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26 40 Under 40
To be a remarkable young professional in today’s ever-changing business climate, you’ve got to have it all. An excellent track record at work, of course, but also involvement in volunteerism efforts, leadership positions outside the office and a dynamic personal life. To many of us, this seems unattainable. To the 40 young professionals profiled in the following pages, it’s business as usual. Oklahoma Magazine presents the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
52 Creating Your Dream Home Spring welcomes beautiful blooms, nicer weather, an occasional sneeze or two, and sometimes, that all-consuming urge to transform your living space. If you’re ready to embark on a remodeling project, local professionals offer crucial advice before the first swing of the hammer.
A centuries-old art form, glassblowing has zealous advocates in Oklahoma.
Life & Style
Destinations Dive into the many offerings of the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire.
56 First Bite With a new owner at the helm, OKC mainstay Nonesuch continues to astound its diners.
sports, performances and more await.
Letter from the Editor
While many of us find it arduous just to keep that work/ life balance, others are excelling in the office, taking on additional leadership roles outside work, volunteering regularly, enjoying unique hobbies and cultivating rich personal lives. While that may seem impossible to you (and, to be honest, me), it’s business as usual for the young professionals in our annual 40 Under 40 feature. See the stand-out Oklahomans redefining the word ‘multifaceted’ starting on page 26.
If the thought of a home remodel makes you excited and slightly terrified, fear not: the Remodeling and Renovation feature can assist (page 52). Local experts offer sage advice about how to handle a variety of projects – and what to do before the first swing of the hammer.
Outside our features, the magazine is full to the brim with other stories you’ll want to dive right into. For example, did you know one of the world’s most popular fashion brands recently collaborated with a Tulsa native for a line in honor of Black History Month? See Marshall Danzy Taulbert’s story on page 8. You may have heard that one of Oklahoma’s most iconic landmarks – the Oklahoma National Stockyards – is up for sale. We talk to leadership about next steps and ideal outcomes (page 9). And have you ever heard of a sport where you catch 50-pound fish with your bare hands? We learn more about noodling, and why it’s so popular in Oklahoma, on page 10.
Also – Oklahoma Magazine’s birthday month may have been March, but mine is April! Gifts are highly encouraged.
Happy spring, Oklahoma.
Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor
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The State
ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA
A Passion in Glass
A centuries-old art form, glassblowing has zealous advocates in Oklahoma.
For centuries, glassblowing was shrouded in prestige and mystery. Known as masters of the craft, Venetian glass blowers were isolated on the island of Murano in an attempt to keep their trade secrets safe. They faced severe consequences, including death, for sharing their techniques.
Artists from around the world have since reclaimed the art form, rediscovering old techniques and forging new ones of their own. Oklahoman artist Chris McGahan, and Janet Duvall, director of the Tulsa Glassblowing School (TGS), are passionate about preserving the centuries-old craft.
“Anything that you can imagine, you can make out of glass,” says Duvall. “You just have to have the skill for it.”
The Basics
Glassblowing originated in Syria in the 1st century B.C. The art form quickly be-
came a booming industry for many countries, yielding thousands of hand blown goods like vases, platters and sculptures.
Examples of glassblowing can still be found just about everywhere.
“Anytime you see a glass bowl or ornament, all those started with the same kind of clear glass and a small bubble,” explains Duvall.
To shape and mold glass into intricate designs, extreme temperatures are required. Glassblowers use furnaces to heat batches of glass to above 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. McGahan shares that getting used to the heat comes with time and recommends wearing long pants and close-toed shoes.
First, beginners learn how to gather molten glass out of a furnace with a long, steel pipe. Duvall compares gathering molten glass to working with honey.
“You’ve got to keep it hot… so it’s still malleable, and you can make it do what you want,” she explains.
Molten glass can be shaped by blowing air through a blowpipe, manipulating
it with pliers or rolling it across a flat surface. Glassblowers can also layer in different materials to add color to their designs. When the glass begins to dip in temperature, it must be placed in a kiln or annealing oven, where it slowly cools over 14 hours.
The end results can be surprising.
“Not every piece turns out exactly like you envisioned it,” says Duvall, “but it’s still beautiful when it’s done.”
Tulsa Glassblowing School is a nonprofit organization and open-access studio, meaning anyone interested in learning more about the art form can take lessons.
All photos by Stephanie Phillips unless otherwise marked
In OKC, Bella Forte Glass Studio, helmed by Chris McGahan, has made products for the likes of Robert Downey Jr. and Kristin Chenoweth.
Photo courtesy Bella Forte Glass Studio
An Artist’s Journey
The beauty and exclusivity of glassblowing is what first piqued McGahan’s interest in 2004.
“I owned a restaurant for 19 years… and I wanted to create my own pendant lights that hung over the booths,” he shares.
He took lessons at a nearby studio and gained experience as an apprentice. Eventually, he purchased a used furnace, which he installed in his backyard. His love for glassblowing has evolved into a thriving career; he now runs Bella Forte Glass Studios in Oklahoma City, and his creations are on display at the Myriad Botanical Gardens and the Will Rogers International Airport.
In 2009, he developed his signature technique, ‘redento raffinato,’ which translates to ‘redeemed elegance’ in Italian. The technique capitalizes on reviving broken glass pieces that would otherwise be scrapped.
“I’m saving these pieces from the ultimate demise in the city dump and making something beautiful out of them,” he explains.
McGahan has been commissioned by the likes of Robert Downey Jr., Kristin
Chenoweth and James Langford. He has also created vases for the Thrive American Foundation Inaugural Gala in Washington D.C.
“If I could’ve foreseen where I would be going with glassblowing, I would’ve been amazed,” he says.
Opportunities for Beginners
Novices don’t need to invest thousands of dollars into equipment to get started in glassblowing. Many studios, including TGS and Bella Forte Glass, are making the craft accessible to the public.
At Bella Forte, beginners can enroll in workshops to create Christmas ornaments, paperweights and glass flowers. The studio welcomes both individual learners and groups.
“We’ve had 11- and 12-year-olds take classes with their parents, and even 80-year-old seniors come in,” says McGahan.
TGS is also engaging learners of all backgrounds since relocating to a new facility in McClure Park.
“It’s been a really nice transition for us,” says Duvall. “It has allowed us to expand our programming substantially and our outreach, not only in the Tulsa and northeast domain, but throughout the
country.”
TGS is a nonprofit organization and an open-access studio. Anyone interested in learning about glassblowing can take lessons. After demonstrating a level of experience, learners can then rent the studio for their own personal use. The nonprofit also offers free lessons to veterans and first responders.
“[Our classes] give them a sense of community and hope,” Duvall says.
TGS will soon host its fourth annual series of summer workshops, which bring renowned artists from around the world to Tulsa. For one week, they’ll lead workshops at TGS and share their techniques. This year’s instructors include Shelley Muzylowski-Allen and Granite Calimpong.
During regular business hours, visitors are welcome to drop into the studio to observe.
“There are a lot of life lessons that you get out of glassblowing,” says Duvall. “It’s rewarding to know that we’ve helped [our students] find a path that they may not have found otherwise. You just never know who’s going to find a passion in glass.”
FAITH HARL
Entering Danzy Estates
A major collaboration has Tulsan Marshall Danzy Taulbert reaching new heights as a designer.
In February, brand Abercrombie & Fitch launched a new clothing line, co-designed with a native Tulsan and Los Angelesbased fashion designer: Marshall Danzy Taulbert. Taulbert says getting to this milestone was an experience he didn’t see coming.
In November of 2023, Taulbert learned that Abercrombie might consider him for a new collaboration – but it wasn’t until March of 2024 that he knew he had about two weeks to pitch a collection.
“I didn’t pitch them clothing,” says Taulbert. “I wanted to pitch them a world first, the world of Danzy Estates, and the clothes people would wear there. It’s about the world that people would be part of when they purchase this collection.”
The Abercrombie team was, of course, enamored. Taulbert was designing the
collection by May, flying back and forth between LA and Abercrombie’s corporate offices in Ohio.
Taulbert, who anchors his designs in real or imagined places, says the line, Abercrombie x Danzy Design Studio, a.k.a Danzy Estates, reflects “what I believe [downtown Tulsa’s] Black Wall Street would be if it were still around, like some kind of subdivision that would be there,” he shares.
Danzy Estates is a collection of smart staples with a nod to retro sportswear, Taulbert says – a 26-piece collection that is mostly mix-and-match, unisex (except for a few dresses, skirts and tank tops), in classic, preppy and tailored styles. Think polo collars, rugby stripes and collegiate looks in hunter green, navy, gray and white. Each piece is marked with “Danzy Estates,” “D.,” and “1981” – his birth year.
Taulbert envisions a day in his line: The morning routine might involve coffee, and perhaps a workout class, while wearing a gray pair of sweats or fleece shorts. Then, there’s a change of clothing for transitioning to work – whether working from home and connecting to employees via Zoom meetings or heading to the workplace. No matter the situation, Taulbert has everyone ready with rugby shirts, V-neck cable knit sweaters, blue slacks, varsity bomber jackets and a double breasted blazer. A third portion of the line involves clothing for afterwork plans.
Danzy Estates is part of the Abercrombie Vol. 28 recurring clothing collection
designed to amplify Black voices and culture, featuring clothing inspired by Black artists and style. Taulbert’s inspiration includes several photos of his parents, who still live in the south Tulsa home where he grew up.
“Both my parents are very classily dressed people,” he says. “There’s a picture of my mom in the ’90s, wearing a bright red, double breasted blazer with gold buttons. And a picture of my dad wearing a navy blazer with a pair of old Levi jeans and cowboy boots. That’s where I got the idea of a double breasted blazer.”
Taulbert’s own Danzy Design Studio in LA produces clothing labeled with his creative ‘South Tulsa, California,’ moniker.
“That is my overall city,” he says. “But I’ve created subdivisions within that, and Danzy Estates, for Abercrombie, is one of those – like Utica Square.”
Looking towards the future, Taulbert is prepping for New York Fashion Week in September.
“People can expect to see a little bit more tailoring from Danzy,” he shares. “Right now, I’m a little more known for the casual and the sweat brand. But they’ll start to see the maturation within my brand.”
CAROL MOWDY BOND
Oklahoma designer Marshall Danzy Taulbert labels much of his branded clothing with ‘South Tulsa, California,’ a nod to both his hometown and his current place of residence. Photos by Menelik Puryear
L-R: Kwaku Ansong and Samantha Archibald model some of Taulbert’s newest line, Danzy Estates, in collaboration with Abercrombie.
Changes Coming
The Oklahoma National Stockyards is for sale, but leadership hopes to find a buyer who respects the area's important history.
The Oklahoma National Stockyards is for sale, but “new ownership does not mean that everything has to change,” says president Jerry Reynolds.
“There has been a lot of interest, and we have had offers. We are not under contract,” Reynolds said in late February. “All the people that have expressed interest, they know the importance of the stockyards continuing on as is, or at least some close variation of that.”
The stockyards company was founded in Oklahoma City in 1910, in conjunction
mentions that no one in the family has an interest in taking over the operation. The board of directors of the publiclytraded company made the decision to sell, “but it’s not like we are trying to have a fire sale and dump that thing off.”
The stockyards handle 350,000 to 400,000 head of cattle every year, with the biggest sale day on Monday, Reynolds says. Multiple generations of a family will attend the sale, “then go by Cattleman’s and get a steak, and go to Langstons and buy a pair of jeans or a cowboy hat. It’s a destination location.”
The stockyards and Stockyards City are destinations for tourists as well as
with the opening of a packing house by the Chicago-based Morris and Company, now known as Armour. A second packing house opened the next year, and the stockyards and packing plants generated 2,400 new jobs in a city with a population of only 60,000, according to the nonprofit Stockyards City Main Street.
While the board chairman is a direct descendant of the founder, Reynolds
cattlemen.
“We get Route 66 tourists every week,” Reynolds says. “You wouldn’t believe the amount of agritourism we get every week – people who want to see the sale.
The television series Yellowstone has reinvigorated people’s appreciation for the West.”
Stockyards City Main Street promotes the area southwest of downtown Okla-
homa City as a cultural and business destination and sponsors events including business workshops, a Christmas Tree lighting, a “Wines of the West” festival and the Stockyards Stampede event.
Stocker feeder sales of 329,000 head last year were down 10% from the previous year, Reynolds says, but the Oklahoma National Stockyards remains one of the largest in the nation. Cows and bulls are also sold through the auction house.
“Joplin did more head than us last year, but they have a video auction and we don’t,” Reynolds says. “In size, we are as big or bigger than Joplin. But it’s not a competition to me or us.”
More than 130 families are supported by employment at the stockyards.
“The economic impact is well over $1 billion a year,” says Reynolds. “We are very sustainable.”
One thing that makes the operation unique is that “nine commission firms sell out of our facilities,” Reynolds says. “Commission firms have the connection with the producer, with the customer. They have been helping sell cattle here for a long time.”
The west side of the property is undeveloped, and Reynolds says he can imagine new ownership creating something in that area.
But, he says, the board would be unlikely to accept an offer “if they had any inkling that someone would come in and just doze it all down,” Reynolds says. “The potential lies solely in it being a stockyards.”
KIMBERLY BURK
The Oklahoma National Stockyards was established in 1910 and generated 2,400 jobs in a city of only 60,000. Photos courtesy the Oklahoma National Stockyards
Use Your Noodle
Noodling’s prevalence ramps up as the weather warms.
Jennifer Samford of Pauls Valley decided last summer to try her hand – literally –at one of Oklahoma’s most unusual and sometimes nerve wracking variations on fishing: noodling.
Noodling is fishing by hand, without the use of rods, bait, nets or any other kind of equipment. A wise addition is a pair of cotton gloves – and bravery, because in the words of veteran Oklahoma noodling guide Nate Williams of Shawnee: “There can be beavers or snakes or turtles or other kinds of fish down there. You just reach in and see what’s in there.”
The ideal prize is a variety of catfish, with some weighing as much as 40 to 50 pounds, or more.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Williams says.
Noodlers are required to have a valid state fishing license, says noodling guide Bobby Sparks of Walters, plus a lake license if one is required for that body of water. June and July are the best months for catching channel, blue and flathead catfish, he mentions.
Samford, who serves as Pauls Valley’s Parks and Recreation director and helps with the city’s massive, annual Okie Noodling Tournament, says she decided to try the sport herself with the help of a noodling guide, one of several who operate in the state, mostly in warm-weather months.
“You’ve gotta be brave enough to get in the water and put your hand in the hole,” she explains, “and be willing to catch something in your hand.”
Samford eventually wound up with a catfish that weighed nearly 40 pounds.
“I was lucky enough to go with people who knew what they were doing,” she says. “I’d do it again!”
State regulations say noodling is legal year-round in all Oklahoma waters during daylight hours, unless locally restricted.
Sparks says he’ll start lining up noodling tours this month, and likes to stick to groups of no more than four novice noodlers. He mentions that he prefers to noodle in the lakes and ponds of southwest Oklahoma, mostly avoiding rivers and creeks where dangers such as water currents, cottonmouth moccasins and beavers may be lurking.
“Lakes are a little safer,” he says, because they contain natural bank holes and manmade structures that make good catfish hideouts. “Creeks [and rivers] are for more experienced people.”
Sparks says the primary danger in noodling is drowning, and because of that possibility, he holds a safety briefing before taking anyone into the water so he can review what to watch for.
“If a person goes underneath the water, I don’t go under the water until I see you come back up,” he says. Any injuries
on his tours have only been scratches or a shin scraping a rock.
Planning for this year’s Okie Noodling Tournament, scheduled for June 13-14, is well underway.
The event, begun about 20 years ago at a local barbecue restaurant and now staged in Pauls Valley’s Wacker Park, is a two-day affair with food vendors, games and other attractions, making it a major tourism draw. Samford mentions that the popular affair can draw 8,000 to 10,000 people.
Events in 2025, according to the tournament website, include the Okie Noodling Queen contest, a catfish cook-off and a catfish-eating contest for children. Contest rules state that fish must be caught in Oklahoma waters, and must be at the park weigh-in station by 6 p.m. on weigh-in day.
Samford is looking forward to the tournament – and possibly another noodling adventure.
“If you love Oklahoma outdoors, this is another way to appreciate it,” she says.
HENRY DOLIVE
The Okie Noodling Tournament, set for June 13-14 in Pauls Valley, brings together the region’s top noodlers for two days of competition. Photos courtesy the Pauls Valley Chamber of Commerce
Making Cents of Cryptocurrency
Awareness has grown about the field since it emerged almost two decades ago, but its mechanics are still confusing to many.
Confused about cryptocurrency? Baffled by Bitcoin? Dumbfounded by Dogecoin? Join the crowd. Digital currency is an interesting, inventive and perplexing field.
As a currency, crypto is still in its infancy; the technology was only created in 2008 and began circulating in 2009. Awareness has grown about the uses and potential of cryptocurrency but, with that, concerns also have arisen about hacking, scams and a lack of protections for consumers. We explore some of the basics to keep readers up to speed.
Meaning and Uses
Cryptocurrency is digital or virtual currency that utilizes cryptographic techniques to allow for secure and decentralized transactions, giving people the ability to make financial transactions independent of banks, financial firms or a central government. Cryptocurrencies are supported by a technology known as blockchain, which maintains a transparent and immutable record of transactions.
Bitcoin emerged as the first digitally circulated currency about 16 years ago, and awareness has grown through the years.
“I do think more people know about it and are interacting with it,” says Andrew Morin, Ph.D., research assistant professor of cyber studies at the University of Tulsa.
In Oklahoma, for example, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law last year HB 3594, designed to safeguard digital asset usage in the state, such as prohibiting the state government from impeding on citizens’ ability to use crypto or digital assets to purchase goods or services, or imposing additional taxes on payments used with digital assets.
Choosing Cryptocurrency
Individuals interested in using the digital currency can buy it through avenues such as traditional investment platforms, cryptocurrency exchanges or mobile payment services. Some users see the currency as a way to invest or make a profit. Others like the ability to make quick payments or to avoid transaction fees that traditional banks may charge.
People can also use cryptocurrency to buy different products and services – such as on technology and e-commerce sites that accept Bitcoin as a payment method.
Home Depot also accepts Bitcoin payments, and some car dealers and insurance companies accept cryptocurrency, as well.
Morin says that while cryptocurrency is innovative, there are some concerns with protections for users and the prevalence of scams and fraud.
“It exists in a regulatory vacuum,” he says. It’s a space that doesn’t offer as many protections for consumers and investors as traditional methods, such as those provided by the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, he mentions. The act protects consumers from unauthorized electronic fund transfers.
