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Volume 10 / Number 10, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1216 N Blackwelder Ave., Ste. 13, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.
OCTOBER BRINGS WITH IT SO MUCH BEAUTY. THE LEAVES and blooms of the earth take their annual bows after a job well done. The rest of us see the home stretch on successfully completing another year. The next three months, the holidays, are the celebration season—and I, for one, could not possibly be any more here for it.
And to kick off this lovely season, here is our favorite issue of the year: the women’s issue.
The HER awards are for Honoring, Empowering and Raising up remarkable women. This is my fourth time going through the HER process, which starts months in advance by reading through hundreds of community submissions. Internally, I secretly wondered if the magic of it would have worn off, even just a little. Would I still tear up reading the submissions? (Yes, yes I did.) Would I still get butterflies in my stomach before reaching out to the women to tell them they were selected? (Indeed.) Would I still wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety about the photoshoot going okay? (Of course.) And would I still be completely and utterly inspired and encouraged by every single woman? (Absolutely.)
This year’s honorees will leave you in awe. We feature women from all walks of life and career paths with one thing in common: They are making life in Oklahoma City better for others. The marvelous Shevaun Williams photographed the women, and the results (pg. 24) are stunning! Thank you to all of the people who took the time to submit a woman for consideration. We read every single entry, and we are so thankful for you and join you in admiring the women in your life.
We also have our powerhouse section Women Who Move the City. Read all about the hard-working women in the 405 who lead our community through their entrepreneurial spirit and vitality (pg. 41).
Additionally, we have several female-focused stories such as the artist creating folk garments using recycled materials (pg. 66), a hidden figure in aerospace history (pg. 68) and the gals behind Oklahoma City’s new Office of Innovation (pg. 70).
Also in this issue, we are thrilled to bring you a sleek and modern design spread (pg. 20) and an enticing autumn dining section featuring savory fall drinks, edible art and more (pg. 47).
Do me a favor and take a moment when you read this to appreciate the season and moment you are in. We are so thankful to have you in the 405 family!
BEHIND THE SCENES |
Feature shoot with Shevaun Williams, featuring makeup by Bekah and Haleigh with MarloHaus, gowns from Bella Rose and jewelry from BC Clark and Feed Me Gems. Check out the full spread on page 24.
Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF
All in for October
Style for the season in between
BY BENNETT HILL
ONE WORD COMES TO MIND WHEN thinking of October and what it means for fashion: costumes. To take a night to completely reinvent yourself through clothing, makeup and attitude as an escape from the monotony of everyday life is a thrilling prospect. On the other hand, what if, in this autumnal month, we dove right into who we are instead of trying to be someone else? That rainbow sweater folded neatly on the shelf can display our radiance, while an array of detailed and dazzling jewels can show off our love for luxury. For those days you’re looking to make a mark, try a sleek denim dress with a boot that means business. This month, we encourage you to dress for YOU. Who knows? You may be someone’s inspiration for next year.
1. Amambaih, Julia Riding Boot: Betsy King Shoes 2. Meira T, Opal Necklace: Naifeh Fine Jewelry 3. Ippolita, Flower Disc Ring: BC Clark 4. Eleven Six, Rainbow Sweater: Gretta Sloane
The 37th annual Dean A. McGee Awards, hosted by Downtown OKC Partnership, honored Dick Tanenbaum, Deborah McAuliffe Senner and Andy Burnett for their contributions to downtown OKC. Held at the Omni Hotel, the event celebrated their transformative work, concluding with an after-party at OKC Taphouse.
Cookies & Cocktails
PHOTOS BY
MARSHALL HAWKINS, SUNDANCE PHOTOGRAPHY
Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma (GSWESTOK) hosted its 13th annual Cookies & Cocktails at Camp Trivera. The event featured signature cocktails and delicious treats inspired by Girl Scout Cookies from local chefs and raised $85,000. Winners include Hacienda Tacos, Babble Coffee & Boba Tea Bar and Top Shelf Bartending & Catering.
Abbey Road Catering Tasting Event
PHOTOS
BY EMILY
NICOLE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Abbey Road Catering’s Tasting Event at Park House Event Center featured stunning florals by Poppy Lane Design, decor by Marianne’s Rentals and photography by Emily Nicole Photography and Brit Little Films. A balloon arch by Chelsey Flint Events and music by Vearl Tolbert completed the vibrant atmosphere, all planned by Hello Events LLC.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Jim Couch, Cathy Couch, Mick Cornett, David Holt, Sarah Holt, Rhonda Freeman, Craig Freeman.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Deborah McAuliffe Senner, Dick Tanenbaum, Andy Burnett.
Kris Abbey of Abbey Road Catering enjoying a sip of a delicious cocktail.
Cookies & Cocktails Co-Chairs presenting grand prize check to People's Choice Winner (and Best Savory Winner): Hacienda Tacos; (pictured L to R)Lindsey McCarty, Hacienda Tacos team member, Hacienda Tacos Manager - Carlos Urdaneta, Emma Tucker
Cookies & Cocktails judges, Apollo Woods, Tiffany Whitefield, Lestari Kusumawardani and Seth Lewis
Seasonal florals by Poppy Lane Design
Time for ‘The Change’
Expert advice on menopause
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
GOING THROUGH “THE CHANGE” IS A FACT OF life as a woman. We watched as our mothers frantically fanned themselves over dinner or stood in front of an open fridge, desperate to cool a hot flash. This is widely referred to as menopause, though that is not exactly right.
Menopause is defined as the point in time 12 months after a woman’s last menstrual cycle. The time before you have “hit menopause” is called perimenopause, and can for last for years. Fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone create a wide array of annoying symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats, brain fog or memory loss, weight gain, trouble sleeping and even hair loss. One of the most common complaints is changes in your period, with some months being exceedingly heavy and significantly irregular. It is important to note that just because you have not had a period in a few months, you are still able to conceive—if you do not want more kids, continue using birth control precautions until you are fully menopausal.
As perimenopause can last for anywhere from one to 14 years, with an average of 4-7 being typical, there are several ways to combat these symptoms. We spoke with Dr. Ben Barenberg of Optimal Health in OKC about what options are available.
Barenberg, a fellowship-trained urogynecologist, often sees women complaining of these troubles and starts with reviewing their medical history and symptoms, then drawing a comprehensive lab panel. When finding that hormones are deficient, Barenberg said, “There are both hormonal and naturopathic options available for women seeking relief from menopause. If symptoms are mild, there are OTC supplements. For those with more severe symptoms, hormone replacement or hormone supplementation therapy can make a huge difference.”
There are many options when it comes to regulating your hormones, and physicians like Barenberg are there to help guide the decision based on your individual needs. Treatment may be dictated for those who have risk factors such as cardiac or breast cancer. Barenberg noted, “For the majority of women, we consult with the patient on which application technique fits best. With approaches like pills, patches or creams, we want to make sure their lifestyle accommodates daily application. For those who prefer less frequent dosing or tend to forget their medications, we use options such as pellets.”
After you have had a year with no periods and are considered
fully menopausal, you may wish to continue the hormone replacement therapy (HRT). “The body is dynamic and changes constantly, even post-menopause,” Barenberg said. “I have patients follow up two times a year to check in on symptoms and adjust medications if necessary. My philosophy, and the philosophy of many doctors working with these women, is that we leave patients on HRT for as long as they desire with regular blood monitoring. It is important to continue routine wellwomen exams to keep an eye on pelvic and breast health.”
Barenberg reminds women that, “While menopause is a natural part of aging, you do not have to suffer through the symptoms. There are options available to help you stay looking and feeling your best. I shoot for ‘Optimal Health.”
Feeling Dry?
As estrogen lowers, a common side effect is vaginal dryness. Talk to your doctor about adding a topical vaginal estrogen cream to plump up these tissues, and use a water- or silicone-based lubricant for intercourse. For daily moisture, consider Intimate Rose’s (intimaterose.com) Vaginal Balm to keep that area feeling hydrated.
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CHRISTINA
Modern Love
Modern-yet-warm designs define a kitchen makeover in Nichols Hills p. 20
A Place for Everything
Meticulous kitchen design completes the Laird family’s home
BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER | PHOTOS BY SARA STEWART
WHEN MELISSA FITZGERALD OF KITCHEN SOCIety Design draws up cabinet plans, she leaves nothing to chance. Every appliance is counted; every utensil is considered; even the coffee cups get measured. In the end, everything gets assigned.
“I am noting where I would put everything based on experience, and I love when clients tell me, ‘Hey, I loved this,’ or ‘You know, I would have done this differently,’” said Fitzgerald, who has specialized in kitchen and bathroom design since 2015. “I present the plans with all of that in mind.”
Ken and Malinda Laird’s kitchen plans were no different. With Fitzgerald leading their remodel, every knife found its proper place.
