Edmond Life and Leisure - November 4, 2021

Next to Gov. Stitt is Victoria Woods, a financial consultant from Edmond.

Commission on Status of Women sees Governor give oath of office

“Oklahoma women have led top posts in government, aerospace, medicine, military, and more for generations. Despite these accomplishments, there still aren’t enough women at the table. If you want to address Oklahoma’s problems successfully, you need involvement from Oklahoma women, which make up over half of the state’s population,” Jennifer Eckert, Advisory Council of the Oklahoma Commission for the Status of Women, says.

Fortunately, now the future for Oklahoma looks much brighter because a group of powerhouse women are gaining momentum in their mission. For the first time the Governor, Governor Kevin Stitt administered the oath of office during a recent ceremony at the Oklahoma Judicial Center. Receiving the oath were State Chair, Victoria Woods, Vice-Chair Molly Wehrenberg, Financial Officer, Shondra McCage, Secretary, Karen Sneary, and Advisory Council Chair, Dr. Nyla Khan. Advisor to the Executive Board is Dr. Delores Runnels, Immediate Past Chair.

Victoria Woods was first appointed Commissioner in 2013, by former Governor Mary Fallin, and reappointed by Governor Kevin Stitt. She has served as Financial Officer for the Commission. Woods is founder and CEO of ChappelWood Financial Services, a company creating customized strategies for millionaires and aspiring millionaires. Known as The Financial Diva, Victoria is an author, and radio show host. She was named the National Association of Women Business Owners “Best of the Best,” one of Oklahoma City's Journal Record's 50 Most Influential Women, Innovator of the Year, National Community Inspiration Award, and Global Wealth Advisor in Athens Greece. “It is an honor , and I am super excited to lead Commissioners who bring such talent, skills, resources and relationships to the Commission. We have huge goals, and it takes us all, because We are, Better Together!”, said Woods.

Molly Wehrenberg was appointed Commissioner in 2019 by President Pro Tempo Greg Treat. Prior to her appointment as Commissioner, she served on the OCSW Advisory Council. A Transplanted New Mexican, Molly first came to Oklahoma to pursue a nursing degree at St. Anthony’s School of Nursing and Oklahoma City University. She became the head nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital Eye Surgery Unit, and after retirement enjoyed Spanish translating for eye surgeons doing surgery on nonEnglish-speaking patients.

Shondra McCage was appointed Commissioner in 2013 by the Speaker of the House T.W. Shannon and reappointed in 2018 by Speaker Charles McCall. She is an enrolled Chickasaw citizen and works for the Chickasaw Nation Department of

Health’s diabetes program. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist.

Karen Sneary was appointed Commissioner in 2012 and reappointed in 2017 by Former Governor Mary Fallin. She is the Director of Student Services at Canadian Valley Technology Center for the Cowan Campus in Yukon. She has served as Secretary and Chairperson of the Advisory Council.

Dr. Nyla Ali Khan was appointed Commissioner in 2018 by Senate President Pro Tempore, Greg Treat. Prior to her appointment, she served on the OCSW Advisory Council. She is a faculty member at Rose State College, a visiting professor at the University of Oklahoma, and former Associate professor at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She is the author of several books.

Dr. Delores Runnels was appointed Commissioner in 2018 by Senate President Pro Tempore, Greg Treat. Prior to her appointment, she served on the OCSW Advisory Council. She is the founder of Career Daze, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting the classroom with the real world.

With the direction the Commission on the Status of Women is taking, it will be incredible to see Oklahoma women empowered and given their voices.