For example, if you need to dispute a purchase with your credit card, the credit card company has a process to help you get your money back. Cryptocurrencies typically do not come with such protections, often leaving people with no clear path to restitution.
“By and large, you’re gambling your money in a very consumer-unfriendly environment,” he says.
Another major concern is cryptocurrency fraud and scams, such as through fake websites, virtual Ponzi schemes or online dating scams where criminals try to persuade people they meet on dating apps or social media to invest or trade in virtual currencies.
Morin says that overall, he is “cautiously optimistic” about the future of cryptocurrency and does believe there are efforts to develop legitimate uses for the currency. But he also believes better protections, security, transparency and regulations will be needed to make it a safer space for consumers and investors.
SHARLA BARDIN
Appreciating the Beautiful Game
Soccer will be more relevant in Oklahoma than ever thanks to a group of passionate leaders helming the OKC for Soccer committee.
Areal life field of dreams is taking shape as a group of civic, business, sports and cultural leaders unite to re-energize the sport of soccer in Oklahoma City.
“It’s exciting when you can bring people from different communities, different cultures and different languages together and connect them all through this wonderful sport of soccer – or football,” says Jorge Hernández, president of Tango Public Relations and a founding member of the OKC for Soccer committee.
Led by Echo Investment Capital and founder Christian Kennedy, the re-imagination of OKC’s soccer culture comes complete with a downtown stadium and 42-acre development next to Bricktown, construction for which is now underway. A groundbreaking is set for later this year, and opening day is anticipated for spring of 2027. Alongside founding committee members like Gov. Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation and Zac Craig, president of Visit OKC, OKC Thunder legend Russell Westbrook also has a sizable investment in the project.
“It’s not only going to be a really fantastic stadium, but it will also be one of the most unique places to experience
an event of any kind in the region,” says Court Jeske, Echo’s sports and entertainment partner. “Oklahoma City has had a very rich history in the world’s game of soccer. Now the vision includes a publicly-funded, multi-purpose stadium that will be the home for the new team in Oklahoma City.”
The club is going to be built with the community’s fingerprints on it at every turn, Jeske says, with fans getting to have input on the team name, team colors and other important facets.
“We all have seen how the Thunder have benefited Oklahoma City and the state in terms of the way that they represent us in the global sport of basketball,” Jeske says. “Now it’s time that Oklahoma City has a club that represents us in the global sport of soccer.”
That includes, he says, the 300,000 Hispanic residents who live in OKC.
“Soccer is the fastest growing sport in America for many reasons,” Hernández says. “But soccer has been part of the Latino culture for [a long time]. It’s a sport that a high percentage of our population is involved in or engaged in.”
Having a world class soccer club in town is an inspiration for everyone, Hernández says.
“It gives kids a chance to dream,” he
continues. “When you can experience the sport at a high level with international talent like the [OKC Energy FC] or the future soccer team here in OKC, it gives kids a chance to work at something, at a vision they can see, taste and hear. I think it will be nothing but incredible.”
Women’s soccer is in the game plan as well, Jeske mentions.
“We will have women’s soccer as a part of our club,” he says. “We don’t know at what level they will play at and when they will begin, but we have made the commitment that it’s important to us to have cultural equity and gender equity as a part of the club from day one. We want to make sure that through the world’s game, Oklahoma City has a brand and a movement that they can be proud of.”
Hernández encourages soccer fans, and those new to the sport, to get pumped about the big changes coming to OKC.
“There’s a reason why it’s called a beautiful game,” he says. “It really is art in motion. The skill that it takes to move a soccer ball at the speed that they do on the pitch, it’s beautiful. And soccer has a special type of fan base, so together we’ll be uniting Oklahoma City and cheering on our team to victory.”
GRETCHEN EICHENBERG
A multi-purpose stadium near Bricktown will house OKC’s re-branded soccer team thanks to the collaborative efforts of a diverse group of civic, business, sports and cultural leaders helming the OKC for Soccer committee. Rendering courtesy Echo Investment Capital
The Wonders Beneath the Waves
Snorkeling and scuba diving beckon aquatic enthusiasts around the state.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are exciting ways to explore the underwater world, but safety should always come first. Whether you’re floating on the surface or diving deep below, knowing how to protect yourself is critical for the best experience possible.
Safety Precautions
Before heading into the water, ensure your gear is in excellent condition. Snorkels, masks, fins and wetsuits should fit comfortably and function properly. For scuba divers, having a serviced regulator, tank and buoyancy control device (BCD) is essential. Always use equipment designed for your level of expertise.
Know your physical fitness and limitations. Scuba diving, in particular, requires cardiovascular and respiratory strength. If you have medical conditions such as asthma, heart problems or claustrophobia, consult a doctor before diving. It’s also recommended to research the body of water you’ll be exploring. Be aware of local currents, tides and potential hazards such as jellyfish or coral.
Assessing Dive Safety and Training Requirements
To ensure it’s safe to dive, assess the conditions. Clear water, minimal currents and good visibility make for safe snorkeling and diving experiences. Avoid entering the water in stormy weather or when waves are high. Local diving professionals or marine forecast tools can guide you about ideal conditions.
Scuba diving requires proper certification. Beginners should enroll in courses such as the PADI Open Water Diver program, which teaches basic skills, underwater communication and emergency procedures.
“During a scuba certification course, one learns the necessary precautions to take while diving, as well as how to handle common issues like water in a mask and how to control one’s buoyancy when underwater,” says Chadwick Bailey, owner of Scuba Savvy in Broken Arrow. Snorkeling does not require formal
training, but learning how to breathe efficiently and swim with fins is helpful.
“We teach snorkeling classes, which teach students proper fin kicking techniques, mask clearing techniques, as well as some basic breath hold skills that allow even more freedom when out exploring the underwater world,” Bailey says.
Safe Descents and Ascents
“Proper ascending and descending techniques are a crucial part of scuba training,” says Frank Campbell, owner of Frank’s Underwater Sports in Edmond. “Learning how to do these skills properly is a key part of scuba training.”
Entering the water safely depends on the environment. If snorkeling, glide into the water feet-first from a boat or gently wade from the shore. For scuba diving, a controlled, feet-first descent helps maintain proper buoyancy. Use a rope or guide, if available, to descend steadily and avoid damaging marine life.
When ascending from scuba dives, safety stops are critical. A three-minute pause at around 15 feet allows your body to release nitrogen and reduces the risk of decompression sickness. Never ascend faster than your bubbles. Snorkelers should surface slowly to avoid overexertion or inhaling water.
Finding Your Team and Destination
Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, joining those of like minds can increase your enjoyment. If your friends and family don’t like the water, there are avenues available to connect with those that do.
“Your local dive center is the ideal place to meet your diving community,” Campbell says. “Local lakes in our region are ideal ways to explore our amazing world underwater.”
Regional destinations like Tenkiller Lake, Broken Bow Lake and Lake Murray are great spots for Oklahoma water enthusiasts to snorkel and scuba. Be sure to contact a local dive center if you have questions or to schedule your activities.
And remember: By respecting the underwater environment and following safety guidelines, you can explore the wonders beneath the waves safely.
ROCCO GEPPI
While international scuba and snorkeling trips are great, regional destinations like Tenkiller Lake, Broken Bow Lake and Lake Murray are excellent spots for Oklahoma water enthusiasts to snorkel and scuba. Photos courtesy Scuba Savvy
Harboring A Lot of History
Fort Sill is the nation’s most complete original fort remaining from the American Indian Wars period and is a national historic landmark.
As the long-time home of the United States Army’s Field Artillery, Fort Sill is a major army training installation located in southwest Oklahoma. A mere 90 minutes from Oklahoma City, the fort encompasses over 94,000 acres and is adjacent to Lawton, which is the county seat of Comanche County. Fort Sill is
the nation’s most complete original fort remaining from the Indian Wars period, and the site was designated as a national historic landmark in 1960.
The installation hosts the Marine Corps’ Field Artillery MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) school and the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School, and is home to the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade and the 75th Field Artillery Brigade. Fort Sill is one of four locations for Army Basic Combat Training and many other tenant activities.
Since 1869, Fort Sill has played a significant role in American conflicts.
“During World War I, more than 50,000 soldiers trained at Fort Sill, and in 1917, the Army Air Service constructed Post Field as a home for army aviation,” says Lance Janda in the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. “The Infantry School moved to Camp [now Fort] Benning, Georgia, in 1918, but the School for Aerial Observers took its place, and in 1919, the School of Fire became the Field Artillery School.”
In World War II, thousands of students took courses at the fort. In 1945, the U.S. Army Aviation School was added, and in 1946, the U.S. Army Artillery Center emerged to test new equipment and doctrine.
“During the 1950s, Fort Sill lost its aviation school to Camp [now Fort] Rucker, Alabama, but remained active,
supporting U.S. forces during the Korean War and expanding its artillery mission by acquiring responsibility for army missile and atomic warhead training,” says Janda. “As part of that training, soldiers from Fort Sill fired a live 280-millimeter atomic round at Frenchman’s Flat, Nevada, in 1953; it was the only time a live atomic artillery shell was ever tested.”
The fort supported American activities in Vietnam and globally throughout the latter half of the 20th century. With a host of famous names moving through its gates through the decades, the fort is now home to tens of thousands of military and civilian personnel and military family members.
Open to the public, the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark and Museum is located on site. It is a 19th century frontier army post with approximately 50 buildings and grounds.
CAROL MOWDY
BOND
A Divisive History
Amidst westward expansion after the Civil War, violent exchanges increased between settlers and Native American tribes. So, in 1869, the military established Fort Sill as a frontier cavalry post. In an area frequented by tribes, and initially known as Fort Wichita, the tribes called the fort “the soldier house at Medicine Bluffs.”
The fort was meant to provide support for federal tribal pacification policies, and the construction is entwined with the controversial and disruptive Indian Wars of the latter 19th century, giving the fort a divisive origin story. During the 1870s, the renowned Buffalo Soldiers helped construct the fort, which is the only active army base remaining from installations built during the Indian Wars of the 1860s and 1870s.
Fort Sill, not without its divisive history, was named a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
Photos courtesy the Oklahoma Historical Society
A (Triumphant) Broadway Dreamer
Tulsan Lynette Bennett shares her successful tenure on the Great White Way in her new book.
During her time as a New York-based performer, Tulsa’s Lynette Bennett rehearsed and recorded with a young piano player named Barry Manilow, got a kiss from Johnny Carson on his latenight TV show (after making him an honorary Campfire Girl), and broke bread with the classic Hollywood-star likes of Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable. Plus, along with her roles on Broadway and in touring shows, she became a staple of what were then known as “industrial musicals,” doing lavish Broadwaystyle productions for national conventions of automobiles and other big businesses.
Perhaps most impressive is the fact that she did it all without ever having to wait tables or take other non-theatrical jobs to make ends meet.
“That’s right,” she says. “Most actors do. They have to have some way of making a living so that they can pay the rent. But I never did. I was always able to pay the rent – and on time,” she adds with a laugh.
Bennett’s experiences on the Great White Way, touring both stateside and abroad, and working such disparate show-biz jobs as a jingle singer, TV-commercial actress and model for magazine ads, are chronicled in her book Broadway Dreamer, newly released by Babylon Books. (In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that Babylon has also published a good bit of my own work.) It begins impressively – following two-plus pages of critical praise for her various performances – when, as she’s signing the cast’s call board at the Winter Garden Theater for her role in the musical Funny Girl, a “hand with shiny red nails” reaches around her to put another name beside hers. As it turns out,
the hand belongs to Barbra Streisand, who then goes on to chat pleasantly with Bennett for a few moments.
“I had done a previous Broadway show, The Yearling, which had a gorgeous score by Herb Martin and Mickey Leonard,” she recalls. “But it didn’t make it. Funny Girl was already a big hit, and Barbara had become a star. So that show, probably, was the high point [of Bennett’s show-business career].”
happened to be, as Bennett writes about herself, “the highest ranking Campfire Girl in the country.”
There are, however, plenty of candidates for that honor. One of them was that appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, which was then in its heyday. Singing at an upscale nightspot called the Viennese Lantern at the time, Bennett was booked after the club’s publicist contacted the Carson show with an unusual pitch: the current vocalist at the Viennese Lantern also
That was enough to get Bennett on the network show, where she presented Carson with a feather-festooned headdress, tied his and co-host Ed McMahon’s legs together with leather thongs, and gave them both Native American names – all to the delight of the studio audience.
“We laughed and joked for twenty-five minutes,” she notes in the book. “Johnny was swinging. I was giddy, one of those
Tulsan Lynette Bennett says a career highlight was making it onto The Tonight Show as the highest ranking Campfire Girl in the country. Photos courtesy Lynette Bennett
The Professionals
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magical performances when each bit of comedy Johnny and I did together clicked.”
Although they weren’t nearly as highprofile, the industrial musicals (also known as “business theater,” a sub-genre celebrated in the 2018 documentary Bathtubs over Broadway) provided more indelible memories. These were live shows done for corporate conventions, with original music, lyrics and dialogue slanted toward a corporate product, and, she says, “They were just smashing. They paid good money and they didn’t stay out of town very long, so that was an actor’s dream – you got your salary, and you went back home, and you were ready for your next audition.
“The first one I did was for Ford Tractors,” she adds with a chuckle, “and it was set in heaven. It was the most beautiful show I’ve ever done. They had Broadway lighting designers, a Broadway director – it was straight from Broadway. It’s hard to say how many of those I did; maybe a half-dozen. And sometimes, it would be on a smaller scale, for regional meetings.
we’ll record it that many more times, so that we have four versions [of the song] on top of each other.’”
After doing the overdubs on that one, “Wear Your Love Like Heaven,” and completing the studio sessions with Manilow and the other musicians, she was ready to show the results to a record company. So she made an appointment with an executive at RCA Victor, a friend of a friend of hers, and showed up “at this lovely, lovely office,” she remembers, wearing “a dark blue mini-dress and white boots, of course. This was the ‘60s.”
In Broadway Dreamer, she describes what happened next.
“He glanced at me. ‘I’ll listen to your demo, but I can tell from looking at you’ – he gestured head to toe – ‘you are not what we’re signing up.’
“That stopped me cold. My look was not what they wanted? What does that mean? ‘Could you elaborate, please?’
“`You look dignified, attractive, like a straight-shooter from the Midwest. That’s not what sells today. We’re looking for kinky, crazy, wild, kid-stuff. Kids buy records.’”
How can I manage my aging
parents’ finances?
“One time I did one of those that was for just three actors. I was the wife, we had the husband and we had the salesman. That could have been for Oldsmobile. It was just the three of us traveling around, and we were out for a while. But when you’re getting a good salary, you don’t mind traveling a little bit longer.”
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Her Barry Manilow connection began at a club in New York, where Bennett saw him and a partner of his opening for Joan Rivers. Bennett was impressed enough with the young pianist and vocalist to go backstage and ask if he’d like to work with her. He became, as she writes, her musical director, and when she decided to do a demo tape – a recording of her singing several songs, which she could pitch to record companies and other entities – Manilow was the one who picked and arranged the numbers, along with conducting and playing on the sessions.
February 21, 2025 12:22 PM
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If you’re providing support to aging parents, here are some tips on how to handle the situation. 1. Don’t wait to start talking about money. It’s essential that you are familiar with their intentions for future care and what plans they have in place. 2. Create a contact list. If your parents experience a sudden change in their health that affects their ability to manage their own affairs, it’s important to have a game plan for what happens next. 3. Build a support network. Talk with siblings or other trusted family members about what a possible care plan could look like for your parents. 4. Anticipate future lifestyle changes and challenges. Even if they aren’t yet needed, explore the options and costs of various assisted living and memory care services. Check your parents’ insurance policies to see if and how services might be covered. 5. Know your rights at work. The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) allows covered employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to provide care for a family member with a serious health condition. 6. Maintain momentum on your own financial goals. It’s prudent to look at your finances to see how much support you could provide, if that is needed, without jeopardizing your own retirement.
David Karimian, CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® Prime Wealth Management
A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial 2431 E 61st St, Suite 400, Tulsa, OK 74136 918.388.2009 David.x.Karimian@ampf.com www.primewealthmgmt.com
“I booked a studio where I had done jingles,” she remembers. “Because I knew the engineer and the general setup I thought I’d be comfortable there. Barry had picked out three wonderful songs. We had a bossa nova by [Brazilian bandleader Sergio Mendes’s group] ‘Brasil ‘66, ‘Laia Ladaia,’ and that gorgeous ballad ‘But Beautiful.’ And then Barry asked, ‘Do you like overdubbing [vocals]?’
“I said, ‘Yes, I love it,’ and he said, “Okay, let’s do a Donovan song. You’ll sing it, we’ll put down your voice, and then I’ll write three overdubbings and
That story illustrates the rude awakenings with some of Lynette Bennett’s Broadway dreams, as do other nearmisses and assorted struggles. As her story unfolds, she marries her hometown sweetheart, eventually divorces him, and meets and marries the love of her life, a Methodist minster and missionary named Warren Danskin. The book ends with the beginning of their life together, including a South American honeymoon and, at the end, a flight to London, where a new church assignment is waiting for her husband. (She would end up on the stage in England as well, but that’s a story for another book.)
Through it all, elation and disappointment, the soaring highs and grinding lows, Lynette Bennett had always continued to work at her craft, not only on the New York stages she’d dreamt about as a young girl in Tulsa, but also on television, in magazines and in venues around the world.
The title of her book doesn’t quite say it all. Sure, she was a Broadway dreamer, like millions of others across the globe. She was, however, also something much more special: one of a glittering handful of hopefuls who ended up actually living what they’d dreamed.
JOHN WOOLEY
DAVID KARIMIAN
CFP®, CRPC®, APMA® carefully!
Medical director of aesthetics & Wellness
DR. CRISTIE HAWKINS
Life & Style
The Beauty of Bonaire
Dive into the many offerings of this Dutch Caribbean island.
The Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is surrounded by splendid coral, protected for nearly 50 years by a massive marine sanctuary filled with 350 species of fish, five dozen kinds of living coral and sparkling, peacock-blue water. Bonaire takes stewardship of its sea life seriously, and scuba divers rank the reefs among the world’s best. It’s the B in the ABC Islands, along with Aruba and Curacao, about 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela.
Eighty established dive sites dot the reefs surrounding Bonaire, most notably Bon Bini Na Cas and Witches Hut near 1000 Steps beach, just north of Kralendijk, the island’s capital. To the south, an old wrecked smugglers freighter called the Hilma Hooker lies in about 60 feet of water near where a double reef system begins. The 235-foot shipwreck is a favorite of marine life and divers.
