record is also honoring five Oklahoma nonprofits that benefit women. One of the five honorees this year is World Neighbor's Work of Women! (WOW!).

Members of the WOW! program are committed to improving women's lives in poor, rural villages throughout the world. By joining together in this work, their efforts are multiplied and truly create change.

In keeping with World Neighbors approach, members partner with women in World Neighbors program sites to support collective work that builds skills, community trust and better living conditions. Women are encouraged and supported to join together for development work that moves them beyond subsistence, improves their and their families' health and inspires increased participation and leadership in their villages and beyond. Involvement with this work changes our lives as well.

WOW! members join this effort by donating $35 ($25 for students) or more per year to WOW! at World Neighbors. Membership is spread throughout the world, but WOW! members are predominately girls and women living in the U.S. of all ages, backgrounds, races and religions.

Suited For Success to be Honored Oct 6

At the Woman of the Year Gala on October 6 in Oklahoma City, The Journal Record will honor five outstanding nonprofits that benefit Oklahoma Women.

One of the five organizations to be honored is Suited For Success. This nonprofit provides professional clothing and career development services to low-income women who have completed a job training or job readiness program and are actively seeking employment.

They strive to empower clients to successfully obtain and maintain employment thus ensuring their economic independence. These services are available at no charge. Clients are referred by a number of social service agencies and job readiness programs in Central Oklahoma. Clients range in age from 18 to 65; many entering the job market for the first time. 95% are single mothers, many of whom have been abused, and many come from area shelters. They recently opened their doors to those coming out of prison, too. Almost all of the clients report incomes of less than $10,000. Suited For Success is the only organization in the central Oklahoma region providing these services.

Journal Record to Honor "Stand In The Gap" Oct 6

This year, The Journal Record is adding a new feature to their Woman of the Year Gala on October 6. They are honoring five nonprofits benefiting Oklahoma women. One of the honorees is Stand In The Gap.


This nonprofit encourages and trains churches to equip their members to reach out to... Stand in the Gap. They are located at 3939 S. Harvard, Ste. 120 in Tulsa, OK. The organization was founded in 1997 by three businessmen wanting to help individuals in poverty. 


In early 2007, they launched the "Women in Transition" project which prepares women in Oklahoma prisons for their release to the community, and in some cases forming Stand in the Gap™ ‘families’ to support them long term following their release. They have launched a pilot program with Prison Fellowship International using their method as part of a holistic continuum of support for prisoners re-entering society. Additional partnerships and programs include the Catholic Diocese of Eastern Oklahoma, the David L. Moss Tulsa County Jail, DaySpring Villa Shelter for Battered and Abused Women, the Tulsa Boys Home & The Bair Foundation, Boys and Girls Town of Missouri & the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home and Willow Creek Community Church in Chicago.

Okie Woman Kelli O'Hara Booked for Broadway

Elk City native Kelli O'Hara is set to star in the new Broadway play "Nice Work If You Can Get It" opposite Matthew Broderick. O'Hara has been nominated for a Tony Award three times. A graduate of Deer Creek schools and Oklahoma City University, she is also a singer; her second album, "Always," was released last 

May. Read more at http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/31/kelli-ohara-will-star-opposite-matthew-broderick-in-nice-work-if-you-can-get-it/

20 Tulsa "Women of Distinction" Honored Today

Congratulations to all the women honored by the Tulsa Business Journal as "2011 Women of Distinction" at a luncheon today at the Hyatt Regency in Tulsa. Honorees are:


Kelli Bailey, executive partner and president of GiANT Partners;
Billie Barnett, director of the Barnett Family Foundation;
Felicia Collins Correia, CEO of YWCA Tulsa;
Paula Bryant-Ellis, senior vice president of BOK Financial Corp.;
Nancy Feldman, community activist and co-founder of the Tulsa Global Alliance;
Lynn Flinn, president and managing partner of The Rowland Group of Staffing Cos.;
Becky Frank, chairman and CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank | PR;
Peggy Helmerich, philanthropist;
Roxane Jolley, senior manager of marketing at Cherokee Nation Entertainment;
Karen Keith, Tulsa County commissioner for District 2;
Gail Lapidus, CEO of Family & Children’s Services;
Moscelyne Larkin, co-founder of the Tulsa Ballet;
Kara Gae Neal, superintendent of Tulsa Technology Center;
Lori Pumphrey, vice president of finance for U.S. Beef Corp.;
Rose Washington Rentie, executive director of the Tulsa Economic Development Corp.;
Kelly Jo Rickman, director of sales for Post Oak Lodge;
Mary Smith, director of the aerospace division for SpiritBank;
Jan Slater, CEO of the Oklahoma State University Medical Center;
Kathy Taylor, attorney with McAfee & Taft; and
Wendy Thomas, executive director of Leadership Tulsa.