“It could be overkill for some people, but Ken and I really enjoyed working with Melissa and thinking it all through,” Malinda said. “We have so much more space now, because you’re not having to just make the existing cabinetry layout work. Everything’s planned.”
Fitzgerald’s design and her custom cabinet line, Society Cabinetry, were only part of the Lairds' most recent home project. Kent Hoffman with the Hoffman Group made additional changes, including replacing sliding doors with large windows in the breakfast area and exchanging two weight-bearing columns for a support beam in the kitchen. In addition, the kitchen island— previously two levels with a bar-height section—was smoothed
Melissa Fitzgerald of Kitchen Society Design transformed the Lairds' kitchen into a stunning centerpiece of the home.
into one cohesive surface, and Young Brothers Inc. installed a waterfall countertop in Fantasy Lux Quartzite to complete the look.
The Lairds requested a modern-yet-warm aesthetic, which Fitzgerald achieved through warm-toned woods and metals. Brass and gunmetal finishes were selected for the cabinetry and Urban Electric Company sconces for above the range. Just off the kitchen, the bar was refinished with new cabinets and a backsplash in Shinju Olympia Glazed Tile from Classic Tile Stone + Marble.
This butler's pantry provides a functional space for storage and prep work.
Mixed metals shine in the design, especially with the Urban Electric sconces.
“Melissa recommended that we use the metal-front cabinetry that we use over the cooktop to tie [the bar] in,” Laird said. “Then she found the beautiful tile that we installed, and it’s a little jewel. I just love it.”
On the other side of the kitchen, a glass door fabricated by Monte Cristo Ironworks sections off a butler’s pantry while also maintaining that open-concept feel. This is where the Lairds unload groceries, store appliances, make coffee and prepare food for parties.
“I think that is what everyone’s loving about the butler’s pantry is that it’s food storage, but it’s also like a mini kitchen that can be messy,” Fitzgerald said. “You can close the door and not worry about it until you have time.”
Surrounding rooms showcase cozy seating, artwork from the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts and contemporary rugs sourced by interior designer Molly Cooke through Designer Rugs. They previously renovated the backyard and upstairs, adding their own style to the home throughout the years. Completed in January 2024, the kitchen remodel makes their home feel fully updated, fully complete—with everything in its place.
See This Home on the Kitchen Tour
The Laird home will be one of five showcased on the Alliance Kitchen Tour, happening Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Nichols Hills. With a Naifeh Fine Jewelry raffle and shopping experiences throughout, the event will benefit Peaceful Family Oklahoma, ITN Central Oklahoma and Alliance Community Service.
Buy tickets at Culinary Kitchen and Home at 7222 N. Western Ave. or at ocmsalliance.org.
Shinju Olympia Glazed Tile from Classic Tile adds texture to the bar.
Sourced by Molly Cooke and Designer Rugs, the dining room rug makes a bold statement.
HONORING, EMPOWERING, AND RAISING UP REMARKABLE WOMEN IN THE 405
and Feed Me Gems (Jewelry)
MAKEUP AND HAIR BY Bekah and Haleigh with MarloHaus SET FURNITURE PROVIDED BY Robinson's Repurposed
BY Evie Klopp Holizer and Julie Partin PHOTOGRAPHY by Shevaun Williams
LOOKS BY Bella Rose Bridal and Formal (Gowns), BC Clark (Jewelry)
405 Magazine’s HER Awards has one purpose: to celebrate the dynamic female leaders in the 405 who work tirelessly to affect positive change and enhance our community. The recipients of the HER Awards were nominated by their peers for making a profound impact on our city and others and leading the way.
Teresa Rose
On the day of this photoshoot, Teresa Rose had to be scheduled last. She was coming directly off a flight from Paris the night before. Earlier that week, a group of prominent Oklahoma City residents went to the Olympics together in Paris.
These people were not only spectators— they were taking notes, learning lessons and making plans to host their own international competitions in just four short years, pending the official vote from the Los Angeles City Council.
Oklahoma City hosting a portion of the Olympics? The actual Olympics? How in the world did we get here? How did we even get to a point where we are included in the conversation? With dynamic, smart, and determined people like Teresa Rose seeing our city’s potential and rising to the occasion. “I try to focus most of my decisions on ‘How can I have the greatest impact on where I am living?’” said Rose.
Rose arrived in OKC by way of North Dallas to attend law school in 1990. With her parents as educators, a career in education law seemed natural. She practiced for years before taking a job as Director of Community Relations at Chesapeake Energy, Inc. It was a role she flourished in, stating, “Smart philanthropy is so important and it’s not as easy as it looks.”
Currently Rose serves as the Executive Director of Communities Foundation of Oklahoma (CFO). CFO is a philanthropic organization that serves the charitable
"I try to focus most of my decisions on ‘How can I have the greatest impact on where I am living?'"
needs of rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. It assists hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.
After over a decade as an active Greater Oklahoma City Chamber member, Rose was officially installed as the new Chamber Chair, only the second female ever to hold the position. The Chamber, the leadership of the City of Oklahoma City, Riversport OKC and USA Softball have been working closely with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Committee to develop a plan to support the delivery of the 2028 summer Olympics by hosting all Canoe Slalom and Women’s Softball events in Oklahoma City.
In addition to the above, Rose is the current Chairperson of the MAPS 4 Citizens Advisory Board. MAPS 4 is a debt-free public improvement program funded by a temporary penny sales tax that will raise a projected $1.1 billion over eight years. More than 70% of MAPS 4 funding is dedicated to neighborhood and human needs such as youth and senior centers and animal shelters; the rest of the funding will go to quality of life and job-creating initiatives. She follows in the footsteps of community greats such as Tom McDaniel, who recently had a lake named after him at Scissortail Park.
“I did not grow up here, but this is my home. Oklahoma City adopted me—a Texan. Oklahoma
City has been very good to me, it has been good to my daughters; and being able to see things that I have been a part of directly or indirectly, it’s a huge sense of pride that I played some small part in advancing a community so quickly. I tell my girls all the time, there are very few times in a city’s life that it gets to recreate itself. And I feel like Oklahoma City has,” said Rose.
As good as the city has been to her, Rose has shown love and devotion right back. The years of service and the uncountable hours of meetings, organizing, strategizing and implementing amount to one thing always at the center of Rose’s vision—maximum impact.
Decades from now when the 2028 Olympics have come and gone and the MAPS4 projects have broken ground, opened and are serving citizens, it would not be surprising for Teresa Rose to take a stroll with her grandchildren on a downtown street named after her and her incredible tenacity.
Srijita Ghosh
Be authentic. Be bold. Don’t be afraid to take up space. These are Srijita Ghosh’s go-to statements when counseling entrepreneurs. However, the i2E venture advisor only recently began following her own advice. Her story prompts the question: What’s in a name?
“When I first came to the U.S., I quickly changed how I used my name. I used the nickname ‘Dia’... It was difficult for people to pronounce my [real] name and it was awkward for me,” said Ghosh, who came to America as a teenager.
“Dia” wasn’t a huge stretch. “Didi” means older sister in Bengali, Ghosh’s native tongue, and her younger sister called her “Dia” for short. For eight years, Ghosh used the nickname on everything, from emails to business cards. Most people didn’t know her by any other name.
Fast forward to 2022, at a conference check-in table. Ghosh was picking up her lanyard when another attendee began a conversation with her about names. That person was getting a nametag reprinted with a different name—and Ghosh made the same request, later describing this as her “epiphany moment.”
“I started thinking, ‘Did I even like the name ‘Dia’? Or is it because there was kind of this systematic barrier for me to feel like I had to change myself in order to accommodate others?’” Ghosh recalls. “Since then, I made the decision to start using my given name. Now I go by ‘Srijita.’ … It has completely changed a lot of things for me … I can’t tell people to believe in themselves unless I do [in myself]. Given, it’s just a
"I just can’t think of a better job, to help others achieve their passion and their dreams."
name—but it’s also not. It was like reclaiming my identity in many ways.”
Ghosh came to America by way of tennis. She wanted to be the next Serena Williams, and her diligent practice and tenacity took her from India to a training program in Spain, and then to Oklahoma for a tennis scholarship at East Central University in Ada. When budget cuts abruptly ended the university’s tennis program in 2016, Ghosh turned her attention toward her studies and leadership, which included an entrepreneurship class. She participated in a student competition—spearheaded by i2E—that was reminiscent of the television show “Shark Tank,” allowing student entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas for cash prizes and mentorship. Ghosh won the pitch category and took second place in the business plan competition by presenting an innovative idea about a mental health technology company.
Following college, Ghosh worked for the Ada Jobs Foundation, where in 2018 she helped launch a regional summit focusing on rural entrepreneurship ecosystem development. That event paved the way for national attention and funding.
“In 2020, Ada was selected as one of the handful of rural communities by this really prestigious organization called CORI, the Center on Rural Innovation, to receive technical assistance to help with this economic development strategy, and that led to us winning EDA funding called ‘Build to Scale,’” she said.