A pioneer in eco-tourism, Bonaire
(pronounced bone-air) not only safeguards and restores its reefs for divers and snorkelers, it also protects the wetland nesting and feeding sites of sea turtles and migratory birds. Thanks to early planners like Capt. Don Stewart, the father of dive tourism, the Bonaire National Marine Park now totally orbits the island, protecting beaches, reefs, flora and magnificent birds like herons,
Bonaire, a pioneer in eco-tourism, offers beautifully sustained natural vistas, alongside high-end shopping, dining and lodging.
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Three of the world’s seven species of sea turtles inhabit Bonaire’s glittering waters. Green and hawksbill turtles can be seen year-round, while the 400-pound loggerheads generally visit only during nesting season, April through December.
Grab a kayak and glide through mangrove forests amidst the natural wonder of Lac Bay, a stunning lagoon on the island’s southeast coast. The park-protected bay presents a lovely color palette – white sand accented by green mangroves and blue water. Nearby, Sorobon Beach is famous for windsurfing, quirky bars and great beach food.
Kralendijk (pop. 10,000) is wholly walkable. Thread your way down bustling streets lined with brightly-painted Dutch/Caribbean homes and shops to Plaza Wilhelmina, the town square. Art galleries fight with boutique specialty stores for your attention and both share curb space with eclectic restaurants.
Shoppers find bargains on Bonairean salt products for home and bath, exquisite jewelry made of driftwood and coral, original local artwork, and all manner of aloe vera ointments, balms and lotions, made from plants grown on the island.
You probably can’t bring it back with you, but while there, give the local cactus liqueur a try. The slightly sweet, bright green stuff is called Cadushy of Bonaire, and it’s made locally out of limes and native Kadushi cactus. Sip some with your stoba kabritu, Bonaire’s unofficial national dish, a slow-cooked stew made of vegetables, spices and goat.
Café menus may also mention lionfish burgers, iguana soup, fish pizza and a sort of gumbo made of okra and seafood called guiambo. (This is not beef country.)
There are only four designated breeding grounds for the Caribbean flamingo and one
of them is on Bonaire, the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, no humans allowed. But you can peek into the preserve from a road above it and the birds are also known to frequent Pink Beach, which is close by. During breeding season, January to July, upwards of 10,000 of the beauties call the southern tip of Bonaire home. Not too far away, Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire cares for more than 800 sick, injured or orphaned donkeys, descendants of the donkeys, goats and pigs brought to the island by Europeans in the 16th century. Most still roam the countryside.
Stay on the water at the Bellafonte, a 22-room boutique hotel just outside Kralendijk. Enjoy the ocean front plunge pool, dive shop, on-site restaurant and fantastic sea views. The hotel’s private pier gets you access to Bonaire National Marine Park and the reef. Every suite comes with front-row seats for the brilliant sunsets that fill the western sky with fiery ruby reds and neon oranges.
MAI
CHUCK
THE REAL
If you want it all, it’s all yours and then some. Soak up the sun by our resort-style pools or relax at the spa by day. Then kick off your evening with a gourmet meal in our prime steakhouse, take in a concert at the award-winning Grand Theater, and try your luck at the tables by night. It’s all at your fingertips in Durant, Oklahoma.
Protecting Our Largest Organ
Eczema affects millions of Americans, but more treatments are available today than ever before.
According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), around 31.6 million people in the United States – approximately 10% of the population – have some form of eczema. As an umbrella term, ‘eczema’ refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that can cause dry skin, itchiness, scaly patches, rashes, blisters and, in some cases, skin infections. While eczema can cause the immune system to overreact, it is not classified as an autoimmune disease.
There are seven main types of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and stasis dermatitis. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The NEA reports an estimated 16.5 million U.S. adults have atopic dermatitis, with 6.6 million having a moderate to severe case of the disease.
Weyman Lam, M.D., an allergist and immunologist with Warren Clinic Allergy and Immunology in Tulsa, explains that atopic dermatitis is a complex dis-
order involving gene mutations impairing the skin barrier, reducing the skin’s ability to protect itself.
“While environmental factors such as allergens can cause a flare-up or outbreak, due to the skin barrier dysfunction with atopic dermatitis, almost anything can serve as a trigger, such as stress or a person’s sweat,” says Lam.
“However, with contact dermatitis, most flare-ups are directly related to specific triggers, like certain soaps or moisturizers, or exposure to metals or chemicals. For example, someone may wear a metal wristwatch and then develop a rash on their wrist.”
Atopic dermatitis is also part of the ‘atopic march’– this describes the common progression of allergic diseases in individuals. A person may develop eczema in infancy and/or early childhood and then as they grow older, develop food allergies, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma.
Regarding treatment, Lam says topical steroids are a reasonable and common first step when the disease is minor. However, if a patient is noticing that they’re using their medication almost
daily and/or more than half the month, then the treatment isn’t adequately controlling their condition.
“We don’t want patients to use topical steroids for prolonged periods of time because there can be significant adverse effects, such as skin atrophy, telangiectasia and adrenal suppression if using a high potency steroid,” he says. “Instead, we want to try and switch them to a topical non-steroidal or biologic. Today, there are several great treatment options that are very safe and effective.”
Most recently in 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved four new treatments for eczema – two topical non-steroidal creams and two biologics – and research continues on additional new therapies.
For those living with the daily discomforts of eczema, the NEA offers these recommendations for managing the disease: know your triggers; implement a regular bathing and moisturizing routine; use over-the-counter and/or prescription medications consistently and as prescribed; and watch for signs of skin infection such as pus-filled bumps, pain, redness and/or heat.
Lam says a simple product like vaseline is an effective ointment to treat mild eczema as it helps moisturize and protect the skin – and in general, patients should try to use fragrance-free products and avoid triggers, when possible. He also shares the reminder that there’s no way to ‘avoid your way to a cure.’ Despite a person’s best efforts, there can still be unexpected flare-ups and prescription treatment may be needed.
REBECCA FAST
Endless Opportunities for Discovery
Shawnee presents Oklahomans a chance to learn some history, shop, unwind and spend time in nature.
Nestled between Tulsa and Oklahoma City along the historic Route 66, Shawnee is a charming town brimming with history, culture and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to its rich past, looking for family-friendly activities, or hoping to find a peaceful reset, Shawnee offers something for everyone.
A visit to Shawnee wouldn’t be complete without exploring St. Gregory’s Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a legacy that dates back 150 years. The Abbey traces its origins to 1875, when two French monks arrived in Indian Territory and established Sacred Heart Abbey and Mission. Over time, their mission expanded, leading to the creation of St. Gregory’s Abbey. Today, the monastery remains a beacon of faith and service, with monks engaged in pastoral care, educational programs and community outreach.
Visitors to St. Gregory’s Abbey can immerse themselves in its tranquil atmosphere, joining the monks for daily prayers or mass in the stunning Abbey Church. The church, with its stainedglass windows and nine side chapels dedicated to various saints, provides a setting for reflection. Additionally,
the Abbey grounds feature a cemetery, prayer labyrinth and grottos, all of which offer spaces for contemplation. For those interested in unique local goods, the Monks’ Marketplace sells products such as honey, handmade soaps and beef sourced from the monastery’s sustainable farm.
“The Monks’ Marketplace features products produced at St. Gregory’s Abbey,” says Theresa A. Bragg, Ph.D., assistant to the abbot. “We are pleased to [also] carry items from other religious communities … the marketplace is proud to be an outlet for these items for the local community.”
Another hidden gem in Shawnee is the Butterfly Gardens, a delightful half-acre oasis that showcases Oklahoma’s native plants and pollinators. Although smaller in scale compared to botanical gardens in larger cities, the Butterfly Gardens provide an accessible and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Carefully designed with Oklahoma Proven plants, the garden serves as a living demonstration of what homeowners can achieve in their own outdoor spaces.
“Our program includes gardeners from Pottawatomie, Lincoln and Seminole counties who have completed the OSU Master Gardener training and have met their certification requirements of
volunteer service,” says Carla Smith, OSU Horticulture educator of Pottawatomie County and advisor to the Multi-County Master Gardener Program. “We are active at our office garden and in the local communities where members live. Our goal is to bridge communication from our OSU Land Grant University to the communities in our area through educational programs and events.”
Wander through the Butterfly Gardens and discover a variety of nectar-rich flowers that attract butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. Seasonal displays highlight different gardening techniques, while informative signs, equipped with QR codes, offer insights into specific plants and their role in supporting pollinators. Visitors may also catch glimpses of caterpillars, lizards and birds that call this habitat home. With its proximity to I-40 and Highway 177, the Butterfly Gardens provide a perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the wonders of nature.
Shawnee boasts a range of other attractions, including the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, home to Oklahoma’s only Egyptian mummies, and KidSpace Park, an ideal stop for families.
Whether you’re exploring history, indulging in retail therapy or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Shawnee is a destination that welcomes visitors with open arms and endless opportunities for discovery.
monksok.org The Butterfly Gardens 405-273-7683 visitshawnee.com Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art 405-878-5300 mgmoa.org
KidSpace Park 405-878-1528 visitshawnee.com
ROCCO GEPPI
Shawnee’s Butterfly Gardens are a half-acre oasis that showcase Oklahoma’s native plants and pollinators. Photo courtesy OSU Extension
Prepping for Tornadoes
Can you truly tornado-proof your home? A research scientist has the answers.
Good news about tornadoes in Oklahoma? There are many ways you can prepare for them.
The not-so-good news? According to an Oklahoma research scientist, tornadoes can occur when you least expect them.
“While Oklahoma is known for its frequent tornado activity, especially in spring, there is technically no ‘tornado season,’ because tornadoes can happen any time of year,” says Justin Sharpe, Ph.D., research scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High Impact Weather Research and Operations at the University of Oklahoma. “While it’s true that tornadoes are more common in the spring, particularly in April and May, due to the specific weather conditions that occur then, tornadoes can form during other seasons as well.”
Sharpe gives a few more reasons why tornadoes can happen anytime:
1. Unpredictable weather patterns: Tornadoes form when specific conditions are met; typically, a combination of warm, moist air, and cool, dry air that creates atmospheric instability. These conditions can occur in any season.
2. Other seasonal outbreaks: While spring is the most common time for tor-
nadoes, they can, and do, occur during other months. In fact, tornadoes have been recorded in Oklahoma during the summer, fall and even winter.
Is it possible, then, for an Oklahoma resident to prepare their home for a tornado?
“This is a complex question that varies depending on the type of home you are in, as well as if you own or rent property,” says Sharpe. “Different home types – like single-family homes, mobile homes and apartment buildings – require specific strategies to minimize tornado damage.”
He offers some advice on how to prepare these various home types.
Single-Family Homes
Designate a safe room: If possible, install a reinforced safe room or storm shelter in a basement or underground. If that’s not feasible, designate an interior room on the lowest level of the home –like a bathroom, closet or hallway – away from windows and exterior walls.
Reinforce the roof: Strengthen the roof to the frame with hurricane straps or clips to prevent uplift during strong winds. This is particularly important for homes with a pitched roof.
Secure outdoor items: Bring in any outdoor furniture, grills or other items
that could become projectiles.
Invest time in tree maintenance: Trim trees and remove any dead or weak branches that could fall on the house during strong winds.
Mobile or Manufactured Homes
Anchor the mobile or manufactured home: Use tie-downs and anchors around the frame rails to prevent movement or damage during high winds.
Designate an emergency shelter: Always have a nearby storm shelter or community shelter to go to if a tornado warning is issued. If the forecast becomes local, move to your safe space.
Apartment or Multi-Unit Dwellings
Identify your safe space and determine the safest spots in the building: These are usually interior rooms or hallways on the lowest level. Avoid areas with windows and exterior walls.
“By tailoring these precautions to the specific type of home and staying vigilant, you’ll increase your chances of staying safe during a tornado,” says Sharpe.
DEBI TURLEY
Staying Safe
New to Oklahoma or just want to brush up on your tornado safety? We offer a few suggestions.
• Stay Informed: Always keep on top of weather conditions and updates from meteorologists, especially during tornado season.
• Have an Emergency Plan: Create and practice an emergency plan for your family or household before tornadoes strike.
• Create An Emergency Kit: Always keep a bag on hand with water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies and important documents.
Lessons From the Holocaust
Scholar, nun and distinguished professor Carol Rittner, Ph.D., discusses protecting each other during perilous times.
It is estimated that out of nine million Jews under Nazi domination, tens of thousands were rescued during the Holocaust by non-Jewish people. Many rescuers acted out of a sense of altruism; some performed acts of heroism based upon deeply held religious beliefs or moral codes; others acted in the spur of the moment, offering help to complete strangers.
What is the role of good people in perilous times? This is a question Carol Rittner, Ph.D., has contemplated throughout her many years as a Catholic nun with the Religious Sisters of Mercy. A distinguished professor of Holocaust and genocide studies emerita, and a Dr. Marsha Raticoff Grossman professor of Holocaust studies emerita at Stockton University, Rittner has dedicated her life to her Christian faith – and to understanding the circumstances that
allowed the Holocaust and other genocides to occur.
Recently, Sofia Thornblad, director of collections and Holocaust education at the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art in Tulsa, spoke with Rittner in preparation for her upcoming visit to Tulsa to be the featured speaker for the 27th Annual Yom HaShoah: An Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration, co-sponsored by the Tulsa Council for Holocaust Education of the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art and the Tulsa City-County Library.
ST: Your talk for the Jewish Federation of Tulsa’s Yom HaShoah commemoration focuses on protecting each other in perilous times. Can you tell us a brief story of protection during the Holocaust?
CR: Sister Anna Borkowska was the Mother Superior of a small convent of Catholic nuns located in Kolonia Wilénska, a town near Vilna (Vilnius), Lithu-
ania. During the war, she aided Jews in her area who were being persecuted by the Nazis. During the summer of 1941, thousands of Jews were massacred in Ponary (Paneriai), a site about six miles from Vilna. Sister Anna agreed to hide 17 members of Jewish Zionist youth groups for short periods of time in her convent. Later, she helped the Vilna Ghetto underground by sneaking weapons into the ghetto. Sister Anna even showed resistance leader Abba Kovner how to use some of those weapons. The Nazis found out about Sister Anna Borkowska’s activities in 1943. In September, she was arrested, the convent was closed down, and the other nuns moved elsewhere. Sister Anna survived her arrest, incarceration and the war, and in 1984 was designated as Righteous Among the Nations by Yad Vashem.
ST: People tend to wonder how those of us who engage with the Holocaust as a subject matter take care of ourselves mentally. What helps you process and decompress?
CR: Taking the time each morning and evening to try to pray and reflect on the goodness of people. Reading literature that inspires and challenges. Enjoying time with family and friends. Reading Holocaust survivors’ memoirs, particularly those that show resilience and a positive outlook on life, despite what they went through. Watching movies and TV programs that make me laugh, like M*A*S*H., Schitt’s Creek and Grace and Frankie
ST: Finally, you and John K. Roth have a book coming out soon. Can you tell us a bit about that?
CR: Our new book is Stress Test: The Israel-Hamas War and Christian-Jewish Relations. Stress Test is an urgent and timely exploration of how the 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict has reshaped Christian-Jewish relations, featuring insights from leading voices in Christian scholarship. This volume brings together a distinguished group of American Christian scholars who examine the unprecedented strain the ongoing war has placed on Christian-Jewish relations and offer a thoughtful and balanced analysis of the profound ethical, theological and humanitarian challenges at the heart of this crisis.
To hear more about protecting each other in perilous times, join Rittner at the Yom HaShoah Commemoration on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at Temple Israel in Tulsa.
SOFIA THORNBLAD
Carol Rittner, Ph.D, will visit Tulsa during the 27th annual Yom HaShoah: An Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration, on April 24. Photos courtesy the Tulsa City-County Library
Raj Basu, Rebekah Tennis, Howard Doak, Bill Chevaillier, Chuck Lamson (back), Janice Chevaillier, Wendy & Gentner Drummond; Winter Dinner with Patrick Gordon, Tulsa Botanic Garden
Martie Oyler, Gini Moore Campbell; Enid outreach event, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, OKC
Sue Ann Arnall, Ann Felton Gilliland, Kirk Hammons; Dichter Plays Grieg concert, OKC Phil
Stephanie Washington, Nathan Bowles, Stephanie Doche, Jason Detwiler, Lori Decter Wright, Lyndon Meyer; President’s Council Dinner, Tulsa Opera
Lori Burson, Mims & Tiffany Talton; An Evening with Kristin Chenoweth, Oklahoma Contemporary, OKC
Ted & Kimberly Osgood, Kara & Andrew Field; Brainiac Ball, Family and Children’s Services, Tulsa
Ashley Sloan, Stacey Tucker; Tulsa Oilers Alzheimer's awareness game; Alzheimer’s Association of Oklahoma, Tulsa
Shelly Collins, Danny Boy O'Connor, Jessica Scheffel, Julie Carson; Mayfest poster reveal, Mayfest, Tulsa
Bo Beaudry, Michelle Brobston, Leslie Young; Health equity grants celebration, Ascension St. John Health System, Tulsa
Reed Oppenheimer, Patrick Gordon; Winter Dinner with Patrick Gordon, Tulsa Botanic Garden
Cece & Jim Gifford, Evelyn & Al Colby; Toyland Ball: Rendezvous Under the Big Top, Parent Child Center of Tulsa
To be a remarkable young professional in today’s ever-changing business climate, you’ve got to have it all. An excellent track record at work, of course, but also involvement in ample volunteerism efforts, leadership positions outside the office and a dynamic, nuanced personal life.
To many of us, this seems unattainable. To the 40 young professionals profiled in the following pages, it’s business as usual.
Oklahoma Magazine presents the 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
BO BEAUDRY, 38 TULSA
Market CEO, Ascension St. John Health System
Bo Beaudry, who oversees seven hospitals and more than 80 healthcare clinics in Oklahoma and Kansas, carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He doesn’t take it lightly. “Ascension St. John has served this community for nearly 100 years, and I’m here to ensure that it’s here for another 100 years,” he says. Self-described as both high-energy and a people person, Beaudry enjoys that his days are action-packed and full of collaboration. “With roughly 6,000 associates and providers [within Ascension St. John], each day presents an opportunity to build relationships and work with great people,” he says. Reflecting on his career – which has included leading health systems through everything from hurricanes to pandemics – Beaudry says his successes have all had a common theme: “Being surrounded by great people with shared values and a common purpose to overcome adversity.” Outside work, Beaudry says being a hands-on, loving father is incredibly important to him – especially at this phase in his life, as he has two toddlers and another child on the way. “I can’t wait to add more chaos to our crew soon,” he says. You’ll often find him hosting a crawfish boil or on date nights with his wife in downtown Tulsa, which he says is his biggest stress reliever. “It’s hard to be stressed when surrounded by good food, great company and the arts,” he says.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing? It is clear that the Dallas Cowboys could use new ownership and coaching, and I would love to throw my hat in the ring.