Ghosh’s achievements kept her on i2E’s radar. When a position opened, she was invited to apply. She also serves on the Oklahoma Venture Forum executive board. Since moving to Oklahoma 10 years ago, Ghosh says she has come to appreciate the state’s resilience and sense of community, which makes it an ideal place to live, work and grow.
“Nobody builds companies by themselves. You really need the support—locally and otherwise— more than funding,” Ghosh said. “I just can’t think of a better job, to help others achieve their passion and their dreams.”
Ghosh’s everyday work is building an ecosystem for new technologies and businesses in Oklahoma, but these days the work feels more personal. Now, when she introduces herself to others using her real name, she feels more aligned, more herself, truly Srijita—ready to take up space.
Marnie Taylor
Marnie Taylor is in her 14th year at what she calls her “pinnacle nonprofit job,” as president and CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. Prior to taking on this leadership role, she served five years on the Center’s board.
“When I was serving on the board, I thought, ‘This is exactly me.’ I love to understand how nonprofits work and to make them run and work better,” Taylor said. “I feel like this is what I was born to do, because I’m passionate about the work of the nonprofits.”
Taylor is something of a board aficionado, having served on more than 30 boards including those of ReMerge, CASA and Oklahoma County Detention Center. She chaired the National Council of Nonprofits during the COVID pandemic (a true test of skills), and she currently serves on the boards of the Potts Family Foundation and Sunbeam Family Services.
Serving on these various boards has given Taylor insights into how nonprofits struggle and thrive, as well as how they greatly improve our community. Such insights are assets when you’re leading an organization that exists to enhance Oklahoma’s nonprofit landscape.
“We’re called a ‘capacity building program,’” said Taylor about the Center’s member-focused mission. “We really help build capacity within nonprofits, and we also help build capacity within the people who run nonprofits.”
Throughout the years, Taylor has guided the Center’s growth and success: When she first came to the organization nearly 20 years ago, it had 25 members. Today, that number is nearly 1,000.
"...this community greatly embraces the nonprofit sector, embraces service to others, embraces raising your hand and volunteering to do something—and then doing it to your best ability."
Taylor began learning about nonprofits, volunteering and charity from a very young age. Growing up in South Bend, Indiana, she was active in Campfire Girls, from Blue Birds to the camp counselor years. She watched her father chair Goodwill Industries and her mother join the local Junior League and medical Auxiliary. When Taylor graduated college and moved from Chicago to Oklahoma City with her husband, she actively engaged with the Junior League herself.
“I didn’t know anything about Oklahoma City or anyone,” she said. “I really found that this community greatly embraces the nonprofit sector, embraces service to others, embraces raising your hand and volunteering to do something— and then doing it to your best ability. And then you raise your hand again, and you get asked to do something else.”
Though Taylor’s knack for volunteering (and for a job well done) propelled her forward, she didn’t truly understand what compelled her to serve until she was preparing a speech for ReMerge, an organization that helps women navigate issues such as trauma, incarceration, addiction and child custody. Taylor’s own family had been challenged with such issues. Her son, sister and mother all suffered from alcoholism. Her mother and sister died from the disease. At one time, her sister
served time in prison and was separated from her child.
“I had the biggest ‘Aha,’ and I said it in that speech: What if there had been a ReMerge? Maybe my sister would not be dead … Maybe she would have taken that ticket out of jail and gotten sober and gotten clean and taken care of her child,” Taylor said. “I think the compassion that I have for these organizations—many times the women and the children—comes from my growing-up experience.”
Taylor said her work with nonprofits has provided her a path to healing. It turns out her pinnacle job is also deeply personal, both a calling and a necessity.
Mary Nhin
Ninja Life Hacks fans refer to Mary Nhin as the “Ninja Lady,” but the author says she aligns more with another secret weapon: grit.
“It’s not just a word to me; it’s basically my life,” Nhin said. “It’s what I’ve been through— like all of the failures and mistakes we’ve been through to get to where we are.”
Through her 300 Ninja Life Hacks books, 99 emotion-exploring characters and various classroom resources, Nhin hopes to give kids the skills to grow and strengthen their mental toughness.
“Imagine having this in your toolbox so early in life. I think that you could accomplish so much more, and you would look at failure and mistakes in a different way,” said Nhin, whose passion to help kids propels her productivity. “Every day I create, I write and I try to research and think about ways to help kids understand their emotions better and learn while having fun.”
Nhin remembers a time when friends laughed at her idea. She admits the first year of Ninja Life Hacks was bumpy.
“My first school year in business, I did over two million dollars in sales, but I lost over $200,000,” she recalled.
The trying moments didn’t discourage her; they inspired her to adapt her plans and charge forward. Perhaps that’s because this wasn’t Nhin’s first experience launching a new business after several setbacks.
“My story is full of failures. It began when
“Every day I create, I write and I try to research and think about ways to help kids understand their emotions better and learn while having fun.”
my husband had a dream of opening a restaurant,” said Nhin. “This was in 2002. We didn’t have any collateral credit or money to open a business, so we went to a bank for a $65,000 loan, but we were rejected.”
The Nhins applied for a loan with a different bank with the same result. They repeated this process a dozen times, all ending in a hard “no.”
“It wasn’t until 2005, when we found a ‘For Sale By Owner’ sign, that we were able to open our first restaurant and make his dreams come true,” Nhin said. “To come up with the money needed to open our first restaurant, we maxed out all our credit cards, took out lines of credit on the little collateral we had on our vehicles, and borrowed from friends and family. We risked it all ... Then, we were working 12 to 16 hours a day to pay off debt.
While Nhin’s husband focused on growing their restaurant business (today Nhinja Sushi has five locations), she focused on raising their three sons.
“I felt like my number one priority was to raise three caring, kind and compassionate boys,” she said.
Decades later, after the kids had become adults, Nhin felt it was time for her to pursue her own dream, launching Ninja Life Hacks. Getting it off the ground wasn’t easy, but a little grit can go a long way.
“You see, we all have grit, right? But not all of us tap into it,” Nhin said. “We all have emotional intelligence. We all have a growth mindset, but not everyone taps into it, because maybe they don’t know they possess those superpowers. That’s what I want kids to know—that all of these are actually within you.”
Superpowers are within us all. For sure, they are within her.
Dr. Jamie Polk
Think I Can Help” are among the most powerful words in the English language, and Dr. Jamie Polk embodies these words in both thought and action. Unanimously selected by the Board of Education in May 2024, she was recently appointed as the new superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). Polk has already begun to implement her priorities for the district, which serves nearly 33,000 scholars, driven by a vision to provide equitable access to a worldclass education for every student.
Polk recently celebrated her 41st wedding anniversary with her sixth-grade sweetheart, Chris, and together they have raised three children. As a military spouse and stay-athome mother for many years, Polk’s journey into education began when she volunteered in her daughter’s kindergarten class. She applied for a paraprofessional position in a special needs class, where she discovered her true calling. Determined to make a difference, she pursued a degree in education from Mount Mercy College, graduating in December 1989, and began teaching shortly afterward.
After years of global relocations due to her husband’s military career, Polk’s family settled in Lawton. There, she progressed from a teacher to an assistant principal, then to principal, and ultimately to assistant superintendent, where she contributed to statewide discussions on assessment strategies and accountability measures to support improved student outcomes.
“Teachers are closest to the work, so it’s essential to empower every level,” she emphasized. “We focus on students, support our principals and protect our teachers.”
In 2019, while participating in Leadership Oklahoma’s Class 32, Polk learned that several Oklahoma City Public Schools had received “F” ratings. Compelled to make a difference, she told her supervisor, “I think I can help.” Soon after, she applied for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education at OKCPS—and was offered the job on her way home.
Her efforts led to remarkable improvements in the district’s A-F State Report Card, significantly reducing the number of failing schools from 19 to 2 in a few short years. When asked about her success, Polk explained, “We used a structured method: understanding how success would be measured, empowering leaders with this knowledge and prioritizing student voice by involving students in shaping their learning experiences.” She added, “It’s been hard work, but it’s the right work, and I feel good about what we’ve accomplished.”
The OKCPS superintendent role unexpectedly became available, and while Polk hadn’t been actively seeking it, she felt called to apply. Her unanimous selection by the board moved her deeply. “I cried,” she said. “It wasn’t in the plan, but I believe in divine intervention. There’s a time for everything,
and I’m ready to embrace this responsibility.” With her appointment, Oklahoma’s two largest school districts—Oklahoma City and Tulsa— are now led by Black women for the first time in state history, a milestone that comes with camaraderie and friendly rivalry. As she begins her first school year as superintendent, Polk is already making a significant impact with a clear and purposeful approach. “Teachers are closest to the work, so it’s essential to empower every level,” she emphasized. “We focus on students, support our principals and protect our teachers.” Polk and her team are dedicated to a strategic plan that aligns with the OKCPS mission: Ignite a passion for learning in every child, engage families and build respectful, trusting relationships within our diverse community. In summary: “Empowering others to make decisions that are right for kids.”
INDUSTRY LEADER
Ally Glavas
The cycle of mentorship runs deep in Ally Glavas’ life. At just 34 years old, she is the president at Candor, one of OKC’s top marketing, public relations and social media agencies.
Glavas originally moved to the OKC metro from the East Coast to attend OU, studying political science. After graduation, she briefly left to live and work in Washington, D.C., nearly following in the footprints both of both her parents, who worked in politics. Much to her surprise, she deeply missed Oklahoma and returned. Glavas explained, “The thing I love about here is people really care about one another. There’s this community investment in philanthropy, but also people at the airport look you in the eye because they expect to know you, and they smile and they are kind. We hear that when we have colleagues from out of town: ‘Everyone is so nice here!’ The other part is that it is a great place for a young person to build a career.”
Just over nine years ago, Glavas was working in public affairs with a side hustle babysitting for Karen Wicker, the founder of Candor. The two women formed a friendship; Wicker saw Glavas’ work ethic and recruited her to the company. At the time, Glavas had never even written a press release. “She saw something in me, which is pretty incredible. She has taught me so much about business and being true to yourself, and how to lead authentically,” said Glavas.
Glavas started as an account executive and moved steadily up the company ladder.
"There is award-winning work happening here, and I think we can really increase our reach and introduce people to the power of Oklahoma City. That is my main focus: How do we continue to grow this place without losing all the magic that we love?”
Candor has won Agency of the Year multiple times from the PRSA-OKC and was an Outstanding Boutique Agency Finalist for PRWeek with clients including Devon Energy, Walmart and Oklahoma Human Services. Its most recent move will take the company to new heights.
In 2023 Salient Global, based out of Chicago, added Candor to its agency through a definitive purchase agreement. With the acquisition, Wicker joined the board of directors at Salient and Glavas became president at Candor, as well as a part of the leadership team for the new parent company. “The partnership means Candor can have nationwide impact. So I am really excited that we can amplify the work that’s being done in the heartland nationally. There is award-winning work happening here, and I think we can really increase our reach and introduce people to the power of Oklahoma City. That is my main focus: How do we continue to grow this place without losing all the magic that we love?” said Glavas.
Glavas is “passionate about women’s empow-
erment, whether that means helping a young woman who’s out there looking for a job or trying to negotiate their salary for the first time.” She is on the executive committee at Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma, where she has been serving in a volunteer capacity for over a decade, having been a Girl Scout herself growing up. She is also involved in the Chamber of Commerce, The Downtown Club and PRSA.
Glavas intends to continue to tell the story of Oklahoma City, its local businesses and beyond— all while elevating and bringing others with bright futures along for the journey.
Dr. Kaitlyn Kulesus
Whenever anesthesiologist Kaitlyn Kulesus discovers a way to improve the practice of medicine, she can’t help herself: She has to share. Part of this process occurs within her job as assistant professor at OU Health Department of Anesthesiology, but perhaps the bigger part of her sharing and pushing the field forward comes from her love of community.
Kulesus, fondly called “KK” by many, found a supportive community at OU when she was in residency. She made friends and even met her future husband, Will Gordon, another anesthesiologist resident. Her experiences have prompted her to recreate that same sense of togetherness for current residents.
“It really can be so hard, especially mentally [and] emotionally, in medicine,” she said. “It helps to know the people you are going through it with are actually your friends.”
When Kulesus stayed at OU after residency, she discovered ways to improve the community, beyond teaching and building relationships.
“One defining point in my career in medicine came when I was about to graduate residency. I learned that anesthesia is one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions in the hospital. I educated myself and tried to educate our department as well,” said Kulesus, adding that she researched the environmental effects of anesthesia gasses and ways to mitigate harm.
"I think it’s kind of cool that it puts us on the map with all these other institutions, these simulation centers from all over the country."
“Through a project that I helped on a couple years ago, we were actually able to cut our emissions by an estimated 45%, just through that education.”
Today Kulesus serves on a national committee dedicated to making the field more sustainable through the American Society of Anesthesiologists. She also teaches a humanities course on the topic.
“I probably am a little bad at saying ‘No,’” she said with a laugh. “But, you know, I do like puzzles and problem solving—coming up with creative solutions.”
Kulesus also reinstated the American Society of Anesthesiology Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) Simulation Course at OU in 2023. The program had lapsed in 2021 and, when colleagues began to notice and express concern about it, it was Kulesus who stepped up to bring it back.
Without the course being offered at OU, Oklahoma anesthesiologists would have to travel out of state to maintain their board certifications. At the same time, having the MOCA course at OU has attracted anesthesiologists from around the region to Oklahoma.
“I think it’s kind of cool that it puts us on the map with all these other institutions, these simulation
centers from all over the country,” Kulesus said.
Kulesus instructs the MOCA course as well as the simulation lab for residents. Both prompt important conversations about patient care, as physicians are encouraged to share real-life personal experiences and learn from each other in the class.
Inspired by her own mentors, Kulesus embraces opportunities to connect physicians to each other and counsel rising anesthesiologists.
“I find I love working with learners, and I love mentoring,” she said. “It’s just so refreshing, I think, to be around people a little bit younger who are just so excited and have that energy. It just makes you really feel good about the future.”
In sharing her enthusiasm for the future of medicine, Kulesus is strengthening the medical community. She can’t help it. She has to share the love.
Meet the hard-working women in the 405 who imbue the community with entrepreneurial spirit, thoughtful growth and vitality.
Keven Calonkey Carl, NCIDQ, ASID
FEW PEOPLE HAVE AS MUCH PASSION AND DEDICATION FOR THEIR PROFESSION as Keven Calonkey Carl. Clients compliment the enthusiasm she has while drafting floor plans, selecting furnishings, fabrics and giving presentations. She grew up in Mister Robert Fine Furniture and Design, a store started by her parents, Sara Jean and Bob Calonkey, in 1958. As per their desires, Keven has carried on their legacy and led the business to unprecedented growth, increasing its market share while continuing to provide customers quality, customizable fine furniture and exceptional design service.
From an early age, Keven wanted to make Interior Design her profession, becoming the only person in her family to obtain a degree in Interior Design. Keven passed the rigorous National Council of Interior Design Qualification Examination, which is the industry’s highest indicator of proficiency and expertise in Interior Design. The strenuous requirements of the NCIDQ exam gives clients added confidence in the caliber of NCIDQ certified Interior Designers.
A winner of 18 Excellence in Design Awards from the American Society of Interior Designers, Keven has also been named by the Daily Oklahoman the Best Interior Designer in the metro for 12 years in a row. Under her leadership the Mister Robert design team has won the coveted “Best Overall Design” award two years in a row for their rooms at the Oklahoma City Symphony Designer Show House.
Keven is a master of detail and scale, using these skills to create exceptionally beautiful design spaces that reflect the clients’ taste. She and her team of Designers at Mister Robert invite clients to be true to their own tastes, and promise to use their professional expertise to guide clients through the process of finding what they like and building a space which is right for them. This is the only way to make sure your interior never goes out of style.
109 E Main St.
Norman, OK 73069
405.321.1818
misterrobert.com
Bajaj Plastic Surgery
FOR OVER 15 YEARS, DR. BAJAJ AND HER dedicated team have been transforming lives through exceptional plastic surgery in Oklahoma City. With a reputation for excellence, Dr. Bajaj is nationally acclaimed for her skillful, minimally invasive procedures, specializing in facial rejuvenation, body sculpting and both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.
In 2007, Dr. Bajaj, with the invaluable support of her father, pioneered a cutting-edge microvascular breast reconstruction program at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital. For a decade, she stood out as one of the few Oklahoma surgeons proficient in the intricate deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap technique, establishing St. Anthony Hospital as a high-volume center for this advanced procedure.
Dr. Bajaj's journey began with a challenge: many said DIEP flaps were too complex for private practice. Undeterred, she not only overcame these obstacles but also built a program renowned for its excellence and innovation.
Today, Dr. Bajaj focuses on creating a comprehensive, patient-centered aesthetic practice. She and her expert team prioritize building meaningful relationships with each patient, starting from the initial consultation and continuing through every stage of care. "Listening to your story and understanding your goals is crucial to achieving the best surgical outcome," Dr. Bajaj says. "Your journey is personal, and I am here to ensure every step is tailored to your needs."
From your first consultation to your final recovery, Dr. Bajaj and her staff are committed to enhancing your experience and empowering you to embrace your best self. Discover a new level of confidence with Dr. Bajaj –where expert care meets compassionate, personalized service.
Schedule your consultation today and experience the exceptional care that sets Dr. Bajaj apart.