Bo Beaudry, Ascension St. John Health System
Latisha Woodward, 39 ALLEN
Executive Officer of the Division of Grant and Support Services, Chickasaw Nation
In Latisha Woodward’s position as Executive Officer in the Grant and Support Services Division, she oversees three departments that provide guidance for securing supplemental grant funding within the Chickasaw Nation, and providing regulatory support for those programs and services. “We support other departments throughout the entire lifecycle of the grant,” she says. “I get to collaborate with other departments of the Chickasaw Nation for the betterment of the Chickasaw people. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact that my job does for our citizens and community.” Her department is only about a decade old, and she’s proud to be one of its ground floor members. “I was appointed to Governor Anoatubby’s leadership team to help assist in creating this division; I was one of the first of 21 team members to come on board, and nine years later, we have grown into a division of 39 team members,” she says. “I am blessed to have this opportunity and truly believe this is where I am meant to be.” Outside work, you’ll find Woodward spending time with her husband and kids, reading or volunteering in her children’s after-school activities. “The kids are our future, and I believe putting in extra positive time with them will help them succeed in life,” she says.
If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing? I would be a criminal investigator. I would enjoy collecting evidence and analyzing crime scenes.
Latisha Woodward, Chickasaw Nation
Maissa Mitwalli, 29 BROKEN ARROW
Surgical Orthopedic Physician Associate, The Orthopaedic Center
Maissa Mitwalli, PA-C, assesses and diagnoses patients, tailors both conservative and surgical treatment plans, participates in research studies, assists during surgical procedures and helps patients in rehabilitation alongside Yogesh Mittal, M.D. at the Orthopaedic Center. “It’s a collaborative process where I guide patients through their treatment plans, educate them on the recovery process, and work closely with them to restore mobility and improve their quality of life,” she says. “Few things are as rewarding as knowing I’ve played a role in a patient’s journey from pain and limited mobility to regaining their independence.” Mitwalli, who grew up playing soccer competitively, says her own sports-related injuries led her to this specialty. “I’ve always been fascinated by the body’s ability to heal, and how medical professionals can guide that process to restore function and improve quality of life,” she says. Mitwalli is also passionate about supporting initiatives that improve access to healthcare, volunteering her time in free clinics. “This experience has given me a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities and strengthened my commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life,” she says. On the weekends, you’ll find Mitwalli playing soccer, spending time with family and friends, taking walks and reading.
If you won a ‘Superlative Award,’ it would be “Most likely to…” Host a spontaneous game night or movie marathon. I love bringing people together in a laid-back setting, whether it’s for some friendly competition or just to relax and unwind. It’s all about good company and having a great time.
Maissa Mitwalli, PA-C, The Orthopaedic Center
MERRI M. BARDEN, 39 EDMOND
Tax Partner, HoganTaylor LLP
PAUL JOHNSON, 39 TULSA
Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking, BOK Financial
At BOK Financial, Paul Johnson describes himself as both a player and a coach in his role as senior vice president of corporate banking. “I oversee a diverse portfolio while also leading a small, dedicated team,” he says. “This unique position allows me to directly contribute to our client’s success and foster the professional growth of my team members.” What Johnson loves most about his job is the “opportunity to collaborate with such talented and dedicated colleagues. Together, we strive to add meaningful value to our clients, positively impacting their lives and businesses.” An entrepreneur at heart, Johnson originally gravitated towards banking to create a solid foundation for his own ventures. “Over time, I discovered that BOK Financial’s entrepreneurial culture allowed me to thrive and make a lasting career,” he says. “Every day, I can tap into my entrepreneurial instincts and add value to our clients.” Johnson, who has been recognized as a top performer at his job for over a decade running, spends his off-hours “supporting youth from underserved communities and helping pave the way for their future success,” he says. You’ll also spot him at Tulsa restaurants, spending time with friends and family, attending concerts or cheering on the OKC Thunder.
For Merri Barden, accounting has always felt like the perfect fit. “I chose this profession because, in college, I realized I really enjoyed accounting,” she says. “The concepts clicked, and I loved the coursework, the professors and the projects we got to work on.” Now, as a tax partner at HoganTaylor, Barden oversees tax reviews, provides strategic tax consulting and nurtures the growth and development of future leaders within her organization. “What I love most about my job is the people I get to work with every day – my team and my clients,” she says. “It’s great to team up with talented individuals and build strong, meaningful relationships along the way.” Within her team, she especially likes “inspiring and engaging our younger staff. Seeing them become enthusiastic about their roles and excited about the career opportunities ahead at HoganTaylor is incredibly rewarding.” Outside work, Barden has recently become involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, “a cause that deeply resonates with me. I firmly believe that everyone deserves a positive role model in their life, and BBBS provides that opportunity for children who may not otherwise have one,” she says. In her off-hours, you’ll find Barden on a run or spending time with her husband and daughter.
ANDREW LEWIS, 38 EDMOND
Assistant Vice President of Specialty Services, SSM Health Medical Group – Oklahoma
Reflecting on his parents’ prolific careers helped Andrew Lewis choose the healthcare route. “It was not until deciding to pursue my master’s that I was certain healthcare was the field I was passionate about,” he shares. “My mom has been a registered nurse her entire career and my dad, a city manager,” he says. “Through their professions, I grew up exposed to both the great need for exceptional healthcare and the importance of strong administration. My chosen career offers the opportunity to combine these two fields and improve healthcare in the communities we serve.” At SSM Health Medical Group, Lewis oversees 40 ambulatory specialty clinic sites across Oklahoma, assisting with strategic growth, financial performance and operations. “Healthcare is an ever-changing industry. The ability to collaborate with people from various backgrounds and skills is an area that is very fulfilling,” he says. “I am very grateful to work with a talented team that is focused on our mission and works extremely hard to make healthcare better in our community.” Off the clock, Lewis volunteers at his church and as a youth flag football coach. However, most of his time outside of work “is spent with my family,” he says. “We are in a stage where we have a lot of fun at youth sporting events.”
PHOTO BY SHILA PRATT PHOTOGRAPHY
PRESTON GUNKEL, 36 ALTUS
Attorney and Partner, Gunkel
Law Group
ALEXIS HILBERT, 31 BRISTOW
Director of Public Affairs and Policy, Tulsa Community College
Building relationships and bolstering student successes are Alexis Hilbert’s main priorities at Tulsa Community College. “I love hearing from our students, and hearing their stories about how TCC changed their lives. Being able to be a part of an institution that is transforming the futures of students is a humbling experience,” she says. Making connections has always been important to Hilbert. “In college, I had the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and that is where my interest for public affairs started. Being in this role has allowed me to expand my relationships to meet new people on the opposite side of the state from where I grew up,” she says. Her passion for accessible education doesn’t stop after hours. “I am on our local school board. I believe that access to good education can change lives, and that every student deserves to have a safe learning environment. Serving on the school board has been an incredible learning opportunity.” Outside the office, you can often find Hilbert “at home cooking dinner for my family. Once I put the girls to bed, I will be on the couch with a good book in my hand,” she says. Looking to the future, she is most looking forward to watching her daughters grow up. “They are so different, and my greatest title is ‘mom.’”
An estate planning, probate and trust administration attorney, Preston Gunkel, J.D., says he feels proudest when he’s able to “hold the client’s hand – figuratively, and occasionally literally – through the process of administering their loved one’s estate. When we reach the end of the process, seeing the relief in my client’s face is so uplifting.” In fact, Gunkel chose the law profession due to his passion for solving complex problems and helping others in time of need. “The ability to advocate for individuals and families, especially in tough situations, is incredibly rewarding,” he says. Outside work, Gunkel is heavily involved in bettering his hometown of Altus. “Main Street Altus is an organization that I spend many hours supporting – from volunteering at events to serving as president of the board of directors,” he says. “The work Main Street does for our downtown area is vital to our city’s growth and sustainability. I am very active in supporting Altus Air Force Base through Altus Military Affairs Committee, and on a national level through my involvement as a civic leader with the USAF Air Education and Training Command.” Gunkel also enjoys college football, spending time with family, traveling and doing yard work. “Don’t call me to mow your grass,” he says, “but I will pick all the weeds we can find!”
MARIA LIM, M.D., 37 OKLAHOMA CITY
Pediatric Ophthalmologist,
Dean McGee Eye Institute
For as long as Maria Lim, M.D., can remember, she’s wanted to be a doctor; the passion for her specialty came a little later. “As a medical student,” she says, “I spent two weeks with an ophthalmologist that did both general adult and pediatric ophthalmology. I loved the days with the kids and the energy they bring.” Lim, now a pediatric ophthalmologist, manages pediatric eye diseases both medically and surgically. “I see newborn infants to patients in their 20s that need specialty care,” she says. “My patients can have a range of findings, from kids that need glasses to those that have rare and potentially blinding diseases or severe eye trauma.” Lim mentions that there is a nationwide shortage of pediatric ophthalmologists, and that she’s proud to be training younger resident doctors in the field. For her passion, she won the Resident Faculty Award for Clinical Teaching. “Kids can be scary for a new trainee – the eye exams can be rife with patient tears, anxiety and even sometimes kicks! It’s great to see the residents from the beginning of their training until they graduate, and to see their growth and refined skills.” Outside work, Lim is involved with volunteerism through LOYAL, the RFBO Leadership Class and the OKCMOA Moderns Board. You’ll find her spending time with her husband, cooking, or getting creative through drawing and painting.
DOMINIQUE HARRIS, 34
EDMOND
Project Manager, Manhattan Construction Company
Seeing the “joy, excitement and pride” from his clients after a successful project completion is one of the things Dominique Harris loves most about his work at Manhattan Construction Co. “Despite the challenges and obstacles throughout the construction process, seeing the final product and the positive impact it has on all stakeholders and our community makes it worthwhile,” he says. As a project manager, Harris oversees the overall direction, completion and financial outcomes for a variety of projects, as well as mentors team members and coordinates with trade partners. In his off hours, Harris is often involved with volunteer efforts, spending time with Rebuilding Together OKC, Saving Our Youth and the food bank. “The foundation of my volunteerism is from the involvement I spent as a child in a nonprofit, after-school and summer program, Inner City Productions, in McAlester, run by my grandparents during the 1990s and early 2000s,” he shares. “As a product of poverty, I believe it is critical for me to give back to the community and lend a helping hand to those in need now that I am in a position to help.” In his spare time, you’ll find Harris walking his dog, spending time with his girlfriend, gardening or playing pickleball.
LACEE STANLEY, 39
TULSA
Senior GIS Analyst, Garver
It was a friendly group of women at a career fair that helped Lacee Stanley find her way to civil engineering. “I started my college career as a chemical engineering major, but I realized that I wasn’t in the right place,” she shares. At the career fair, a table of female civil engineers introduced her to her future occupation. “When I eventually decided to consider other majors, I remembered that group of women, and they’re the reason I explored civil engineering as an option,” she says. Now, Stanley combines engineering, environmental science and geography as a GIS analyst at Garver. “Our team assesses a proposed project for existing natural features – like streams, wetlands and ponds,” she says. “As the design process progresses, we determine the impacts to those features and work with the designer to reduce and mitigate those environmental impacts.” Stanley says one of her proudest accomplishments at work thus far is the completion of the new Gilcrease Expressway, a route she took countless times as a kid. “It’s come full circle, as I’ve gotten to work on its completion through Garver,” she says. Outside work, Stanley enjoys participating in STEM mentoring programs and adopt-ahighway trash pickup gatherings. You’ll often find her in the great outdoors, playing disc golf and spending time with her pets.
COLIN SKIPWORTH, 39 TULSA
Construction Manager, Thompson Construction
To Colin Skipworth, his job is “all about the people. A construction project is the ultimate display of teamwork,” he says. “On any given day, I get to work with a wide range of people that are all important to the completion of a project – from laborers to engineers to CEOS.” This industry is one he’s been involved with since childhood, as Skipworth’s father owned a small construction company in north Texas. “I grew up on job sites picking up trash, sweeping, framing walls and delivering materials,” he says. “I loved the camaraderie and being around ‘the crew,’ which consisted of mostly my cousins and other guys that I called family even though we weren’t related.” He says what makes him proudest about the job is “helping others clear roadblocks and succeed,” he says. “Also, it’s a great feeling when you can help a client achieve a goal in a project that they didn’t think was physically or financially possible.” Outside work, Skipworth volunteers as a youth basketball coach. He’s often found at after-school activities with his two kids, or helping his wife in the kitchen. “My wife is the best cook, and we enjoy hosting friends on our back patio,” he shares. “I also enjoy golf, snow skiing, fishing and duck hunting in the limited free time that’s available.”
We join Oklahoma Magazine in saluting our colleague Edgar Delgadillo and all of the other young leaders recognized as 2025 “40 Under 40” honorees.
Rewarding Careers Await
Scan to learn more about our remarkable culture and the rewarding career opportunities at HoganTaylor.
JENNALEE HUNTER, 33 MUSTANG
Vice President and Director of Human Resources, Tinker Federal Credit Union
Jennalee Hunter oversees all the human relations functions at Tinker Federal Credit Union, guiding HR efforts and balancing the myriad needs of her team. “What I love most is truly helping others,” she shares. “I am confident that you cannot be in HR without a servant’s heart. I love inspiring people to be their best at work and outside of work, and encouraging new ideas and innovative thinking.” Hunter says that in her time at TFCU, she’s most proud of helping to drive a culture of innovation. “In the last couple of years, my team has been a catalyst for change through many of our initiatives to build on TFCU’s outstanding culture,” she says, which includes introducing new mobile HR tech, implementing an automated leave of absence software, and launching new benefits and compensation models. Outside work, Hunter volunteers with Special Olympics, attends CrossFit classes, spends time with her family and studies. “I’m currently in law school at Tulane University,” she shares. “All of these things keep me very busy!” The key to balancing all these plates? “The secret sauce is to persevere,” she says. “Never give up despite all the obstacles thrown at you that make it seem impossible. Keep reaching for what feels unattainable.”
MARC KULICK, 36 TULSA
Real Estate Investor and CEO/Owner, Vesta Capital
Marc Kulick, CEO of Vesta Capital, spends his days working with on-site property management teams, engaging in high-level investment management and collaborating with investors. He quotes the old adage that he did not choose his profession – it chose him. “As much as that may sound trite, it’s true,” he says. “I started as a leasing agent in college and never got out of the industry. My first job was 2007, and it took until 2015 for me to accept that this was my career. I started my firm, Vesta, in 2016.” Now, he loves that every day brings its own new challenges. “I’m always moving in 100 different directions, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.” When Vesta was founded, Kulick had one other employee – his wife. Now, he manages over 400 associates. The secret to his success, he says, has to do with perseverance ... and to do with that very first employee. “My wife and I built this company together, so the greatest secret is that I married someone who is in lock step with me,” he says. Outside work, Kulick volunteers with the Tulsa Day Center and Ronald McDonald House. He and his wife also support several Jewish communities throughout the world, sponsoring literacy programs and free loan societies. You’ll find the pair at OKC Thunder games, the TU Tennis Center, Chabad of OKC or the Summit Club.
ANNAVITTORIA PICKETT, 34 MIDWEST CITY
Director of Exhibitions, Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center
AnnaVittoria Pickett’s day-to-day consists of planning and executing exhibitions, working with artists, and collaborating with curators in her position at Oklahoma Contemporary. “My primary role involves managing budgets, coordinating logistics and ensuring that our exhibitions engage diverse audiences while maintaining the highest professional standards,” she says. “I love collaborating with artists and bringing their visions to life in ways that inspire, challenge and engage audiences. Seeing the impact of art on individuals and the community makes my work deeply fulfilling.” Pickett mentions that she’s “always been drawn to the intersection of art, education and community engagement. This role allows me to bridge these passions by curating meaningful exhibitions that resonate with people from all backgrounds.” Alongside her work at Oklahoma Contemporary, Pickett is heavily involved in arts education and mentorship in her spare time, “particularly through initiatives like ARTSPACE at Untitled, where we focus on empowering young artists and underserved communities,” she says. Outside the office, Pickett can be found “in a home renovation project, creating in my studio, or spending quality time with my husband and friends.”
CONGRATULATIONS DERRICK!
Your consistent and determined effort as a good steward of our company’s finances led to this well-deserved recognition in 40 Under 40. Thank you for the excellence and leadership you bring each day to your team.
DERRICK STANLEY Senior Director of Finance & Accounting
Businesses
EDGAR DELGADILLO, 30
OKLAHOMA CITY
Assurance Manager, HoganTaylor LLP
As an assurance manager, Edgar Delgadillo “oversees audit and assurance engagements, ensuring financial statements comply with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. I also mentor staff and help develop client relationships.” Delgadillo, who has his master’s degree in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant, says that he loves his job because “every single day can look different, with different tasks, conversations and challenges, which allows you to not be stuck in the same routine.”
With an initial interest in business during his college years, Delgadillo says accounting “just made sense” to him. Now at HoganTaylor, he says he’s most proud of “providing great service to our clients and mentoring staff members of our team.” Outside work, Delgadillo enjoys volunteering, involving himself in causes “related to providing first generation students access to a college education, as well as providing access to sports to the youth.” In his spare time, you’ll find Delgadillo cooking, spending time with his wife, or working on a home renovation project – which sometimes gets tricky. “I have a knack for turning a small, weekend home project to a larger project that I then find myself regretting even starting, because it takes too much time to finish,” he says with a laugh.
KENNY CONRAD, 36 TULSA
President, Conrad’s Roofing
& Construction
Kenny Conrad – president of Tulsa-based Conrad’s Roofing and Construction – is serious about providing top-quality services for his loyal clientele. “Every single roof is backed by my name: Conrad,” he says. “ I have only one option available for myself and every roof we touch – my word and my work.” As the company’s namesake and leader, Conrad’s days are spent troubleshooting any and all issues related to the business, which provides everything from total roof replacements to leak repairs and premium gutter installations. His favorite aspect of the job, he says, is simple: “Helping people. Giving back to the community. I am good with people and love talking to people. Roofing allows me to help everyone.” The leader of a growing business, Conrad says his greatest achievement at work is “molding young men into leaders for our community.” Alongside providing leading roofing services to Tulsans, Conrad’s team is passionate about giving back. “We have given cars away, and supported the Girl and Boy Scouts, Miss Oklahoma, the Be Heard Movement and school sports teams,” he says. “Helping our community makes me a better person.” Outside work, you’ll find Conrad at the gym, writing books (of which he has already published two), or in his happy place: “In my rocking chair in front of the fireplace.”