8106 North May Avenue, Suite B
Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405.810.8448
bajajplasticsurgery.com
Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma
FOR DR. VICTORIA BALL, A HEALTHY, happy life is directly related to the health of your teeth. In her practice at Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma, she focuses on maintaining the health of patients’ natural teeth.
After shadowing her hometown dentist, Dr. Ball said her eyes were opened to all the ways dentists can help their patients. While at dental school, she investigated several specialties, but she kept coming back to endodontics.
“I love the challenge of saving natural teeth,” she said. “Every patient, every tooth is different, kind of like that box of chocolates metaphor.”
Dr. Ball is the first female private practice endodontic owner in the 405 who has achieved board certification and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.
“I regularly have patients who are seeking out a female practitioner,” she said. “I think the measurement is not male or female, but skill, competence and the ability to communicate with and care about patients.”
Her practice is at the forefront of utilizing advanced technology, including state-of-the-art Zeiss PROergo microscopes and 3D cone beam scans to diagnose and treat every patient.
The 3D cone beam scan provides a detailed view of the anatomy of the tooth to detect curvatures and calcifications or blockages within the tooth’s nerves, while the microscopes help to detect small hairline cracks or fractures that may not yet be detectable on a 3D scan. When used together, this equipment helps to provide the best diagnosis and long-term prognosis for each patient’s case.
“I’m excited about new technology, and how it has changed our profession and the way we treat our patients,” Dr. Ball said.
2916 Astoria Way #100 Edmond, OK 73034
405.285.5042
ceoklahoma.com
Align Interventional Pain
IN A FIELD WHERE ROUGHLY 85% OF practitioners are men, being a woman in pain medicine comes with its unique challenges—and opportunities. As an interventional pain physician, Dr. Emily Morgan Pollard has seen firsthand how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and improve patient care.
Dr. Pollard’s journey began at Baylor University, where she balanced the rigors of pre-med coursework with the demands of being on the women’s golf team. That experience taught her resilience and the importance of precision—both crucial in her practice today. After medical school at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Pollard specialized in anesthesiology, a choice that naturally led her to pursue an Interventional Pain fellowship at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
In 2020, Dr. Pollard founded Align Interventional Pain, with a vision of providing personalized, patient-centered care. Now, with two thriving clinic locations, Dr. Pollard is proud to be a part of the change she wants to see in the medical field. Her practice is grounded in the belief that pain management should be as diverse as the patients they serve.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Pollard is a wife, mother of two, golfer and Peloton enthusiast. These roles fuel her passion for helping others live pain-free, active lives. Traveling also keeps her grounded and reminds her of the beauty in balance—something she strives to bring to her personal life and practice.
While the road to success in pain medicine might be more challenging for women, it is also incredibly rewarding. Dr. Pollard’s hope is to inspire more women to enter this field, bringing their unique perspectives and strengths to help shape the future of pain management.
501 E. 15th St. Suite 300A
Edmond, OK 73013
405.906.4020
alignpain.com
102 S. Van Buren St. Enid, OK 73703
580.242.7030
Fax: 580.242.7033
Aspen Ranch
BAILEY AND HER HUSBAND WILL WERE MARRIED at Aspen Ranch in April of 2023. Bailey even played a large role in the planning and designing of her wedding, which looked like a fairytale. She has had a gift of planning and design since she was very young.
Bailey graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in Spanish. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority while at OU and first used her gift of planning and design as the Kappa Event Chair. The Event Chair was a position that planned, designed and supervised date parties as well as many other exciting events. And she excelled at it!
Aspen Ranch is a perfect fit for Bailey, as she truly loves meeting new couples and being a part of one of the most special days of their lives. Bailey’s background in planning has been a priceless asset to the Aspen Team. She excels at floorplans, managing large crowds and communication and assisting each couple’s wedding planner. Bailey conducts tours, prepares contracts, manages venue staff and works hard to ensure each wedding and event is provided with all of the support they need.
Bailey primarily focuses on managing the venue however she has taken a few select events to design and plan and has even designed new spaces at Aspen with the new Aspen Lounge and other unique spaces. The new Aspen Lounge can accommodate up to 70 guests for receptions, private events, showers, or meetings. And Bailey’s weddings have been some of the most beautiful weddings at Aspen Ranch.
Bailey worked for 3 years as a Lead Planner for Fete’ Nuptials and Gatherings as well as its sister company XO by Haleigh Kenney giving her extensive experience working in the floral industry as well as planning.
Aspen Ranch is a stunning 160-acre venue nestled in the heart of Oklahoma. With beautiful views full of natural beauty and a growing family of charming rescue animals, it is a picturesque setting to host weddings and special events. Aspen Ranch has venue and lodging options to host everything from intimate weddings to large weekend affairs. Each space has been thoughtfully designed with a timeless aesthetic making it the ideal canvas to create a celebration that is unique to each event.
Aspen Ranch is family owned and operated. Over 30 percent of event proceeds directly contribute to the care of Aspen’s beloved rescues, emphasizing the venue’s dedication to animal welfare.
1000 Winners Cir Edmond, OK 73025
405.850.5469
aspenranchok.com
Express Healthcare Staffing
EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS CONTINUES EXPANSION TO HEALTHCARE.
Anyone who’s been in business knows that people are the key to success for organizations, and Express Employment Professionals has been focusing on people for more than four decades.
Express has always been known for providing qualified staffing that companies can count on, but Express also provides clients with the best professional talent available in the market through its Specialized Recruiting Group.
“The best companies need the best professional talent to ensure they’re successful, and filling those positions can be the most difficult challenge hiring managers face,” said Bob Funk Sr., founder and executive chairman of Oklahoma City-based Express Employment Professionals.
Express Regional Director Bettye Taylor, who leads Express’ Specialized Recruiting Group (SRG), has been connecting quality companies with financial managers, engineers, IT specialists, executive directors, CEOs, accountants and other key professionals for most of her career.
And in the fall of 2023, Taylor launched Express Healthcare Staffing a division of Express Employment Professionals in Oklahoma City and surrounding areas, recruiting for registered nurses, certified nursing
assistants, licensed practical nurses, certified medical assistants and allied health clinicians.
“Staffing and customer service is at the core of what we provide,” she says. “But attention to detail is even more important in the healthcare industry because you’re dealing with patient touch, and ultimately with people’s health.”
The industry is unique from many others because of the varying specialties and skill sets that are in demand. Staff also must be credentialed according to consistent Joint Commission standards, and that is a service Express provides to all its clients.
“Staffing in the healthcare industry has never been more critical than it is today,” Taylor says, “and Express has become a reliable partner for a growing number of hospitals and clinics across Central Oklahoma.”
“Express has been known for being at the pinnacle of quality and integrity for years, and that high standard is showing through within the healthcare industry as well.”
Bettye Taylor, CPSS | Regional Director 405.717.8382
Bettye.Taylor@ExpressPros.com
6301 Waterford Boulevard, Suite 210 Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Dr. Susan DeWoody
DR. SUSAN DEWOODY IS A PROUD FIRST-GENERATION college graduate, lifelong learner, solution finder and champion for the underdog.
Before joining Strata Leadership as President, Dr. DeWoody was part of the non-profit leadership sector of CarterBaldwin Executive Search, a firm listed among the top 1% of search firms in the nation by Hunt Scanlon. For the past 20 years, she has served in multiple areas on college and university campuses: recruitment, advising, campus life, NCAA DII athletics, and academic affairs. Her most recent academic post involved serving on the president’s cabinet at Oklahoma Baptist University as the first female Provost in the institution’s more than 113-year history.
Dr. DeWoody brings a dynamic blend of expertise and passion to her roles as an executive coach, leadership facilitator and public speaker. With a career marked by unwavering dedication, she fearlessly tackles the complexities of leadership in today's ever-changing landscape. Dr. DeWoody's authentic voice resonates as she shares her personal journey with imposter syndrome, emphasizing the transformative power of embracing vulnerability in leadership. She champions navigating difficult spaces with courage and resilience, guiding organizations through turbulent waters with her keen insights into change management. Dr. DeWoody inspires audiences with her fervent belief in the profound impact of a growth mindset and lifelong learning, empowering
individuals to thrive amidst facing life's complexity.
Dr. DeWoody earned the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership in Higher Education Administration from Dallas Baptist University. She earned the Master of Science in College Student Personnel Services from Northeastern State University where she completed a graduate assistantship for the Dean of Enrollment Management. She earned the Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas Tech University and an Associates of Arts degree from University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.
Although she has also lived in Arkansas, Texas and North Carolina, her heart and roots are firmly planted in Oklahoma. She has been married to Dr. Dale DeWoody (English Ph.D. and educator) since 2003.
Dr. DeWoody believes deeply in the never-ending pursuit of learning and has a strong desire to inspire others to be intentional about finding their purpose.
Strata Leadership
Susan DeWoody, Ed.D.| President 877.357.0001
info@strataleadership.com
Watermark Bank
AT WATERMARK BANK, WE UNDERSTAND THE entrepreneurial journey because we have been on it ourselves. Founded in 2019 as a true startup, we are dedicated to supporting Oklahoma’s visionary business leaders with cutting-edge technology and personalized financial solutions. As a locally owned bank, we are committed to building authentic relationships and guiding our clients through every stage of their journey, always focused on empowering them to achieve their goals.
Our leadership team reflects this commitment, with Stephanie Podoll, Erin Johnson, Lisa Kretchmar, Kati Christ and Ashlea Briggs representing just a few of the women in leadership at Watermark Bank. Each leader brings unique expertise and a steadfast commitment to a client-first approach, ensuring that our services remain responsive, personalized and impactful. Whether through operational excellence, strategic guidance or community involvement, these women play a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional banking experience while
upholding our core values of authenticity, integrity, and excellence.
At Watermark Bank, we take pride in providing white-glove service and acting as a true partner for our clients, shareholders and employees. With a focus on long-term impact, we are dedicated to supporting Oklahoma’s growth by helping our clients create jobs, drive innovation and strengthen the local economy. By elevating the women who lead and inspire us every day, we celebrate their vital contributions to both our bank’s success and the dynamic business community of Oklahoma.
6501 N. Classen Blvd., Suite 300 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 405.810.6210
In the back, L to R is Lisa Kretchmar, Stephanie Podoll and Ashlea Briggs. Seated are Erin Johnson and Kati Christ.
Cheese board at The Chalkboard Kitchen + Bar
Chalk Talk
A classic Tulsa restaurant comes to OKC
BY MATT KIROUAC
PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI
NOWADAYS, BEEF WELLINGTON IS A menu rarity that’s largely confined to ritzy pubs and decadent carving stations. At The Chalkboard Kitchen + Bar, though, it’s a signature item that simultaneously links the Midtown OKC newcomer — nestled, fittingly, in the historic Ambassador Hotel at 1200 N. Walker Ave.—with its Tulsa counterpart, while distinguishing the concept from anything else in town. The Wellington is a signature item offered in a classic beef iteration with bacon jam and mushroom duxelles, as well as a vegetarian take with mushrooms and lemon ricotta, and it’s the perfect example of the restaurant’s straddling of classics and contemporary innovation.
That ethos is woven into the framework of the original Chalkboard, open since 1976 in Tulsa’s own Ambassador Hotel, and elevated at its local expansion, where chef Gayland Toriello commands an eclectic menu that harmonizes old-school influences with modern novelties. It's filled with invention and inspiration, with dishes like baked escargot and fried green tomatoes sharing tables with cauliflower harissa, duck breast with goat cheese-beet ravioli or Moroccan-spiced pork tenderloin with date sauce and broccolini. The Wellington is the star, available as shareable—and brilliant—beef Wellington bites with creamy peppercorn sauce, as well as an extravagant entree served with gremolata, demi-glace, grilled asparagus and rich, risotto-esque orzo.
“Chalkboard, to me, is something that can be erased and replaced, like a blank canvas,” said Toriello, who grew up in a self-described “cooking family” in New York City, before moving to Oklahoma City in the early ’90s and eventually working at Café Cuvée, the previous French-leaning restaurant in The Chalkboard space. His new culinary canvas harkens to the space’s French roots, as well as the original concept in Tulsa, and the history of the building itself.
Originally built in the 1920s as medical offices, the Ambassador Hotel first opened in 2014, with an initial restaurant called Viceroy Grille. Café Cuvée took its place in 2019, followed by this most recent evolution earlier this spring.
“I like the history of the concept of The Chalkboard,” said Jason Clark, general manager of the hotel, describing the restaurant as “casual and accessible, and a little bit of our pull away from French
Beef Wellington, cheese board, fried green tomatoes, and Chalkboard cobb
into more American territory.” In creating a space, and a menu, for locals and travelers alike to enjoy, they orchestrated a menu of Old and New World wines, as well as cocktails both classic and original. The Osler’s Fix, for instance, straddles the line—much like the Wellington—by offering a new take on an Old Fashioned, incorporating bacon fat-washed bourbon and maple.
The design is the most notable departure from Café Cuvée, opting for a refreshed color palette of deep blues, elegant plush seating and soft lights around a new central bar area that looks primed for neighborhood regulars and beef Wellington bites. The goal, Clark said, was to “create a space that our neighbors can enjoy, and bring together Midtown and Oklahoma City, along with our hotel guests.”
And if the convivial crowds are any indication, The Chalkboard has done precisely that—an immediate OKC fixture as classic as its beef Wellington.
The Chalkboard Wellington with creamy orzo and grilled asparagus
Osler's Fix cocktail
Chalkboard Burger
Peripheral Neuropathy: The Game-Changer You’ve Been Waiting For
“MY FEET FEEL LIKE THEY’RE ON FIRE.”
“EACH STEP FEELS LIKE I’M WALKING THROUGH WET PAINT.”
“I LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR THAT I’LL FALL.”
What do all of these people have in common? They suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately this figure may be signficantly higher as the disease is often misdiagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms.
Toni Twitty of Be Well Acupuncture in Edmond, OK shares this belief. “I’ve been treating neuropathy, in all its various forms, for over a decade and so often my patients come to me because of the symptoms not because of a diagnosis. They saw one of my television specials, or read a testimonial of another patient and say to themselves, ‘Hey, I feel the same thing’.”
Betty M. of Oklahoma City testified to this, “I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood. I was so envious- I kept thinking, ‘I would give anything just to walk again’. My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription. I was so depressed.”
Fortunately, Betty would eventually see a review of Toni Twitty talking about similar symptoms and how she offers a real solution at Be Well Acupuncture. “I just knew I had to see her. She was my last hope.”
“Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Betty’s. They’ve been everywhere else. They’ve been told there is no hope. They’ve been told, ‘It’s just part of getting older,’” shares Brooke, a Patient Care Technician at Be Well Acupuncture. “It just breaks my heart but I know that we can help people like Betty so I’m always
so happy when they walk through our door.”
Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a grim reality; Western Medicine declares there is no solution while costly alternative therapies carry huge price tags and offer little to no resolve. Which is why Toni Twitty and the staff at Be Well pride themselves on being, “the last resort with the best results.”
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves. This damage is commonly caused by low blood flow in the hands and feet. Low blood flow results in lack of nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitating. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they completely expire, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues. “In this case the absence of pain is not a good thing.” shares Dr. Toni. “This usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread.”
So how exactly is Dr. Toni able to reverse the effects of this degenerative disease? “Acupuncture has been used to increase blood flow for thousands of years. It helps get the nutrients to the nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. This is tech that was orginally developed by NASA to expedite recovering and healing.”
“I just can’t say enough about Be Well,” Betty shared joyfully. “My husband and I moved here 3 years ago to be near our grandchildren. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. I couldn’t keep up. Yesterday I walked
around the park with him! Next week we’re taking the grandkids with us! I am truly living life these days.”
“According to Betty’s test results, she has seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients,” shares Paige. “But more important than those test results is the joy she’s expressed being here and hearing about all the amazing things she’s able to do because she feels great!”
By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions, Be Well Acupuncture has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the effects of neuropathy. She starts each patient with an initial consultation during which a sensory exam is performed. “This not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to define just how much nerve damage has occurred,” tells the doctor. “This is important because if a patient has suffered more than 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I’m familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine.”
When it somes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of full recovery.
If you or someone you love are suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” or you’ve recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options. There is hope. Call 405-697-5121 to schedule an initial consultation or visit bewellokc.com to read more incredible success stories.
portrait of shalynne jackson
Beyond Pumpkin Spice
Savor these local fall sips
BY MATT KIROUAC
THE ONSET OF AUTUMN MEANS THE DAYS ARE getting shorter, the temperature mercifully cooler and the food cozier. It also means that our drinking preferences shift from quenching patio-pounders to spicier, headier lattes, sangrias, wines and cocktails. Of course, pumpkin spice commands a vice grip on the season, and while artisanal iterations of the inescapable elixir can certainly be found (as well as PSL-inspired novelties, like pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls), we’re all about zigging against the zag, especially considering the abundance of autumnal alternatives throughout the metro. So put down the PSL and check out these fall sips in OKC.
By Day
In the morning, pumpkin spice surrogates abound. Just head to Cafe Kacao (3325 N. Classen Blvd., OKC) and skim the drink list. The coffee options at the feverishly popular brunch spot keep getting better and better, including brand-new items like the Banana Nutella Latte, a drinkable dessert comprising housemade banana syrup, Nutella, espresso and oat milk. Or the Salted Caramel Pepita Latte, which rounds out its espresso-caramel-milk base with caramel whipped cream, a pinch of salt and a caramelized pepita and sesame crumble.