BRITTANIE WHITE, 35 BARNSDALL
Training and Development Specialist, Ross Group
At Ross Group, Brittanie White is “responsible for ensuring the development of our employees,” she says, which includes required training for new hires and human relations work. “I love the people I get to work with every day,” she says. “I’m lucky to have worked here for 13 years and have cultivated strong relationships with the employees.” A self-described ‘people person,’ White says her proudest moments at work are “when my field staff feel comfortable enough to ask me for help in some of their daily tasks. I love being the go-to person for them.” White, born and raised in Barnsdall, gives back to her community in her position on the board at Barnsdall Public Schools. “The school board has contributed an additional understanding of the difficulties that teachers and staff of public schools experience,” she says. “It makes me a better parent to see the other side of the coin.” Additionally, White is a basketball coach with BPS. “The basketball team has been a rewarding experience,” she says. “My son started playing this year. It’s fun to see his growth as well as the other kids.” On the weekends, you can find White at basketball games or practice, spending time with her husband and son, or participating in her favorite stress reliever: Decluttering!
TAYLOR CHINOWTH, 37 TULSA
Vice President and General Counsel, Chinowth & Cohen President, Elite Title Services
Taylor Chinowth, J.D., wears many hats in his roles at Chinowth & Cohen and Elite Title Services. He has a managerial role in all facets – from the real estate brokerage to the title, mortgage and property management companies, with a specific focus on providing legal guidance to his staff. Chinowth, who graduated from TU with his law degree, says he most loves having the opportunity “to help people with multiple aspects of buying, owning and selling their homes, commercial properties and real estate investments; it’s incredibly rewarding.” A third generation real estate pro, Chinowth grew up in his grandfather’s agency, then worked on staff for Chinowth & Cohen, which his mother, Sheryl, founded. “It has always been a part of my life, and from an early age, I was taught the importance of helping people with their homes, and often their largest investments,” he says. Chinowth supports a variety of nonprofits, but the American Heart Association, he says, “has always held a special significance, as my wife, Megan, was born with a heart defect that had to be repaired by surgery four years ago.” Off the clock, you’ll find Chinowth spending time with his wife and children, hiking, watching movies or playing hockey.
JOSH JACOX, 39 EDMOND
Senior Project Manager, Crossland Construction Company
Josh Jacox says he works with “some of the brightest, like-minded and determined people” in his role at Crossland Construction Company. His day-to-day consists of reviewing specific project processes, problem solving, managing finances, fixing scheduling issues and developing his office personnel. “I enjoy working puzzles,” he shares. “The construction process, whether it’s a new construction, remodel or just the pre-construction process, is just a fancy – and expensive – puzzle. There is some extreme satisfaction in solving problems and producing a product that is used by people, organizations or the communities in which we live.” Alongside solving these complex puzzles, Jacox says he’s most proud of the “development of our people – being able to sit down with new hires – often interns – and mentoring them in their careers.” Outside work, Jacox is a volunteer baseball coach, president of the Edmond Santa Fe Girls Golf Booster Club, and vice president of the Army Engineer Association. You’ll often find Jacox with his family, hunting or golfing; in fact, he and his father have a goal to play at every course in Oklahoma. Looking to the future, he’s most excited to develop land he purchased into a lake house and further his military career pursuit of becoming a Command Sergeants Major.
As an attorney for the largest Native American tribe in the country, Paiten Taylor-Qualls, J.D., loves that no two days are the same. “There are new issues coming through the door every single day, so the work never gets boring, and I’m forced to learn something new daily,” she says. With a bachelor’s degree in English, Taylor-Qualls says the written aspect of law drew her in. “Though most people think of oral advocacy when they hear someone is an attorney, I chose a career in the law because I love writing – and there are so few professions which still value the skill,” she says. “Being an attorney gives me the opportunity to write daily and never stop learning.” What makes her proudest about her job is her ability to give back to the place she calls home. “When I started law school, my singular goal was always to work for the Cherokee Nation, and I’m most proud that my work gives me the opportunity to make the place I grew up better,” she says. Taylor-Qualls, who went to college on a basketball scholarship, volunteers as a youth basketball coach, as well as a judge for the OBA High School Mock Trial programs. In her off hours, you’ll find her with her husband and two kids, gardening, working on home projects, traveling or collecting political campaign pinbacks.
JEFF BREEDLOVE, 37 BIXBY
Vice President of Preconstruction, Manhattan Road & Bridge
“The opportunity to play a role in building very tangible things, that you show your friends and family as you drive across our state and the states beyond, brings a lot of pride to us as contractors,” says Jeff Breedlove, who is the vice president of preconstruction at Manhattan Road and Bridge. Breedlove’s day-to-day consists of supporting a team of estimators, operations managers, schedulers and contract administrators in crafting detailed construction bids for his company. Breedlove, who played collegiate and professional baseball, says he loves the “competitive nature of bidding and the intense and immediate feedback. Competing against our peers in the industry, week in and week out, scratches the competitive itch and keeps our team sharp.” In fact, he says his proudest accomplishment at work is “overseeing the winning bids for the largest competitive bid projects in Oklahoma and Arkansas Department of Transportation history.” Outside MRB, Breedlove volunteers with Bixby Public Schools, Night Light Tulsa and as a youth coach. He’ll often be found traveling with his wife and kids, or at home, around the table for a great meal. “We love to plan ‘event’ meals and gettogethers for our friends and extended family,” he says.
ABBEY DAVIS, 39 STILLWATER
Executive Director of Organizational Development & Impact, AAON, Inc.
Leading a team of HR, learning and development, change management and corporate citizenship employees at AAON, Abbey Davis, Ph.D., says her favorite aspect of the job is providing career and growth opportunities to individuals who may not have otherwise had that kind of plan in place. “We are a fair chance employer and have team members from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds,” she says. “There are over 17 languages spoken in our Tulsa facility, which provides fulfilling challenges to how we connect, engage and develop our team members.” Davis, who has worked in energy, manufacturing and higher education, was drawn to AAON “due to the direct impact the industry has on workforce development in our state,” she says. Outside her work, Davis enjoys volunteerism efforts that center on addressing barriers people face to participating in the workforce. “This includes access to affordable childcare, disabilities, mental health, transportation, affordable housing, poverty and addiction,” she says. Davis also sits on the Stillwater Community Foundation board and teaches a class at Oklahoma State University as an adjunct professor. You’ll often find her with her husband and children exploring the great outdoors, hosting movie nights or traveling.
ABBEY SULLIVAN, 31 OKLAHOMA CITY Associate, NAI Red
Providing real estate brokerage services to buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords, Abbey Sullivan is dominating the OKC real estate market, specifically in Midtown, Bricktown and downtown neighborhoods. “I love collaborating with business owners and entrepreneurs and getting to be a part of their business’ vision and mission,” she says. “I also get to partner with my dad on a few projects, and learning the ins and outs of the business from him has been extremely beneficial.” For Sullivan, what makes her proudest about her job is that she is “helping shape the future of Oklahoma City and paving a way for other young professionals like myself in this industry. You really have to make a name for yourself, and I’m proud to say that’s exactly what I’m doing.” Outside work, Sullivan is involved with the Juliette Low Leadership Society. “Working with these ladies has shown me the countless hours, planning and creativity that goes into facilitating an incredible Fundraising event for our community,” she says. “This event supports Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma and raises funds to support vital programming for the next generation of Girl Scouts.” Sullivan, who is a self-declared “proud homebody,” can often be found relaxing at home with her boyfriend, cats and German Shepherd puppy.
Photo by Ann Sherman.
AnnaVittoria Pickett Director of Exhibitions
MATT ATKINS, M.D., 37
EDMOND
Physician Executive and Associate Chief Medical Officer for Adult Services, OU Health; Section Chief of Hospital Medicine, OU College of Medicine
Matt Atkins, M.D., describes himself as “fiercely loyal” to the state of Oklahoma, which is why he’s at OU Health, “deeply committed to the promises of academic medicine. OU Health, in partnership with the OU College of Medicine, is the premier academic health system in the state of Oklahoma, and I wake up every day motivated to deliver those promises to this state that I love.” In his day-to-day, Atkins acts as the senior physician on the leadership team, overseeing the operations for both the flagship and Edmond locations of OU Health Medical Center. “I have accountability for ensuring our medical services provide efficient, safe, quality and patient-centric care to any person who comes through our doors.” Entering the medical field was a no-brainer for Atkins. “I obtained my EMT license during college and worked part-time in the Stillwater Medical Center emergency room,” he says. “That’s when I really confirmed my passion for healthcare. The profession of medicine uniquely combines the ability to solve complex problems using science, help others, make a good living and do it all with a deep sense of duty.” Off the clock, Atkins can be found spending time with his wife and kids, at his church, or supporting volunteer causes like City Center, YWCA and the OKC Memorial Marathon.
ELI POTTS, 35 BIXBY
Vice President and Commercial Lender, BancFirst Member of Congress, The Osage Nation
BRITTNEY DRISKILL, 38 OWASSO
Senior Project Manager, Flintco
As a senior project manager, Brittney Driskill oversees a variety of commercial construction projects, ensuring her team operates effectively to deliver high-quality, financially sound results. “My goal is to build projects that not only meet expectations, but exceed them in creating lasting value for the community,” she says. Having that community impact, Driskill mentions, is what she enjoys most about her job. “I love that my work directly contributes to making our community a better place. Whether it’s building a school, an early childhood facility like Little Light House, or a healthcare center, seeing the tangible, positive impact of these projects is deeply rewarding.” To understand where Driskill’s passion for construction comes from, you’d need to go back to her middle school days, when she attended mission trips in Mexico. “We built small, two room homes for families in need, and seeing the transformative impact of even a modest home inspired me to pursue a career in construction.” Outside the office, Driskill is involved with the Owasso Education Foundation, Leadership Owasso and the Owasso Chamber of Commerce. On weekends, Driskill says “you’ll usually find my husband, Brent, and me cheering on our three young boys at their favorite sports, or creating memories on the golf course.”
Helping the little guy, Eli Potts says, is his favorite aspect of both his job at BancFirst and his role in the Osage Nation’s congress. As a commercial lender, Potts provides capital for business owners to benefit the local economy. “My loans are not multi-million-dollar loans, and they aren’t expected to be,” he shares. “I look for small business loans; think Main Street, not Wall Street.” Within the Osage Nation, Potts works diligently for his people day-in and day-out. “I’ve had the honor of raising our Nation’s minimum wage, sponsoring a law to provide storm shelters to our people, and extended sexual harassment protections of the 1964 Civil Rights Act to the employees of the Osage Nation,” he says. “Every day is a new project, an opportunity to serve and a chance to learn something I didn’t know.” Outside work, Potts has volunteered extensively with YMCA’s Youth and Government Program mentoring children. “Investing in the future of Oklahoma by mentoring kids is some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done,” he says. Additionally, Potts is passionate about political advocacy, particularly surrounding tribal sovereignty in Oklahoma. In his off hours, you’ll find Potts spending time with his wife and children or watching his favorite show: The West Wing
NORA BAKER, D.O., 39
TULSA
Urologist, Warren Clinic Urology
& Saint Francis Hospital
Urologist Nora Baker, D.O., says her biggest point of pride when it comes to her work is “helping someone who has been to several physicians without any success, and we are able to find a solution,” she says. “There are many difficult problems in medicine, and sometimes it just takes a fresh perspective.” In her day-to-day, Baker focuses on everything from kidney stones to tumors of the urinary tract and female pelvic health. “Sometimes I refer to us as the plumbers of the urinary system, but we really do so much more,” she says. “My focus is with women’s health.” As a surgeon, Baker says the best advice she has received is to control everything she can – and let go of what she can’t. “Surgery can be incredibly stressful,” she shares. “My responsibility is to control everything within my power by providing the highest quality care. However, I must also accept that some factors will always be beyond my control. I cannot allow those uncertainties to dictate my mental well-being or affect the care I provide to others. Instead, I focus on what I can do – staying prepared, making informed decisions and remaining present for my patients.” Outside work, you’ll find Baker spending time with her husband and two daughters, heading to Grand Lake, traveling or trying new Tulsa restaurants.
NICK CONNER, 38 VERDIGRIS
Architect and Senior Associate, KKT Architects, Inc.
When Nick Conner was a child, he says, he got “lots of LEGOs for my birthday and Christmas. I was always designing houses and cruise ships when I was young.” Diving into architecture, then, was a natural fit. In his role at KKT, Conner manages various healthcare projects, “leading all phases of design from early planning to project turnover,” he says. “I love building relationships and getting to know my coworkers and clients.” What makes him proudest about his job is “hearing stories about how the spaces we design are used by healthcare professionals to save lives.” While the job can require Conner to wear many hats, he says that the secret to his success is keeping calm and remembering that “a bunch of small steps get the job done.” Looking towards the future, Conner is excited to continue to grow in his knowledge of architecture and project management. “I would like to improve my networking skills and plan on getting more involved with the local architecture community,” he says. Outside work, Conner spends time at his church and volunteers with Hospitality House of Tulsa, picking up laundry. “I love that family members in crisis have clean sheets to lay on,” he says. On the weekends, you’ll find Conner at home with his family. “We enjoy playing board games and watching movies,” he says.
KELSEY R. PAYTON, 34 TULSA
Attorney,
Franden, Farris, Quillin, Goodnight, Roberts & Ward
Defense attorney Kelsey R. Payton, J.D., specializes in trucking litigation, representing motor carriers, insurance companies and commercial drivers “in complex legal matters arising from accidents and claims,” she says. “I love the complexity and fastpaced nature of my job. It can be stressful at times, but I am constantly learning and growing, which is very rewarding.” Payton, whose father is also an attorney, says entering into the world of law “came to me naturally. I have always been analytical and I love learning, so law school was an obvious next step after undergrad.” If she weren’t practicing law, Payton says she’d be running a no-kill animal shelter, which dovetails nicely with her volunteerism efforts as a foster at Puppy Haven Rescue. “I actually adopted my first two fosters,” she says, “which some would say is a foster fail – I’d say it’s a foster win!” In her off-hours, you’ll often find her at Puppy Haven’s adoption events or spending time with her dogs. “If it’s football season, you can also find me cheering on my alma mater on Saturdays – Boomer Sooner – and tracking my fantasy football team on Sundays.” Every spring, Payton also plants a milkweed garden and orders Monarch caterpillars. “I get to watch them grow from tiny caterpillars to beautiful butterflies, and it is fascinating,” she says.
JEROD WILKINS, 37 CHICKASHA
DERRICK STANLEY, 39 TERESITA
Senior Director of Accounting and Finance, Cherokee Nation Culture and Economic Development
In his day-to-day, Derrick Stanley supports the financial needs of Cherokee Nation Businesses and helps “ensure that we advance CNB’s overall mission to promote the economic well-being of Cherokee Nation by delivering tremendous value to our customers, communities and the markets we serve,” he says. This specifically comes into play in supporting robust tourism offerings, working to reclaim Native narratives and increase Native representation in TV and film, and concentrating efforts to exercise tribal sovereignty and promote food security. “Working for CED is the most rewarding job I can imagine,” he says. “As a Cherokee Nation citizen, I am a stakeholder, and I have watched the impact from our businesses grow throughout my life. The jobs we create and sustain are crucial to the economic health of our Reservation. I know that as my kids grow up, they can choose just about any profession and have the opportunity to stay within our Reservation working for our tribe if they so choose.” Outside work, Stanley is a volunteer coach and enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family, traveling cross-country to attend their sporting events. He’s most looking forward to watching his children succeed. “I really look forward to seeing what they end up doing with their lives,” he says.
Civil Engineer and Executive Vice President of Operations,
Hudson Prince Engineering & Inspection
In school, Jerod Wilkins says his favorite subject was math “because it taught repeatable processes applicable to any problem,” he says. “To me, engineering is about mastering various processes and applying them to solve complex challenges.”
Now, as an engineer and the executive vice president of operations at Hudson Prince Engineering, Wilkins spends his days overseeing the company’s operations, ensuring efficiency, profitability and strategic growth. “By developing and implementing long-term operational strategies, I align the company’s goals with the industry’s best practices while continuously improving efficiency,” he says. When it comes to his job, Wilkins says he most loves “seeing the results from strategic plans that are implemented by leadership.” Hudson Prince, Wilkins mentions, has seen great growth over the last few years. Wilkins is proud to be the first full-time employee of the firm, which has grown to over 20 associates in three years. Outside the office, you’ll often find Wilkins with his family or coaching two of his kids’ youth soccer teams. He’s also an outdoor enthusiast, spending time at the lake, the mountains and the beach, showing off his surfing and snowboarding skills.
ONIKAH ASAMOA-CAESAR, 35 TULSA
Entrepreneur, Founder/Owner, Fulton Street Books & Coffee
Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, founder/owner of Fulton Street Books & Coffee, is dedicated to centering “the voices, narratives and lived experiences of Black, Brown, Indigenous, queer and otherwise marginalized voices,” she says. “I oversee business operations, curate book selections and organize events that foster conversation and connection. I also build community partnerships, drive initiatives like Buy Black Tulsa, and create programs that promote social impact.” At the center of Asamoa-Caesar’s passion is “sharing literacy as a liberatory tool. Our stories are transformative, and seeing folks realize the power of their story is gold.” Through Fulton Street, Asamoa-Caesar has launched initiatives like Fill Our Classrooms with Stories and organized events like Black Lit Weekend, but says her proudest accomplishment is simply “seeing people walk into Fulton Street, feel seen and know they belong. Seeing people find books that resonate with them, watching kids light up during story time or helping authors get their work into the hands of readers reminds me why I do this.” Outside work, Asamoa-Caesar sits on the board of Reading Partners, which pairs Tulsans with students to create “more equitable access to literacy for our youngest learners,” she says. On the weekends, you’ll find her spending time with her child, cooking, hiking and traveling.