Mocha House (1010 N. Santa Fe Ave., Edmond) is an unassuming new cafe specializing in Yemeni coffee and spice aplenty. Wafting with notes of cardamom, cinnamon and ginger, authentic offerings include Muffawar, a traditional Yemeni coffee infused with cardamom and splashed with cream. Jubani adds cinnamon and ginger to the mix, while Rada’ai is a light-roast steeped with ginger. This is also one of the best places in OKC to sample legit Turkish coffee, which is thicker and stronger than typical American brews, due to freshly ground coffee getting boiled in copper pots.
Another newer entry is Gold Dome Coffee Shop, a drive-thruonly cafe in a parking lot at 2901 NW 36th St. in OKC. Owned by husband-wife team Julie and Scott Sullivan, who used to frequent the drive-thru when it was Leaf + Bean, it is one of the most inventive coffeeshops in the city—with a deservedly devout following to match. Inspired by the drive-thru coffee culture that thrives in the Pacific Northwest, they describe Gold Dome as a fun, creative outlet, as well an opportunity to carry on the Leaf + Bean legacy they loved so much. “All of the weird things that we make are just working off inspiration and having fun and being together, and following the magic,” said Scott. And by “magic,” he means the best—and most distinctive— lattes in OKC, like the Pistachio Latte made with vanilla bean syrup and pistachio milk; the Grasshopper with wintermint, dark chocolate and oat milk; and the Sugaree latte with espresso, maple, brown sugar and pistachio milk.
By Night
Once you’re sufficiently caffeinated, it’s time to spice things up with cocktails, sangria and wine. Backyard Vineyards, a new winery and tasting room at 1200 W. Reno Ave. in OKC’s Farmer’s Market District, ticks all the boxes: there’s a Black Cherry Sangria bursting with rich, red berries, and dark cherry undertones from Merlot. Most interestingly, this is also one of the only places in Oklahoma you’re likely to find authentic Kalimotxo, a traditional Spanish medley of red wine and cola—in this case, black cherry wine and Coke.
Another new bar entry, the Paseo’s on-the-nose Barseo (3020 N. Walker Ave., OKC) is shifting seamlessly into its first fall with seasonal sips like The Gentleman, with rye whiskey, sherry, sweet vermouth and cherry bark-vanilla bitters. Razzle Dazzle, meanwhile, packs a punch with mezcal, absinthe, raspberry, lemon and pink peppercorn.
Things are looking downright festive at Riserva Bar + Tapas (1332 W. Memorial Ave., OKC), where—in addition to a popular honeydew sangria—guests can sample the Cranberry Ganoush, with spiced citrus vodka, bergamot liqueur, lime, orgeat and a cranberry-sweet potato syrup. For a spicy mocktail, the Silk Road combines lavender and cinnamon with pistachio, nutmeg, soda and cream.
And in a surefire sign that cooler weather awaits, Palo Santo (1203 SW 2nd St., OKC) boasts a bevy of hot cocktails, including Banana Buttered Rum, with aged rum, creme de banane, spiced butter and nutmeg, and the Oaxacchiato, a mezcal and sherry tipple with spicy Oaxacan hot chocolate, vanilla, foamed milk and a dusting of cinnamon. Cheers to autumn!
Photo by Brianna Wolfe
French Finesse
The edible art of L’Arc Patisserie
BY: MATT KIROUAC
BY: RACHEL MAUCIERI
IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA ERA, WHEN PHONES EAT first, a refined French pastry is more akin to a delicate work of art than a mere dessert. And by that metric, L’Arc Patisserie is more than a bakery; it’s a gallery of edible elegance. Found in a nondescript storefront at 9309 N. Penn Ave. in Casady Square—follow the aroma of French butter and cocoa wafting through the door—chef Isabella Li’s boutique is difficult to view as anything other than art. In this case, though, it’s art that begs to be devoured.
Born and raised in mainland China, Li is well-versed in the mastery of French dessert. Long inspired by watching French chefs cooking and baking online, as well as her time in culinary school, she cut her teeth at high-end institutions like the Hilton Hefei, a luxury property in the eastern Chinese city. She served as pastry chef for its on-site cake shop and buffet, as well as designing chocolate showpieces and sculptures. From there, she spent six years at the Grand Lisboa Macau, a sky-scraping lotus-themed tower with Michelin-starred restaurants, including a property from vaunted French chef Joël Robuchon. It’s quite the pedigree for a pastry chef, equipping Li with the requisite passions, skills and standout artistry. She came to OKC in 2012, but rather than dive right back into pastry work, she worked
retail and limited her desserts to family and friends. Eventually, as is often the case with innate artists, her passion grew too big to sideline.
In May, she opened L’Arc Patisserie, marking the culmination of a career spent studying French pastry and sculpting culinary showpieces. The space is sleek and sparse, looking more like a contemporary art gallery than a bakery. Li sources the finest ingredients, like cacao and cocoa butter, directly from France—and it shows. On any given day, you never know what’ll be on display behind the case, as the chef shuffles through a roster of lustrous specialties that all look almost too ornate and intricate to touch with a fork.
One highlight is the Russian Tale, a chestnut-shaped dome of Valrhona 70% dark chocolate mousse enrobed in a glistening chocolate glaze, and filled with mango cream and raspberry coulis on a bed of sponge cake. Li describes her fruit-based confections as “3-D fruit,” including a mango dessert, designed and decorated to resemble the real thing, that hides mango mousse and compote inside a brittle chocolate shell; as well as a strawberry version that looks like an artist’s rendering of an actual berry. From peaches and green apples to Mandarin oranges and raspberries, the ingredient inspiration runs the gamut, along with classic French pastries like real-deal Paris
PHOTOS
L'Arc Patisserie's Russian Tale, Strawberry and Mango Petite desserts.
Brest (crème mousseline, praline and buttery choux pastry) and Mont Blanc (chestnut puree, vanilla chantilly cream and almond cream swirled atop a tart shell).
At first, the desserts look too beautiful to dismantle with a fork. The best work of art, though, is the kind that doesn’t just look nice, but makes you feel something too. And between the buttery aroma, the gleaming glaze and the silken mousse, you’d be hard-pressed to feel anything but hungry.
L'Arc Patisserie's "Russian Tale" Petite dessert. Valrhona 70% dark chocolate mousse, Mango cream & raspberry coulis, Chocolate sponge cake. Photo by Rachel Maucieri.
L'Arc Patisserie's Mango Petite dessert. Chocolate shell, Mango mousse, Mango compote, Joconde sponge. Photo by Rachel Maucieri.
L'Arc Patisserie's Strawberry Petite Dessert. Chocolate shell, strawberry mousse, Jaconde sponge, strawberry pureé, strawberry cubes. Photo by Rachel Maucieri.
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Medicinal Folkwear
CULTURE
Shaping Oklahoma
Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration at FAM
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM
CURRENTLY, THERE FIRST AMERICANS MUSEUM (FAM) proudly tells the history of the Thirty-Nine Tribes currently in Oklahoma. The main floor’s exhibition, Okla Homma, contains colorful, largescale interactive displays which feature over two days’ worth of video content. Visitors can begin to learn and understand hardships these communities faced, but also their vast cultural diversity and impressive tribal contributions to society. The second-floor gallery, Winiko: Life of an Object, features a wide array of artifacts from these tribes including ceremonial regalia, sports equipment and even drums used in present-day celebrations.
One of these celebrations is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which FAM has hosted since its opening in 2021. This year’s event, held on Monday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., expects to bring 3,000 visitors to the museum for a day of fun and festivities, commemorating the history and culture of Indigenous Oklahomans.
Throughout the day, guests can witness traditional and contemporary performances as well as social dances. There will be interactive events, such as a Hand Drum contest. A stickball tournament featuring five tribal teams will take place in Festival Plaza. At 1 p.m., Mayor David Holt will be reading a Mayoral Proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day. “OKC’s commemoration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day may be one of the newer ones, but I think has to be one of the best in America,” Holt said. “This is fitting, as I think we are emerging as a national capital for
Native and Indigenous people.”
After Mayor Holt’s address, all tribal leaders in Oklahoma have been invited to speak. There will also be remarks given by the new Executive Director and CEO of FAM, Dr. Kelli Mosteller. Mosteller, who was appointed in July, most recently worked as the executive director of the Harvard University Native American Program and holds a Ph.D. in American history with a focus on Indigenous studies from University of Texas at Austin.
When asked why she decided to take on this role at FAM, Mosteller said, “my decision to join FAM was motivated by my excitement to be part of such a dynamic institution that is doing groundbreaking and transformative work. In the three years FAM has been open, it is evident that it is a premier cultural institution that will help redefine the standards of what it means to work with and for Native communities to tell their stories, preserve their histories and share their cultures. As the national spotlight on Oklahoma City continues to grow, FAM is poised to showcase how integral Native American
communities have been in shaping Oklahoma and how integral tribal communities are to our state’s continued growth and prosperity. I want to be part of this visionary work.”
Mosteller noted that she is excited to work with the tribal communities across the state. She also said, “I am eagerly anticipating the work on the FAMily Discovery Center, a oneof-a-kind, immersive world for all ages that’s brimming with STEAM-based activities centered on Indigenous values. Exhibit development and installation is such a fun process, especially when you know families are enthusiastically waiting to come and experience that space.” The FAMily Discovery Center is expected to open in the summer of 2025.
→ The Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebratory event is completely free, and admission to explore the exhibits in the museum is reduced to just $5. For more information on First Americans Museum and its Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration, visit famok.org.
Hand-Crafted Throwbacks
Hag and Company’s Martha Coates Donahoo
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
PHOTO BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
OCTOBER IS FULL OF SPOOKY THINGS like witches and costumes. Martha Coates Donahoo, owner of Hag and Company, is a fan of both. She’s aware of its negative connotation, but she’s reclaiming the word hag, as well as fabric, to create magically magnificent one-of-a-kind garments.
So, tell me about Hag and Company.
I am really interested in traditional crafting, and make clothing inspired by folk garments using recycled materials. My focus is on imitating the working-class functional garments from pre-industrial times, specifically corsets but also bloomers and petticoats. I’m not interested in court clothing or dressing the queen, but more in dressing a laborer, like a harvester. I focus on patterns meant to be comfortable for a whole day’s physical work but also to look amazing. These garments are washable and can be worn in everyday life.
How did this business start?
This whole project started because my mother gave me a bunch of embroidery and quilt squares from my great aunt, who had recently passed away. I wanted them to have a life and not be tucked in a linen closet. I made stays, the word for corset in the 18th century, with these fabric pieces to highlight their beauty. Because I make such specific corset patterns, those also interested found me on Instagram by search terms like “historical sewing” and “18th century stays.” I didn’t intend to start a business, but I started to be really busy taking orders and it grew organically.
Are you a seamstress?
I consider myself more of an artist than a seamstress. I get inspired by themes and create collections. Each garment is a one of a kind, made from found or gifted vintage textiles. I’m also proud of my hand-drafted patterns which allow me to share and disseminate the work in a way that making an individual garment does not. These are limited editions, and only available through pre-order on my website.
What do you mean by recycled fabric being used in all of your pieces?
For quality control, the cotton lining, boning and hardware in all of my stays are purchased new. The outside is composed of sourced materials like tablecloths and bedsheets that I find at thrift stores around the city. I find unique linens that should be remembered and restored but are on the verge of being thrown away. I have only lived in OKC five years, but it makes me feel connected to the community and to those who lived here before. Making new things out of them honors our ancestors and our future by preserving what we have, and [ensuring] that the time we spent on something matters.
Where can people find you?
My website is hag-company.myshopify.com, and you can follow @HagAndCompany on Instagram. I also teach historical sewing using my own patterns, recycled sewing and a mask-making class at the Contemporary Studio School year-round.
The Sky Was the Limit
Mary Golda Ross, a hidden figure in aerospace history
BY LINDA MILLER PHOTO COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME ARCHIVES
MARY GOLDA ROSS NEVER LET WORKing in a field dominated by men hinder or stop her. Instead, she excelled and became Lockheed Aircraft Co.’s first female engineer and the first known Native American female aerospace engineer.
Ross, whose great-great grandfather was Cherokee Nation Principal Chief John Ross, was born in Park Hill but went to live with her grandparents in Tahlequah to attend what were considered the best primary and secondary Cherokee schools. It proved to be a good start. Focusing on mathematics and later astronomy, she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Early on she taught school, but Ross longed to do more, to learn more. She took the civil service exam and became a statistician for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., and later was transferred to New Mexico to advise girls at the Santa Fe Indian School. Better work opportunities lured her to California, and she was hired as a mathematician at Lockheed in 1942, where her knowledge and determination successfully propelled her career to new heights.
Ross is credited with helping solve design issues on several high-speed planes, including the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a twin-engine plane that could fly nearly 400 miles per hour. She identified a problem while studying the effects of pressure on the fighter plane and improved its aerodynamics for better stability.
After the war, many female workers at Lockheed either left or were laid off, but Ross had proven herself too valuable to be replaced. The company sent her to the University of California at Los Angeles, where she earned her engineering certification, and she became a registered professional engineer in 1949.
A few years later her career took another turn
when she became the only female engineer among the 40 founding scientists and engineers of the top-secret Skunk Works, a think tank also known as Lockheed’s Advanced Development Programs. Much of Ross’ extensive work and that of Skunk Works remains a secret, though she is credited with creating various concepts for interplanetary travel, working on rocket and missile-related projects. She also wrote several academic papers on space exploration and co-authored NASA’s Planetary Flight Handbook Volume III, detailing space travel to Mars and Venus.
Ross retired in 1973 and died in 2008 at the age of 99. The U.S. Mint issued a Native
American one-dollar coin featuring Ross in 2019, and a bronze statue of her was unveiled in Oklahoma City’s First Americans Museum in 2022. She was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2023.
Ross never traveled in space, but she was the woman behind many who did.
Mary Golda Ross was a pioneer in the fields of rocket science and space travel.
‘We Just Want Stuff to Work’
Oklahoma City launches new Office of Innovation
BY JAKE DURHAM
PHOTO PROVIDED BY OKLAHOMA CITY
OFFICE OF INNOVATION
THE CITY OF OKLAHOMA CITY IS taking significant strides to modernize and enhance its municipal operations by establishing its Office of Innovation. This initiative, driven by Mayor Holt’s vision for a more efficient and forward-thinking city government, is fostering cross-departmental collaboration and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Recognizing the necessity for a dedicated team focused on continuous improvement and technological advancements, the Office of Innovation was created with the support of the City Manager and has become a vital component in the city’s efforts to serve its residents better.
“The office of innovation for the city of Oklahoma City is about empowering and even challenging people to think differently about their processes, their problems and about how to approach what they do every day,” said Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Kelly Williams. Since its inception, the Office of Innovation has been exploring new ideas and implementing solutions that push the boundaries of traditional local government operations. Williams, the city’s first Chief Innovation Officer, is tasked with identifying areas of opportunity within the city’s services and developing creative, data-driven solutions. With a background in quantitative psychology and a wealth of experience in leadership roles, she brings a unique perspective to her role, ensuring that innovation is encouraged and deeply integrated into the fabric of Oklahoma City’s operations.
“People assume we’re just doing things the same old way that we always have,” Williams said. “But we come in and talk with [people] about what they’re working on, what their problems are, and help them find different ways of going about that process. The goal is always to be more efficient, more effective, or to have a better job quality in the way that you
do things.”
One of the ways Williams accomplishes this is through process mapping, which helps people visualize the steps, activities and decisions involved in an organization’s workflow to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of how a process works, identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks and find opportunities for improvement. Organizations can streamline operations, enhance communication, ensure consistency and improve efficiency by visualizing the process.
The Office of Innovation has also has been strengthened by the addition of Bailey Siber, a Harvard Kennedy School graduate and Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow, who serves as Senior Program Manager.
“We just want stuff to work,” Siber said. Siber’s expertise in technology and civic innovation has already made a significant difference, mainly through her efforts to educate city staff on the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance workflow efficiency. Her work underscores the Office of Innovation’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to improve city services and create a more responsive and effective government.
“In this world of AI and generative AI, there’s a lot of different kinds of frameworks to think about,” Siber said. “A simple one is at the individual level where people are looking to improve their day-to-day work. Then there are systems at the department level. Then, there is a city-wide investment in creating services
that are AI-enhanced or have some kind of AI technology embedded in them. The training has been mainly focused on individual use so far, but also giving [people] some awareness to those higher-level tiers.”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the work landscape by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making processes and enabling new ways of working. AI-driven tools are streamlining operations across various industries, from customer service chatbots to predictive analytics in finance. This technology increases efficiency and productivity and creates opportunities for innovation and new job roles centered around AI development, management and ethics. As AI continues to evolve, it is reshaping the skills required in the workforce, emphasizing the need for adaptability, continuous learning and the ability to work alongside advanced technologies.
“We want to support and encourage people to use all the tools in the toolkit,” Siber said. “But let’s put some guardrails and parameters around this so we understand the risks and the benefits and where it’s appropriate to lean on some of these tools.”
As the Office of Innovation continues to evolve, its mission remains clear—to create a culture of resident delight and innovative, people-centered solutions. By connecting residents and city staff, the office is poised to transform how Oklahoma City operates, ensuring that it remains a vibrant, forward-looking community for years to come.
“We want to emphasize what we do is very collaborative,” Williams said. “We lean on the expertise of our colleagues, who are wonderful people and very good at what they do. They just need a little bit of help to make their process better and make what they do more impactful. And so, that’s why we’re here.”
Chief Innovation Officer, Dr. Kelly Williams; Senior Program Manager, Bailey Siber.
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