MILA ZHU, 37 DURANT Professor,
SARAH UMSTED, 31 DURANT
Program Manager, Choctaw Nation/Choctaw Nation Cultural Center
Sarah Umsted operates with a mission to share the Chahta Nowvt Aya (Choctaw journey) by providing enriching educational experiences for tribal citizens, associates and guests in the Education Department at the Choctaw Nation Cultural Center. A graphic artist and book designer, Umsted loves the opportunity to work for her tribe and community. “It allows me to connect with our heritage while serving our people in a meaningful way,” she says. “Every effort I make is about more than just today; it’s about thinking of future generations and embracing our role as the new ancestors, honoring our traditions while building a legacy.” Umsted mentions her greatest achievement at work is using her artistic abilities to help preserve and share culture. “Through working on numerous cultural projects, I’ve been able to contribute my knowledge while also learning from others. This role has allowed me to collaborate with incredibly talented individuals.” Outside work, Umsted is passionate about animal rescue, advocating for spaying/ neutering and fostering. “These causes are incredibly close to my heart, as I believe that every animal deserves compassion and the chance to live a healthy life,” she says. You’ll often find Umsted with her husband and three rescue dogs, spending time outdoors or crocheting.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Mila Zhu, Ph.D., M.Ed., describes herself as a “teacher’s teacher.” Her work at SOSU “revolves around preparing future educators for the evolving demands of teaching and learning. My role blends instruction, curriculum development, mentorship and research, with a strong focus on innovative pedagogy, digital learning and interdisciplinary approaches.” Like many good educators, Zhu understands that teaching and learning are inseparable. “Every interaction in the classroom is a dialogue, a space where knowledge is not transferred, but co-constructed,” she says. “Every time I guide students toward new insights, I am learning just as much from their perspectives, experiences and questions.” Zhu says her proudest achievement to date is creating learning spaces “where students feel empowered to challenge norms and explore new pedagogical possibilities.” Outside the classroom, Zhu continues her advocacy for education equity, interdisciplinary research and mentorship – “whether it’s guiding emerging educators, advocating for more inclusive pedagogy, or contributing to community-driven learning projects.” In her off hours, you’ll often find Zhu spending time at home with her kids, immersed in a game or composing music, as she is also an accomplished pianist.
CHRISTINE BEESON, D.O., 35 TULSA
Assistant Professor & Child Abuse Pediatrician, OU-TU School of Community Medicine
For Christine Beeson, D.O., protecting children and ensuring their voices are heard is the cornerstone of her work. As an assistant professor and child abuse pediatrician, Beeson cares for children who have been subjected to abuse or neglect, as well as kids in out-of-home placements like foster care. Additionally, she oversees the education of OU-TU’s fellowship program and does trainings for students, social workers and law enforcement. “I love the work I do, and I love my supportive and encouraging work environment,” she says. “The people I work alongside are passionate about protecting children, and are all true heroes.” Beeson was drawn to this specialty, she says, “because of my own experience navigating the adoption of two of my daughters. Seeing it firsthand lit a fire in me to give a voice to children in these situations.” Outside the clinic, Beeson volunteers at Fostering Connections, a resource center for kids in foster care, which offered her family support when they were fostering. After work, Beeson can often be found acting as a “dedicated chauffeur, shuttling my kids between their various activities.” She also enjoys rock climbing with her husband, baking and singing Taylor Swift with her four daughters, playing the oboe and participating in marathons.
Congratulations to Marc Kulick, Founder and CEO of Vesta Capital, on being named to Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40! His leadership has grown Vesta to 39 multifamily properties in the Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Wichita, and Little Rock markets, setting a standard for quality living. In 2024, Vesta was proudly certified as a Great Place To Work®, reflecting his commitment to excellence. We celebrate Marc’s success and Vesta’s bright future!
Congratulations to Kenneth Conrad for being named in Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2025!
OLIVIA MOORE, D.O., 31 STILLWATER
Anesthesiologist, Stillwater Medical Center
To say that Olivia Moore, D.O., balanced a lot of plates during her medical training would be an understatement. “I had three children during my eight years of training and still managed to be at the top of my class in both medical school and residency, even serving as chief resident six months after having my third baby,” she says. “Medical training and raising young children are both challenging by themselves, so I am proud that I was able to succeed and excel while experiencing the most difficult times of my professional and personal life simultaneously.” Now, as an anesthesiologist, Moore cares for patients before, during and after their surgeries, ensuring their comfort and well-being. “I love performing procedures and providing active, hands-on care,” she says. “I have had days where I have taken care of a newborn, premature baby followed by a 99-year-old!” Using her medical skills outside the hospital, Moore has also gone on several international medical mission trips. “We are extremely fortunate here in the U.S., and it is hard to fully conceptualize until you have seen such severe poverty first hand,” she says. On the weekends, you’ll find Moore spending time with her family, attending her children’s extracurriculars, exploring the great outdoors or playing her favorite instrument: the piano.
KELLY WILLIAMS, 39 OKLAHOMA CITY
Chief Innovation Officer, The City of Oklahoma City
For Kelly Williams, Ph.D., being the Chief Innovation Officer for the City of OKC is unique because, as she explains it, “I’m not in charge of anybody or anything. That means that everything I can get done in my job is through collaboration. Folks work with me because they want to, because I’ve found a way to make something better for them or for our residents – ideally both – and they see value in putting in the work together to make a change.” Williams spends her days working with people across the city to identify these opportunities for innovative improvements. “I love that I am always getting to learn new things in this job! I get to meet a lot of very different people and work on a lot of really interesting projects,” she says. Whether in her job or outside work, developing the next generation of young minds is important to Williams. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities for personal growth and development because the folks ahead of me took the time to invest in me, teach me, challenge me and help me grow,” she says. “Because of that, I put a lot of time into mentorship, especially through programs at work or through Leadership OKC.” Off the clock, you’ll find Williams with her family, cooking, reading, playing games or appreciating OKC’s food scene.
ISHANI PATEL, O.D., 30
LAWTON
Optometrist, Complete EyeCare
What makes Ishani Patel, O.D., proudest of being an optometrist? Easy – saving lifes. “Every day, optometrists detect cancers, help manage diabetes and high blood pressure, and help prevent blindness,” she says. “There’s nothing more rewarding than catching a tumor or helping a child see for the first time. The gratitude they have makes you remember why you wake up everyday and come into work.” In fact, her greatest achievement as an optometrist thus far is diagnosing a melanoma in a patient’s eye. “We were able to catch it early enough to where it wouldn’t affect her vision and it hadn’t spread to the rest of her body,” she says. Alongside finding and treating serious diseases, Patel also fits people with glasses, performs laser treatments to manage glaucoma and educates patients on eye health. “I love that everyday is a new challenge and no two people are the same,” she says. “I love that I can potentially help people achieve better qualities of life with something as simple as a pair of glasses or contacts.” Outside the office, Patel volunteers at youth homes, domestic violence shelters and animal shelters. “They’ve all taught me empathy, patience and kindness,” she says. You’ll often find Patel spending time with her pets, exploring Lawton and nearby towns, working out or cooking.
SHANNA PADGHAM, 38 CRESCENT
Professor & Chair of Political Science, Oklahoma City Community College
Shanna Padgham, Ph.D., spends her days at OCCC teaching political science courses and “maintaining the structural needs of the program – such as setting up class schedules, supervising faculty and connecting students to opportunities beyond the classroom.” What she loves most about her position is easy to pinpoint: “The students! I get the opportunity to meet and work with so many students each year. They are a lot of fun to know and give me so much hope for the future,” she says. Padgham, who has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in environmental science, says she always thought she would work in environmental consulting. However, “after finishing graduate school at Texas Tech, I joined the OCCC faculty,” she says. “Teaching has become an incredibly fulfilling career.” For her efforts, she was honored with OCCC’s President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2023. Padgham spends many of her off-hours volunteering with CASA for Kids, which advocates for abused and neglected children. “Knowing that I am able to contribute in my small way to an organization that does such important work on behalf of children is deeply meaningful to me,” she says. You’ll also find her spending time with her husband and kids, at book club gatherings, beekeeping, or networking with her Leadership OKC class.
CREATING YOUR DREAM HOME
Spring welcomes beautiful blooms, nicer weather, an occasional sneeze or two, and sometimes, that all-consuming urge to transform your living space. If you’re ready to embark on a remodeling project, big or small, local professionals offer crucial advice before the first swing of the hammer or stroke of the paint brush.
By Tracy LeGrand
Protecting Yourself and Your Home
Embarking on long-anticipated renovation projects means first hiring vetted remodelers, contractors, designers and other professionals. Oklahoma’s local pros share some advice before you start – including ensuring these professionals are insured, licensed and local; confirming specific payment methods and their timing; and researching heavily, including seeking out word-of-mouth recommendations.
General contractor Kent Hoffman, owner of OKC’s Hoffman Group, says that before landing on a professional, try to get at least three references, taking the time to speak with each of those clients about their entire experience.
“Hopefully you know someone who has used them recently,” he says. “Check the Better Business Bureau, get a bank reference letter and ask to see two or three recent jobs.”
Mike Means, Oklahoma State Home Builders Association’s executive vice president, recommends “going to association websites and seeing their members who do renovations or construction. I also suggest doing searches and then visiting the websites and/or social media pages of those who intrigue you. As an association, we push our members to have a functioning website and/or social media page. In today’s world, 80% plus begin their projects – buying a home, building a home, remodeling – by starting online.”
Means agrees that references should always be utilized if given.
“Call them! I would not spend thousands of dollars without finding out from their references what kind of contractor they were,” he says. “Make sure they provide a written contract. Make sure they will build to code. And be wary if they ask for too much up front – there should be a clear schedule of when certain payments are made; for example, after obtaining necessary permits, after a foundation is poured, after framing or after drywall.”
Renovations & Home Value
It’s no wonder that the highlight of every home renovation TV episode is witnessing the return on investment after all the hard work put in. Getting that ‘bang for your buck’ is, after all, crucial to a successful renovation.
Local pros answer those burning questions: What should you renovate to increase home value? Where should you be investing the most time? Which rooms and specific projects are going to reap the biggest benefits?
Hoffman says most homes sell based on price-per-squarefoot, so adding well-utilized square footage may amplify your ROI.
Bill Powers, owner of Tulsa based Powers Design and Build, agrees that the “number one investment for home ROI increase is to add on any living space, or even a larger garage. Kitchen
renovation and master bath – anything [with a] bath – are all good returns on money.” Other value boosters, Powers shares, include closets and energy saving improvements like windows, insulation and lighting.
“Almost everyone agrees that the best way to increase your value, and get a return on your investment, is to renovate the kitchen and the bathrooms,” says Means. “Bringing those up to a more modern design really helps. Paint is one that helps more than many realize – getting up to date on colors is an inexpensive way to upgrade. And don’t shortcut yourself; be sure it is quality paint and is done professionally. Another one I will add is outdoor living space. This is a big trend in today’s environment.”
For some, a swimming pool is a luxury add-on; for others, it’s an expensive hole in the backyard.
“A swimming pool is one that won’t get you much increase in value or return on your investment, as it is truly a preference item,” says Means. “Some people want them, many do not.”
Do It Yourself, or Hire a Pro?
To DIY or not to DIY is certainly the question – especially when it comes to (seemingly) simpler projects such as upgrading fixtures, adding a backsplash or installing crown molding. Some projects can be done without the help of professionals –but which ones are they?
Hoffman says this depends totally on the talents of the homeowner. Painting is the obvious activity that many can pull off (just don’t skimp on primer and paint quality) while tile setting and carpentry will depend on skill level and tools available. Plumbing and electrical projects generally need inspections, and bad work can become a liability.
“Unless you are really good at doing something, if you are doing it to add value or for resale, then I recommend a professional,” says Means. “If you are just upgrading and plan to remain in the project for the near foreseeable future, then painting or updating fixtures or appliances is not too bad. Crown molding is harder than most people realize – as is adding a backsplash.”
Budgeting for Your Renovations
Every dollar of a renovation project, including a built-in contingency fund allocation, is ideally spent in a smart, thrifty manner. Creating a realistic budget, attending building supply auctions, repurposing materials and sourcing recycled material when possible – including using your contractors’ left-over materials if they’re amenable – are all money-saving hacks. Additionally, find out when a contractor tends to have lulls and ‘quiet seasons’ to optimize your budget.
Most of all, the pros emphasize having an ironclad plan in place.
“Have a plan, a good plan,” says Hoffman. “Without a plan, money gets wasted and the job moves slowly, which adds to cost. Take advantage of big box stores for good, lesser priced materials.”
Means continues: “Develop a complete plan with your contractor. Don’t start a project and then change and add as you go. Changing orders costs time and money and can sometimes interfere with ongoing work.”
What To Know Before You Start
Before you demolish walls or even patch the first wall, make sure all your permits are in place, your home is prepared for your projects, and that possible weather complications are factored into timelines and budgets.
“Know your budget and include a contingency,” says Means. “I would also ask for a fixed price contract. Some contractors will ask for a cost-plus, which is O.K., but again, you need to have a plan and stick to it.”
Hoffman agrees and says “a future homebuyer generally pays more for quality work and records. Use experienced professionals if possible, and check with the local authority/ building department to confirm if a permit is needed. Definitely develop a budget prior to beginning the project. Get estimates from the general contractor or from the subcontractors you are having price the project. Make sure all subcontractors get permits and have their work inspected.”
Ask the Pros: Most Common Projects
For a variety of reasons, some home renovation projects are more popular than others. Contractors hope that homeowners get their wants and wishes satisfied at every turn, but suggest adjusting expectations and keeping things realistic, too.
“Homeowners today have access to every type of home and remodeling project,” says Hoffman. “We are asked to do every type of project. In general, kitchens, baths, updating of living areas, and outdoor living and pool additions are the most common. Good craftsmanship takes time, so if high quality is the goal, then customers need to understand the process and the pace of work.”
Powers adds that heated floors in master bathrooms are currently a sought-after feature he’s seeing a lot.
Means continues: “In today’s aging population, the biggest request is to make a home livable as we age – what we call aging in place,” he says. “We have a list of contractors who have the Certified Aging in Place designation and understand what is needed. For these common projects, what do they wish clients would know before getting started? There will be delays – period.”
Should You Stay or Should You Go?
Homeowners ask themselves the age-old question – “Should I stay, or should I go?” –during renovations, trying to balance saving money by staying in place versus the often more comfortable option of finding shelter in a rental or bunking with friends or family.
Whether to stay or leave “depends so much on the scope of the project,” says Hoffman. “Generally, it will be quite clear if the owners can stay in the home. There are times during demolition, painting and flooring where staying in the home is not safe. Perhaps the work can be done in phases, which will extend the total time, but the owners might be able to adapt and stay at home. If schedules are totally upside down and the temporary living conditions are rough, sanity could be elusive.”
Means says that if the project is an addon, you have to consider access to the addition coming from within the home and says that no matter the project, “be prepared for noise, dust and commotion!”
Taste
FOOD, DRINK AND OTHER PLEASURES
Unlike Any Other
With a new owner at the helm, lauded OKC mainstay Nonesuch continues to astound its diners.
“How did Oklahoma City’s Nonesuch, a 22-seat tasting-menu spot from three chefs whom no one has ever heard of, in a city that no national critic has ever paid attention to, become America’s best new restaurant?”
Thus read the overlong headline printed in 2018 in Bon Appetit magazine about New American restaurant Nonesuch.
It was a photo he came across by chance on Instagram that impelled the editor-in-chief of Bon Appetit to fly from New York to Oklahoma City and try Nonesuch on a whim. He found three young chefs who foraged every week in state parks for rare delicacies – such as poor man’s pepper and Queen Anne’s lace – planned their ever-changing menus over steaming bowls of pho in a nearby Vietnamese diner, and used novel ingredients, like grilled chicken hearts, coriander flowers and cow’s colostrum custard. All from Oklahoma, these chefs combined their talents with strange, pioneering techniques to produce
unexpected, complex flavors that clearly made quite the impression.
At about the same time, Moore native Garrett Hare, also incredibly young, was at cooking school in New York City. He interned at Babbo, a lauded West Village Italian spot, worked in Colorado, then ended up with a job at Nonesuch.
“It was very loud, very fast-paced, very intense. It was everything I needed,” says Hare, who today is the executive chef of Nonesuch, a restaurant which has just been named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award given annually to the best restaurant in the United States.
At Nonesuch, dishes evolve with the seasons. Catfish, once dressed with fermented greens, is, when the greens run out, served with garlic. Similarly, the restaurant has evolved. At least 80% of ingredients are still Oklahoma sourced, but a recent dish used imported octopus coated with a glistening black Mexican molé made from beet trimmings, squid ink and preserved fried chiles. Today, no ingredient, no cuisine, is off limits.
Some things, however, don’t change.
“It’s definitely a collaborative kitchen,”
says Hare. When a new dish is created or an old dish is modified, everyone has input. People learn, grow and blossom on the job.
“It’s been so rewarding,” says Hare, “watching people progress.”
Another constant: “We never think of things in the box,” says Hare. This inventive mindset is propelled with a fascination for all things pickled, cured and fermented; the dehydrator works overtime. Shiitake mushrooms are fermented, and the juice seasons a soup. Then the mushrooms are smoked and dehydrated, the resulting powder used to flavor an-
OKC's Nonesuch offers a prix fixe and a la carte menu, with a focus on complex, unexpected flavors. Photos by Rachel Minick
A seasonal, always-fresh menu ensures the team at Nonesuch constantly thinks outside the box.
other course. They make koji, an ancient Japanese technique for cultivating edible mold and using it to make miso.
“It’s a labor of love,” explains Hare. “It takes months and months of work.”
Last year, the James Beard Award for best restaurateur went to Kelly Whitaker in Colorado. An Oklahoma native, Whitaker acquired Nonesuch a few months later. It’s a happy deal.
Whitaker’s interests are so aligned with Nonesuch that, had he not been a restaurateur, Hare would surely have hired him as a chef. Whitaker is smart enough not to tamper with genius.
“He’s very collaborative,” says Hare, “offering his group’s resources to help us achieve our full potential.”
Whitaker, like Hare, is big on preservation and zero waste. He’s brought a mill down from Colorado. Now they can make their own bread with local grains. He’s also installed a huge Japanese robata grill, and the team has been experimenting with smoke: smoked peppers, smoked butter, fish, tallow. Whitaker, Hare enthuses, “brings energy, pushes us to think outside the box, think about every aspect of service. He’s just what this restaurant needed.”
Garrett Hare, executive chef at Nonesuch, says the addition of new owner Kelly Whitaker has taken the restaurant to new heights.
‘Never Going to Miss’
If standard fine dining restaurants are producing waltzes and sonatas, chef Zach Pittman and his team are creating pure jazz.
Zach Pittman’s biological father was a chef, taking him to work and plying with him with sweet gooey desserts – and perhaps it’s from him that Zach inherited the love and joy of cooking. But Zach’s adopted father and grandfather were architects, designing buildings intended to last and bring beauty to generations to come. From them, he learned to set his sights on excellence and greatness.
Pittman got his first job as a server in high school because he desperately wanted a car. One day a cook didn’t show up and he volunteered to fill the spot.
“And I loved it!” he recalls. “It was the joy of making someone happy. They eat, they smile – you don’t need to know language to know you’ve done good work.”
And he was hooked. Years later, he was
accepted by the Texas branch of America's premier cooking school, the Culinary Institute of America. After that, he worked for several of Texas’ finest restaurants, learning just how much work it takes to reach a true level of excellence.
“To be special,” he says, “you must be able to do work other people don’t want to do.”
Now, Pittman has reached the level to which he aspired. He works for chef Lisa Becklund – who is currently a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award given to the best chef in the United States. Pittman is chef de cuisine at Tulsa’s FarmBar, responsible for the daily operation of a restaurant whose ten course tasting menus have received national attention.
“What we are doing at FarmBar,” Pittman explains, “is using produce grown exclusively in Oklahoma and its six neighboring states, and highlighting their fullest potential. It’s mostly vegetables; we’re very produce-forward. We gain our inspiration from Oklahoma’s culinary history, from all the different peoples who have lived here.”
Talk to Pittman and it quickly becomes apparent that FarmBar employs – and indeed, revels in – culinary techniques and combinations that most chefs couldn’t dream of. If standard fine dining restaurants are producing waltzes and sonatas, these guys are playing jazz. What makes that happen?
“It’s my team,” explains Pittman. “Lisa and I cultivate a work experience that makes people care. So I’ve got a bunch of people nutty about food getting together and geeking out for hours. When that happens, it’s jazz, it’s beautiful, and you’re never going to miss.”
The hallmark of a great chef, Pittman
says, is simplicity. He told me about a pasta dish he’s made with only six ingredients: beef, flour, eggs, onions, herbs and cheese. And while the ingredients are simple, the process is not. He slow-cooks beef heart and tail in simmering tallow. He makes a mousse of the liver, and a sausage from trimmings. He blends all the meat to create a stuffing for the pasta, which he makes by hand using beetroot. This is served with smoked onion broth and topped with cheese from a family dairy in Missouri. This, all for one course on a tasting menu; it's evident they love what they do at FarmBar.
Becklund and her team are opening a new restaurant on Cherry Street, called Cow & Cabbage, and Pittman will be chef de cuisine. It will serve the same kind of locally sourced cuisine as FarmBar, but you won’t need to order a tasting menu.
And the quality? Pittman points to something his grandfather wrote about architecture, a sort of family motto which, if you substitute “produce” for “product,” applies equally, he says, to his approach to cooking.
“We want to do what’s right for the land, what’s right for the project and what’s right for the client,” he shares. “If we go into it with that in mind, we always end up with something beautiful.”
BRIAN SCHWARTZ
Chef Zach Pittman is slated to become the chef de cuisine at Cow & Cabbage, a soon-to-open, locally sourced restaurant on Cherry Street. Photos by Stephanie Phillips
Where & When
GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA
EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.
IN TULSA Performances
Tulsa Ballet presents: The Three Musketeers April 3-6 Tulsa PAC Swashbuckling adventure swings into the Tulsa PAC. For the first time in more than a decade, Tulsa Ballet is proud to bring The Three Musketeers back to the stage! tulsaballet.org
Dream Catcher: The Ray Scott Story April 4-6 Tulsa PAC Get ready to witness an unforgettable celebration of vision, determination and the birth of a sport beloved by millions. This original musical takes you on the inspiring journey of Ray Scott, the man who transformed a rainy-day idea into the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. tulsapac.com
Penmbroke Players presents: Two Gentlemen of Verona April 10-13 Tulsa PAC This innovative adaptation reimagines the timeless tale of friendship, love and betrayal through the lens of modern college life, where social media reigns and TikTok sets the stage for a whirlwind of emotions. tulsapac.com
Theatre Tulsa presents: Hello, Dolly April 11-20 Tulsa PAC Enjoy the magic of love and laughter as matchmaker Dolly Levi works her charms in Hello, Dolly! theatretulsa. org
Tulsa Symphony Orchestra presents: Dvorak and Strauss April 12 Tulsa PAC Gerard Schwarz returns for an evening of lively and vivid orchestral music. The performance begins with Dvořák’s joyful Carnival Overture, followed by Hanson’s Symphony No. 2, and ends with Schwarz's arrangement of Strauss’ Suite from Der Rosenkavalier. tulsasymphony. org
Jeff Arcuri April 12 River Spirit Casino Resort The Chicago Tribune calls Jeff Arcuri “a joke machine,” but he’s not! He’s a person! Jeff has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central’s Roast Battle and a plethora of comedy festivals around the country. riverspirittulsa.com
Celebrity Attractions presents: Back to the Future the Musical April 15-20 Tulsa PAC When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself ... back to the
PERFORMANCE
The Arts in Bloom
Spring has sprung in Oklahoma! What better way to celebrate than by dabbling in the arts?
BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL
At the Tulsa PAC, Tulsa Ballet brings back The Three Musketeers for the first time in more than a decade, running April 3-6. Stick around the venue for Theatre Tulsa’s Hello, Dolly! from April 11-20, as well as Tulsa Symphony’s Dvorak and Strauss performance April 12. Other PAC goodies include the beloved Back to the Future the Musical, zooming into town April 15-20 courtesy Celebrity Attractions, as well as Chamber Music Tulsa’s presentation of the Kenari Quartet on April 27. Fans of stand-up should head to River Spirit Casino Resort on April 12 for comedian Jeff Arcuri. Others will surely enjoy Tulsa Opera’s Dvorak Stabat Mater on April 26 at Holy Family Cathedral.
In OKC, the Civic Center welcomes plenty of on-stage entertainment. Start with Some Like It Hot courtesy OKC Broadway, April 1-6, then try Classical Arts Entertainment’s The Sleeping Beauty on April 3. The OKC Phil welcomes two showcases this month: The Music of Tina Turner on April 11-12, and World Premiere! on April 19. Round out the Civic Center’s April schedule with OKC Broadway’s second showcase for the month: & Juliet, running April 29-May 4. Comedy fans should venture to the Paycom Center for Tom Segura (April 4) and Kevin Hart (April 10).
Around the state, Stillwater’s McKnight Center offers three shows: percussion and piano quartet Yarn/Wire on April 1; celebrated pianist Yefim Bronfman April 3; and the musical Mean Girls on April 15-16. Raodtrip to Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre for The Spongebob Musical through April 5, or enjoy the magical delights of Reza – Edge of Illusion, also on April 5 at Miami’s Coleman Theatre.
future. celebrityattractions.com
Tulsa Opera presents: Dvořák's Stabat Mater April 26 Holy Family Cathedral The opera tells the story of the crucifixion through the eyes of Mother Mary. tulsaopera.com
Chamber Music Tulsa presents: Kenari Quartet April 27 Tulsa PAC Kenari Quartet’s sold-out concerts in Tulsa in 2019 were a revelation. Their exhilarating performances and stunning musicality shattered assumptions about saxophones and their place in chamber music. Join Chamber Music Tulsa to celebrate their return! tulsapac.com
Concerts
Sammy Kershaw April 3 Iconic entertainer Sammy Kershaw has amassed three platinum and six gold albums that have scanned and streamed in excess of 5 million records and nearly 100 million combined songs sold. riverspirittulsa.com
Chris Cagle April 4 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa See the country crooner for one night only. hardrockcasinotulsa.com
Kelsea Ballerini April 5 BOK Center Country mega-star Kelsea Ballerini comes to Tulsa with special
guests, The Japanese House and MaRynn Taylor. bokcenter.com
Neon Trees April 10 Cains
Ballroom Enjoy the enticing pop punk sounds of Neon Trees. cainsballroom.com
Boyz II Men April 17 River Spirit Casino Resort Boyz II Men is a legendary R&B vocal group that has been captivating audiences worldwide for over three decades, comprised of Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman. riverspirittulsa.com
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo April 18 River Spirit Casino Resort In a pop culture world defined by its perpetual changes, the partnership of singer songwriter Pat Benatar and producer-musician Neil Giraldo has been a potent, steadfast union that has soared to the top of the charts. riverspirittulsa.com
Carly Pearce April 19 River Spirit Casino Resort Fiercely rooted in the classics, the girl who left her Kentucky home and high school at 16 to take a job at Dollywood has grown into a woman who embraces the genre’s forward progression. riverspirittulsa.com
Santana April 26 River Spirit Casino Resort For more than five decades - from Santana’s
earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco - Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural, and geographical boundaries. riverspirittulsa.com
Linkin Park April 28 BOK Center The time has come… Linkin Park is live at BOK Center on April 28. bokcenter.com
Art
Full Circle: Red Heat Collective April 4-May 24 108 Contemporary "Full Circle” refers to a group of artists who are interconnected and interdependent, where individuals contribute to the collective wellbeing and benefit from the support of others, creating a sense of belonging and shared responsibility, essentially completing a cycle of giving and receiving in a group, much like the circular motion of a full circle. 108contemporary.org
Theodore Fried: Art in Hiding Through June 6 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art The SMMJA is home to the world’s largest collection of work by Jewish-Hungarian painter Theodore Fried. Fried fled occupied Europe for the
United States in 1942, leaving much of his work behind. He continued to work in New York and elsewhere, and retrieved his hidden work in the 1950s and 1970s. jewishmuseumtulsa.org
Invite to Life Through June 6 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Award-winning author and photographic artist B.A. Van Sise explores the varied and sometimes complicated lives of Holocaust survivors in the United States. jewishmuseumtulsa.org
War Club: Native Art & Activism Through June 29 Philbrook War Club is the culminating exhibition of Anita and Yatika Fields’s project delving into Native artwork and ephemera from important historical and contemporary moments of resistance. philbrook.org
SAMURAI: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Through Aug. 3 Philbrook Coming from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, SAMURAI: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller unveils the culture, lifestyle and art of the samurai warrior in Japanese society. philbrook.org
Japonisme: New
Perspectives from the Land of the Rising Sun Through Aug. 3 Philbrook Japan’s borders were largely closed to outsiders for centuries until 1854, when the country was opened to trade and travel. Japanese goods hit markets across Europe and America, sparking an international craze known as “Japonisme.” Artists seeking to defy European conventions saw new possibilities in Japanese art and a visual language that changed the West. philbrook.org
Eduardo Sarabia: Ceiba Sagrada Through Dec. 28 Philbrook Los Angeles-born, Mexico-based Eduardo Sarabia has become one of the better-known artistic voices of his generation for using materials and imagery associated with street culture, craft and folk history to draw connections between his personal story and the narrative of Mexico. philbrook.org Earth Embodied Through Dec. 28 Philbrook New acquisitions by artists including Starr Hardridge, Kay WalkingStick and Emmi Whitehorse join old favorites such as Alexandre Hogue’s Mother Earth Laid Bare (1936) and Felice Schiavoni’s Madonna and Child with the Young Saint John (1850) to explore the range of ways artists envision the concept of the earth embodied. philbrook.org
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman courtesy Celebrity Attractions
Slumgullion: The Venerate Outpost
Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org
Sports
Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show April 2-6 Expo Square See some of the most talented horses and their riders compete for top prizes. exposquare. com
Tulsa Oilers Hockey April 4, 6 BOK Center Enjoy the last bits of pro hockey season at the BOK Center. bokcenter.com
Tulsa Drillers Baseball April 4-6, 15-19, 29-30 ONEOK Stadium The professional baseball season kicks off in Tulsa. milb.com/tulsa
Oklahoma Buckskin's Bloomin' Blowout April 5-6 Expo Square More equine fun awaits at Expo Square. exposquare.com
XFN 400 Xtreme Fight
Night April 11 River Spirit Casino
Resort Featuring the rising stars of MMA, XFN spotlights Muay Thai and bare knuckle boxing hosted by UFC legend Frank Shamrock! Headlining the card is a four-man, one-night Muay Thai tournament in four ounce gloves! riverspirittulsa.com
National Reining Breeders Classic April 15-26 Expo Square Visit the Build Ford Tough Livestock Complex for the National Reining Breeders Classic. exposquare.com
Tulsa Oilers Football April 19 BOK Center See the team play against the San Antonio Gunslingers. bokcenter.com
Mid-Continent Kennel Club of Tulsa All Breed Dog Show April 25-27 Expo Square See canines of all shapes and sizes compete at this dog show. exposquare.com
Smoke and Guns X April 26 BOK Center Oklahoma firefighters take on Oklahoma police officers in the ninth annual Smoke & Guns charity MMA and boxing event. bokcenter.com
Community
First Friday Art Crawl April 4 Downtown On the first Friday of every month, guests will be able to see a new exhibit opening and enjoy live music, a cash bar and snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu
Spring Home and Outdoor
Living Expo April 25-27 Expo Square Enjoy the warmer weather and get your home ready for the summer at this expo. exposquare. com
Oklahoma Renaissance Festival April 26-June 1 The Castle of Muskogee Step back in time to the 16th century with Queen Elizabeth I of England and over 400 entertainers and artisans as they create the boisterous Village of Castleton at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. okcastle.com
Tulsa Botanic Blooms Through April 27 Tulsa Botanic Garden Revel in the arrival of spring at one of the largest spring bulb displays in the state. tulsabotanic.org
Florigami in the Garden Through Sept. 21 Tulsa Botanic Garden See the larger-than-life FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN exhibit at the Tulsa Botanic
Garden. tulsabotanic.org
Charitable Events
Pinnacle Awards April 4 Arvest Convention Center In 1987, the Pinnacle Awards was established by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women to celebrate the important contributions of women to the City of Tulsa. arvestconventioncenter.com
Memory Gala April 5 The Vista at 21 Join the Alzheimer's Association of Tulsa for live entertainment, gourmet food stations and festive cocktails where guests can celebrate the advances on Alzheimer's research. memorygala.org
William Booth Society Gala April 8 Arvest Convention Center Celebrate 32 years of accomplishments with The Salvation Army. Support of this accomplished event has raised millions for the continued efforts of The Salvation Army to fulfill their mission and pledge of “Doing The Most Good”. This year’s special guest speaker is Dennis Quaid. arvestconventioncenter.com
Overture April 12 River Spirit Casino Resort Visit one of the most entertaining fundraising events of the year as Signature Symphony celebrates its exciting future! signaturesymphony.org
Go Girl Gala April 18 Arvest Convention Center Celebrate with Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma through show-stopping entertainment and opportunities to engage with GCSE's work in interactive ways, including a live auction and live entertainment. arvestconventioncenter.com
Sip and Stroll April 19 Tulsa Botanic Garden Join Tulsa Botanic for its party celebrating spring among the tulips and other seasonal blooms! tulsabotanic.org
SPORTS
City Year Tulsa's Women Leadership Luncheon April
23 Arvest Convention Center City Year Tulsa welcomes hundreds of Tulsa community members for its 11th Annual Leadership Luncheon, a fundraising event that shines a light on the work of City Year AmeriCorps members and honors the accomplishments of women in education arvestconventioncenter. com
Icons and Idols April 26 Arvest Convention Center Icons & Idols, Tulsa Ballet’s premier fundraising event, features a brand-new work performed the dancers of Tulsa Ballet. arvestconventioncenter.com
Tulsa Heart Walk April 26 ONEOK Field Help raise money for the American Heart Association. heart. org
IN OKC Performances
OKC Broadway presents: Some Like It Hot April 1-6 Civic Center Music Hall Set in Chicago when prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, Some Like It Hot is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. okcbroadway.com
Classical Arts Entertainment presents: The Sleeping Beauty April 3 Civic Center Music Hall Be prepared to be transported into a world of grace, elegance and breathtaking artistry as the talented dancers bring this beloved fairy tale to life. okcciviccenter.com
Tom Segura April 4 Civic Center Music Hall Comedian Tom Segura comes to OKC. paycomcenter.com
Spotlight Acting Academy presents: Beetlejuice the Musical, Jr. April 4-6 Civic
Baseball, Hockey, Softball & More
Center Music Hall It’s time to get all goth and spooky in the Little Theatre when Spotlight Acting Academy presents Beetlejuice The Musical okcciviccenter.com
Storyteller Theatre OKC presents: Emma April 4-13 Civic Center Music Hall A faithful adaptation, set among English gardens in the early 19th century, Emma comes alive in picturesque color and fervor. okcciviccenter.com
Kevin Hart April 10 Paycom Center Comedian and actor Kevin Hart comes to OKC. paycomcenter. com
OKC Phil presents: The Music of Tina Turner April 11-12 Civic Center Music Hall All hail the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Tina Turner’s singular voice and decades-spanning career gave us songs that became part of the soundtrack of our lives. Join the OKC Phil for a celebration of Turner’s iconic musical legacy! okcphil.org
OKC Phil presents: World Premiere! April 19 Civic Center Music Hall Enjoy a collaboration between the OKC Phil and Canterbury Voices. okcphil.org
OKC Broadway presents: & Juliet April 29-May 4 Civic Center Music Hall Created by the Emmywinning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. okcbroadway.com
Concerts
Sam Barber April 5 The Criterion Singer Sam Barber visits on his Restless Mind tour with special guest, Jonah Kagen. criterionokc.com
Tyler Childers April 7 Paycom Center Enjoy the crooner on his On The Road Tour. paycomcenter.com
Kid Rock April 11 Paycom Center See the rocker for one night only at the Paycom Center. paycomcenter.com
Spring in Oklahoma means a lot of things to a lot of people, but sports fans know: it’s time for America’s favorite pastime to return!
Liverpool Legends April 17 Paycom Center This Beatles tribute band is a can'tmiss. towertheatreokc.com
Disturbed April 28 Paycom Center You won't want to miss this heavy metal sensation. paycomcenter.com
Art
Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn April 24-Ongoing Campbell Art Park/Oklahoma Contemporary Oklahoma Contemporary is honored to present Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn, a basketball court installation commissioned as a public art iteration of the Neuf painting series by renowned artist Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds. oklahomacontemporary.org
From the Vault: The 80th Anniversary Exhibition Through April 27 OKCMOA An original exhibition, From the Vault showcases some of the depth and strengths of the museum's permanent collection that visitors might not always get to see. okcmoa.com
Cowboy Boots – From Roundups to Runways Through May 4 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Cowboy Boots: From Roundups to Runways will transport visitors on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of cowboy boots from their 19th-century origins to their modern-day status as a cultural icon. This exciting temporary exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the craftsmanship, history and enduring appeal of these timeless boots. nationalcowboymuseum.
org
The Three Shades Through
Aug. 23 OKCMOA Enjoy this single-gallery installation featuring one of the masterworks of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin’s The Three Shades, on loan from a private collection. okcmoa.com
Land Use: Humanity's Interaction with Nature Through Sept. 28 OKCMOA This gallery features modern and contemporary paintings, photographs, video art and digital art that relate to humanity’s use of and interaction with the environment. okcmoa.com
Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Honor Song Through Oct. 20 Oklahoma Contemporary Oklahoma Contemporary presents the first major retrospective of Oklahoma City-based artist Edgar Heap of Birds, who is known internationally for conceptual artwork that addresses Indigenous rights, sovereignty and relationships to place. oklahomacontemporary.org
Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty Ongoing OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting and tells a comprehensive story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com
Cynthia Daignault: Oklahoma Ongoing OKCMOA This exhibition features one painting, Oklahoma by Cynthia Daignault, as a tribute to the history of the Oklahoma City bombing from 1995. okcmoa.com
Sports
OKC Comets Baseball
1-6, 15-20,
In Tulsa, you can enjoy the Tulsa Drillers’ home games at ONEOK Field April 4-6, 15-19 and 29-30. In OKC, the OKC Comets (previously the OKC Dodgers and OKC Baseball Club) return to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark April 1-6, 15-20 and 29-30. Collegiate fans can get their fill in both Norman and Stillwater. OU’s baseball team plays at home, L. Dale Mitchell Park, April 3-5, 8, 11-13, 22 and 29. And the eight-time NCAA national champs, the OU softball team, return to Love’s Field April 4-5, 18-20 and 25-27. OSU baseball plays at O’Brate Stadium April 4-6, 8, 15, 18-20 and 22, and the OSU softball team returns to Cowgirl Stadium April 11-13, 15, 23 and 30.
Equine enthusiasts can visit the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association Spring Show April 2-6; the Oklahoma Buckskin’s Bloomin’ Blowout April 5-6; and the National Reining Breeders Classic April 15-26, all at Tulsa’s Expo Square. Also at the Expo is the Mid-Continent Kennel Club of Tulsa All Breed Dog Show, April 25-27.
Fans of hockey should venture to the BOK Center for Tulsa Oilers games on April 4 and 6. Stick around the venue for Oilers Football on April 19 and the Smoke x Guns firefighters vs. police officers MMA boxing match on April 26. Lastly, who could forget the OKC Thunder? The team plays at the Paycom Center April 2, 6 and 8.
April
29-30 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark The professional baseball season kicks off in OKC. milb.com/
OU SOFTBALL
Photo by Peyton Martin courtesy the University of Oklahoma
Where & When | Entertainment
oklahoma-city
Oklahoma City Thunder
Basketball April 2, 6, 8 Paycom
Center The state's NBA team takes on regular season teams at home. nba.com/thunder
OU Baseball April 3-5, 8, 11-13, 22, 29 L. Dale Mitchell
Park, Norman See the Sooners during an exciting baseball season. soonersports.com
OU Softball April 4-5, 18-20, 2527 Love's Field See the national champs, the OU Sooners softball team, take on regular season foes. soonersports.com
CommunityArt
Oklahoma City Farm
Show April 3-5 OKC
Fairgrounds The Oklahoma City Farm Show is the premier spring agricultural and ranching event for the southern plains area, with hundreds of exhibitors featuring over one thousand product lines for three big days. oklahomacityfarmshow.com
First Friday Gallery
Walk April 4 Paseo Arts
District Make your way to the First Friday Gallery Walk in Oklahoma City's Paseo Arts District to enjoy art gallery openings, wine tastings, live music and more. thepaseo.org
The Mane Attraction April 5-6 OKC Fairgrounds At a full weekend at the Mane Attraction, you will have the opportunity to witness educational seminars by trainers, veterinarians, farriers, equine dentists, osteopaths, chiropractors, body workers, nutritionists, saddle makers/fitters and more okcfairgrounds.com
2nd Friday Norman Art Walk April 11 Norman Arts District The 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman, connects the downtown arts
COMMUNITY
district with outlying galleries, performance halls and Campus Corner. 2ndfridaynorman.com
Second OHOF Saturdays April 12 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Second Oklahoma Hall of Fame Saturdays invite families to learn about an Oklahoma Hall of Fame member with crafts and activities. oklahomahof.com
DefNation Expo April 12 OKC Fairgrounds Since 2003, the DeafNation Expo showcase has attracted over 1 million attendees with hundreds of events throughout the United States. deafnation.com
Festival of Trains Model Train Show April 12-13 OKC Fairgrounds The mission of Festival of Trains is to bring about a change in the way people perceive and experience model train shows. festoftrains.com
Day of Remembrance April 19 OKC National Memorial Museum Join state and local dignitaries, family members, survivors and rescue workers for the Day of Remembrance. memorialmuseum. com
Norman Music Festival April 24-26 Main Street, Norman The Norman Music Festival spotlights over 100 bands on multiple stages, featuring everything from indie pop to classic folk rock. normanmusicfestival.com
Festival of the Arts April 24-27 Bicentennial Park Known as Oklahoma City's annual "rite of spring," the Festival of the Arts is a four-day community celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts. artscouncilokc.com
OKC Memorial Marathon April 25-27 Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon honors the victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing tragedy and celebrates the gift of
The Great Outdoors Beckon
life. okcmarathon.com
Charitable Events
Tatas and Tinis April
3 Coles Garden Tatas & Tinis OKC benefits Oklahoma Project Woman's program that provides access to breast healthcare (mammograms, diagnostics and surgeries) at no cost to low-income, uninsured Oklahomans. oklahomaprojectwoman.org
Brave Ball 2025 April 4 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Each year, Brave Ball supports Oklahoma County children through a night of fundraising, games, raffles, dinner and more! Guests are encouraged to wear blue in honor of child abuse awareness. carecenter-okc.org
Ballet Ball April 5 Oklahoma City Convention Center Oklahoma City Ballet's largest and most dazzling fundraising event of the year, Ballet Ball always delivers the most fun with dinner, dancing and live auction! okcballet.org
Champions of Youth Celebration April 10 Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Champions of Youth raises critical funds for BGCOKC’s programs in addition to honoring both an individual(s) and company who have been a champion for the youth in the community. bgcokc.
org
Positive Tomorrows Cork & Canvas April 10 Positive Tomorrows Cork & Canvas is a fun, casual evening of delicious appetizers, drinks and live entertainment with a great selection of silent and live auction packages, including one-of-a-kind artwork from Positive Tomorrows students. positivetomorrows.org
Under the Big Top April 11 OKC Farmers Public Market At Under the Big Top, Calm Waters is embracing the childlike nostalgia of
Explore the great outdoors with a hefty handful of community events in April.
a classic carnival to remind guests why it is so important to provide mental health services to children struggling with grief. calmwaters. org
THE STATE Performances
Yarn/Wire April 1 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater Described by The New York Times as “key figures from the contemporary music scene... with unmistakable devotion and excitement,” Yarn/Wire is a New York-based percussion and piano quartet. mcnightcenter.org
Yefim Bronfman April 3 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater Internationally recognized as one of today's most acclaimed and admired pianists, Yefim Bronfman stands among a handful of artists regularly sought by festivals, orchestras, conductors and recital series. mcknightcenter.
org
Pollard Theatre presents: The Spongebob Musical Through April 5 Pollard Theatre, Guthrie When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their home, SpongeBob and his friends must come to the rescue. thepollard.org
Coleman Theatre presents: Reza – Edge of Illusion April 5 The Coleman Theatre, Miami "Edge of Illusion" will leave jaws on the floor with performances that combine Las Vegas-level production with some of the most cutting-edge illusions in the industry. rezalive.com
Mean Girls April 15-16 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts The story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies, Mean Girls delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense
of humor and joyful insidejokery. mcknightcenter.org
Concerts
Koe Wetzel April 4 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Surrounded by flames, amps cranked all the way up, Koe Wetzel leaves a trail of sold-out venues and screaming fans. choctawcasinos.com
Sturgill Simpson/ Johnny Blue Skies April 5 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Respected, beloved and fiercely independent, Sturgill Simpson is set to make his highly anticipated return to music this year with the release of the forthcoming full-length album, Passage Du Desir, under a new name, Johnny Blue Skies. choctawcasinos.com
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit April 6 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Alt-country singer/songwriter Jason Isbell is a master of writing songs that maximize the emotional impact of his heartrending voice. choctawcasinos.com
Clint Black April 11 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Country superstar Clint Black knows a thing or two about penning a catchy tune – he’s got more than 20 No. 1 singles under his belt. choctawcasinos.com
Boyz II Men April 19 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Boyz II Men is a legendary R&B vocal group that has been captivating audiences worldwide for over three decades. winstar.com
Santana April 25 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville For more than five decades, Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural, and geographical
In Tulsa, the First Friday Art Crawl returns to downtown April 4. Then, head to the Spring Home and Outdoor Living Expo, April 25-27 at Expo Square. You won’t want to miss the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, April 26-June 1 at The Castle of Muskogee, nor two events at the Tulsa Botanic Garden: the Botanic Blooms, through April 27, and the unique art installation Florigami in the Garden through Sept. 21.
Within our state's capital, head to the OKC Fairgrounds buildings for the Festival of Trains model train show on April 12-13. To honor those who lost their lives during the Alfred P. Murrah federal building bombing, visit the OKC National Memorial and Museum on April 19 for the Day of Remembrance, or participate in/cheer on others at the OKC Memorial Marathon, April 25-27. Other activities to visit include the Norman Music Festival, April 24-26 on Main Street, as well as the Festival of the Arts, April 24-27 at Bicentennial Park. Honor Heights Park in Muskogee comes alive this month at the annual Azalea Festival, running through April 30. Take the drive to Stillwater for the Red Dirt Film Festival, April 4-6 at 901 S. Main Street. Stick around the city for the Stillwater Arts Festival, April 18-19 at the Prairie Arts Center. Other must-visit happenings include the Woolaroc Spring Traders Encampment, April 10-12 at Bartleville’s Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve; the Okemah Pioneer Day Celebration, April 23-26 on Broadway St.; and the Tonkawa Film Festival, April 25-26 at Northern Oklahoma College.
boundaries. winstar.com
Sports
OSU Baseball April 4-6, 8, 15, 18-20, 22 O'Brate Stadium, Stillwater Baseball season is back and better than ever with the Cowboys. okstate.com
OSU Softball April 11-13, 15, 23, 30 Cowgirl Stadium, Stillwater See the OSU Cowgirls softball team play at home. okstate.com
Community
Azalea Festival April 1-30 Honor Heights Park, Muskogee Held since 1968, Muskogee's Honor Heights Park boasts 40 acres of manicured gardens with over 30,000 azaleas in 625 varieties. muskogeeparks.org
Scissortail Creative Writing Festival April 3-5 East Central University, Ada Travel to East Central University in Ada for the Scissortail Creative Writing Festival, one of state's most exciting annual literary events. ecuscissortail. blogspot.com
Red Dirt Film Festival April 4-6 901 S. Main St., Stillwater Enjoy a weekend filled with screenings and industry talk by filmmakers from around the world during the Red Dirt Film Festival in Stillwater this April. reddirtfilm.com Symposium of the American Indian April 7-12 Northeastern State University, Tahlequah The annual Symposium on the American Indian is a mix of scholarly and cultural presentations that are open to the public free of charge. nsuok. edu
Woolaroc Spring Traders Encampment April 1012 Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve Experience living history at its best at the Spring Traders Encampment with approximately 125 tents and teepees set up for this annual Western heritage event. woolaroc.org
Bud Breaking and Easter Festival April 13 Canadian River Vineyards and Winery, Slaughterville Following a centuries-old tradition dating back to approximately 1600, the festival kicks off with a blessing of the vines ceremony. canadianriverwinery.net
Stillwater Arts Festival April 18-19 Prairie Arts Center, Stillwater The annual Stillwater Arts Festival reflects the vibrancy of the arts and showcases the local arts community. artscenter. okstate.edu
Okemah Pioneer Day Celebration April 23-26 Broadway St., Okemah Celebrate Okemah's birthday with a family-oriented day of fun at the annual Okemah Pioneer Days festival. okemahok.gov
Civil War Days at Har-Ber Village April 24-26 Har-Ber Village Museum, Grove Come experience the sights and sounds of the American Civil War during Civil War Days. har-bervillage.com
Tonkawa Film Festival April 25-26 Wilkin Hall at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa The Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce welcomes filmmakers and movie fans to enjoy a weekend of unique short films during Tonkawa Film Festival. tonkawafilmfestival.com
Photo courtesy the OKC National Memorial and Museum
OKC MEMORIAL MARATHON
New Cinema in Bloom
Lots of horror provides an interesting moviegoing experience in April.
April comes a-knockin’ with a cavalcade of new releases to check out, several of which are horror related. Grab whatever weird popcorn bucket I know you bought in 2024 and head on down to the theater.
For a spy thriller, make sure to check out The Amateur. Starring Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody) as a mild mannered CIA cryptographer, the movie follows his descent into the criminal underworld to find those responsible for his wife’s death. With a great supporting cast including Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix) and Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), the movie should showcase some excellent revenge-filled action and a fun, if not implausible, storyline. Hopefully it comes together nicely when it hits theaters on April 11. If supernatural horror is more
your bag, don’t miss Sinners. Focusing on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan, Creed), the movie follows the siblings’ return to their hometown, leaving a troubled past behind. Unfortunately, said trouble follows them in the form of an undead evil. Set in what appears to be the Jim Crow south, the trailer spoils far, far too much, so I would recommend staying away if you have any interest in a classic movie-going experience. It looks to be a real treat with a great supporting cast as well, including Hailee Steinfeld (Edge of Seventeen), Jack O’Connell (Unbroken) and Delroy Lindo (Get Shorty). It creeps into theaters on April 18.
For a body horror delight, take a look at The Shrouds. Directed by David Cronenberg (The Fly), the story follows a businessman played by Vincent Cassel (Eastern Promises) who has created a controversial technology that monitors loved ones' remains as they decay in their graves. After a desecration of his wife’s grave among others, the businessman sets out to discover why. The trailer shows very little, but the early reviews are mostly positive with critics enamored by Cronenberg’s examination of grief and loss. It releases on April 25.
If you want to see the sequel to a movie your dad probably loved, The Accountant 2 should be your pick. Ben Affleck
returns as the titular accountant Christian Wolfe, along with Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead) as his brother, in a film where the two must discover who murdered a close associate of Wolfe’s. Much like the first movie, this film looks to have similar action, some witty banter and a solid, if not predictable, looking story. The original film was in 2016, so I didn’t expect a follow-up nine years later – but here we are. Make sure your dad is ready to leave his favorite recliner when this drops on April 25.
Lastly, a third horror film titled Until Dawn also releases this month. Based on the 2015 video game of the same name, the plot follows a group of friends stuck in a time loop; they are continually killed by a different otherworldly threat each time they reawaken, and to escape, they must survive ... you guessed it, until dawn. Although it changes a few elements from the source material, it might be for the better in the end.
We’ll find out if the horror of bad video game adaptations continues when this releases on April 25.
President and CEO of Feed the Children, Emily Callahan has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. Prior to taking the helm at FTC in January, Callahan worked with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Susan G. Komen. In her current role, Callahan is working to guide the organization as it embarks on a new strategic plan, growing FTC globally with new partners and aiming to serve more children and families around the world. We recently caught up with Callahan and got her thoughts on ...
... her life-long interest in the nonprofit sector.
One of my greatest professional passions is to help make the world a better place, especially for kids. I have spent a lot of my career focused on efforts that help improve the lives of children because I believe that all kids deserve a chance to grow up happy and healthy. I also feel called and compelled to further these efforts around the world and I am motivated to help Feed the Children become a larger global movement. Work-
ing all together, I know we can save the lives of children worldwide and enable them to thrive.
... positive surprises in her new role.
During my first week at Feed the Children, the devastating wildfires began in California. I was humbled by the outpouring of generosity from our partners who wanted to provide immediate support for affected families and their children. These partners provided products and sponsored events to help us quickly get these items into the hands of those who needed us most, and our staff members worked diligently to make sure everything ran smoothly.
I think that speaks volumes to the kind of organization that Feed the Children is and the heart of our mission. We provide food and essentials to help families thrive every day worldwide, but in times of crisis, we are also nimble enough to provide critical support for those experiencing unexpected challenges.
... FTC’s mission.
We are committed to ending childhood hunger. In the U.S. and around the world, we provide children and families with the food and essentials kids need to grow and thrive. I find it interesting that even the word “feed” anchors our organization’s name, and it provides important insight into our multifaceted work. When you really look at what we are trying to accomplish every day, there’s obviously the distribution of food that is vital to our core mission. But we also feed hearts, minds and souls by providing essential items that help improve the quality of life for children and families.
... her day-to-day.
My job, in partnership with the board, is setting the vision, strategy and growth
plans for the organization and leading the incredible staff and operations made possible by our generous donors to save the lives of more children worldwide. In my first few months, I’ve been meeting with our internal team and seeking to truly understand our work across all levels and the array of critical functions that bring our mission to life.
I’ve also been spending time with our dedicated Board of Directors to align on the exciting direction for our future. 2029 marks 50 years of the incredible work of Feed the Children. But, that milestone is not about the past – it’s all about looking forward because sadly the needs of children around the world are growing rapidly. Too many are still dying of hunger and disease – problems we have the ability to solve if we all come together now. So much opportunity exists for us to build upon our successes to date and create even greater impact as we serve communities here at home and abroad.
... what Oklahomans should know about FTC, and how to get involved.
We want Oklahomans to know that we are proud of our roots, and we can’t thrive without your generous giving and help. From our humble beginnings in Oklahoma, we have grown to be an internationally recognized movement providing food, essentials and resources to children and families in nearly every state in America and in eight countries internationally. With a goal as ambitious as defeating childhood hunger, we know that it takes all of us working together and we invite the community to be a part of our work.
There are several ways to get involved, including donating at feedthechildren. org and especially considering becoming a monthly donor or volunteering at our Oklahoma City Distribution Center or at a local Resource Rally. As we expand our programmatic work in Oklahoma City, we have launched pilot programs to help deepen our local impact. We hope these new programs create additional opportunities for Oklahomans to join us as we work towards creating a world where no child goes to bed hungry.
Photo courtesy Feed the Children
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