LeagueLink Spring 2023

President’s Letter

Friends,

Intentionally honored through service, versus fanfare or a large-scale celebration, our 95th Anniversary was one for the record books. With a focus on togetherness, connection, and community, our Members moved mountains while BOLDLY marching toward our Centennial!

In May 2022, I shared a quote a mentor regularly repeats: “Personal contact alters opinions.” It sticks with me daily and speaks directly to the importance of the Junior League. When likeminded, passionate women gather, they are mighty. When they work as a team, they are unstoppable.

When they are BOLD, they are change-agents!

With collaboration vital to personal growth and community impact, I’m proud that our League returned to 100% in-person operations this year. The benefit of doing so was obvious, with over 14,200 volunteer hours poured into our efforts, nearly 64,000 period products distributed through Project EmpowHer, 33 live training events, and 58 interest group and social opportunities.

We welcomed the hosts of Pantsuit Politics for a community-based evening of discussion centered around embracing differences of opinion, ushered in the return of Legacy & Legends as a membership-centric event in front of hundreds of attendees, and saw our in-person fundraisers thrive! From Mistletoe Market to Whale of a Sale, our inaugural The Little Black Dress Initiative to the Annual Campaign, the League interacted with record crowds and raised funds necessary for forward progress.

Our togetherness led to success otherwise impossible!

Looking back on our League’s accomplishments fills my heart with joy, gratitude, and a tinge of sentimentalism. Joy to have a front row seat watching our good work in action. Gratitude to serve alongside Oklahoma City’s best and brightest. And Sentimentalism because while the days may seem long, the year is so very short. It’s impressive how much we achieved in 365 days!

Even after 95 years, the story of the Junior League continues to develop. While it’s a tale based on the promise of building a better community, advancing the potential of women, and leaving an indelible mark on generations to come, it’s ultimately about the power of women investing in women. Undoubtedly, the coming chapters will talk of leaders who shattered glass ceilings to create the floor on which our future will stand, reminding the reader how important it is for BOLD women to consistently say the names of other BOLD women.

I can’t wait to read all about it!

REACHING OUT STATEMENT

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc. reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest and a commitment to voluntarism. The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or national origin.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc. welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities.

To the BOLDEST women I’ve ever known: Thank you for your commitment to our community and to each another. It has been a privilege to serve as your President, to proudly say your names, and to champion the influential work of the Junior League of Oklahoma City.

Be B.O.L.D.,

Sheena Karami Hollander President, 2022 – 2023

“BOLD women know the importance of betting on themselves. When you bet on yourself, you turn what was your ceiling into your floor.”

SPRING 2023

LINK VISION

To inform Members and increase awareness of the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Inc.’s projects and events.

2022-23 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT Sheena Karami Hollander

PRESIDENT-ELECT Adrienne Nobles

ADMINISTRATIVE VP Zoe Butts

BYLAWS CHAIR Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter

COMMUNICATIONS VP Natalie Fix

COMMUNITY VP Stephanie Hinton

EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT VP Hayley Moore

FINANCE VP Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik

FUNDRAISING VP Tabitha Narvaiz

MEMBERSHIP VP Sarah Miller

NOMINATING CHAIR Kristin Van Nort

SUSTAINING ADVISOR Whitney Tero

CHIEF OF STAFF Heather Cook

LEAGUE LINK STAFF

EDITOR Jennifer Grover

COMMUNICATIONS VP Natalie Fix

CONTRIBUTORS Hayley Moore, Marcella Morgan

League Link is published by the Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc.

HEADQUARTERS

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc.

1001 NW Grand Blvd.

Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Phone (405) 843-5668

Fax (405) 843-0994

www.jloc.org

FUNDRAISERS

Little Black Dress Initiative

Mistletoe Market

Whale Of A Sale

Annual Campaign

PROMOTING VOLUNTARISM [ events ]

General Membership Meetings

Mistletoe Market

Whale of a Sale

CHANGING LIVES [ projects ]

Community Projects

Community Project Letters

BEING BOLD [ people ]

Pantsuit Politics

Legacy & Legends

Membership Report, Member Spotlights

Sustainer Scoop, Provisionals

Meet the 2023-24 Board of Directors

SCENE [ the year in photos ]

League Social Highlights

Newlyweds, Nearlyweds

Little Leaguers, Leash Leaguers

ANNUAL REPORT

ON THE COVER (left to right):

celebrate Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter being elected as President-Elect Elect. 7. The 2022-23 Mistletoe Market Committee is captured together under the mistletoe. 8. Project EmpowHer Committee Members, Evalyne Kamau, Emily Isbill and Jenefar De Leon Cossey, meet for a Project EmpowHer fall fundraiser at the Wheeler District. 9. Provisional Members Jessica Wilkes, Aubrey Frazier, Anna Long, Jennifer Higley, Sharon Leveston-Sharpe and Rose Brady, volunteer at Infant Crisis Services.

1. Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik and Stephanie Hinton meet the co-hosts of the Pantsuit Politics podcast, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers. 2. JLOC Members meet for a flower arranging class at JLOC Headquarters. 3. Angie Huffaker received the Women to Watch award for Members with 5+ years of Active service. Also pictured: Sarah Miller, Miranda Hines, Caroline Turan. 4. 2022-23 Board of Directors. 5. President Sheena Karami Hollander congratulates Legacy & Legends honorees, Jamie Farha and Linda Garrett. 6. The 2023-24 Board of Directors and past JLOC Presidents gathered to

Promoting Voluntarism [ events

General Membership Meetings

By Marcella Morgan,

the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s General Membership Meetings (GMMs) this year were jam-packed with motivational and inspiring speakers, networking opportunities and Member-focused experiences built around the yearly theme of “Be BOLD”. We started the year off strong, with the opportunity to hear from John Bobb-Semple who spoke to Membership about identifying our “Bridge Builder” and leadership pollinator style and honing in on those qualities and characteristics to help make JLOC and the community better.

This year, each GMM had a theme to encourage participation and attendance. These ranged from tailgates to Golden Girls to Mardi Gras. It was a fun time to see all the Members that dressed the part! The Special Thanks & Recognition (STAR) Award was brought back for our 95th Anniversary, and it proved to be inspiring for Membership to see and hear of all the great things that our “Eager Leaguers” do to stand out.

At the GMMs, we also had a chance to visit with our community partners so that Members

GMM RECAPS

SEPTEMBER 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

*Kickoff to JLOC’s 95th Year

*Community Impact Speaker: A. Jay Johnson, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County

*Guest Speaker: John Bobb-Semple

• Topic: Building Bridges that Empower Change

OCTOBER 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

*Mistletoe Market Kickoff

*Community Impact Speaker: Lou Carmichael, CEO, Variety Care

*Guest Speaker: Seth Lewis, Director, Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts

• Topic: JLOC’s role in starting the Festival of the Arts & the importance of volunteers at large-scale fundraisers.

League Link Committee Member

could hear history of our partnerships and really understand that the volunteer service that we provide for these organizations is greatly appreciated! For the April GMM, we had the pleasure of hearing from Linda Clark. Linda’s presentation was filled with honesty and encouragement to continue to be our genuine selves as we support JLOC and our community.

with her opening remarks.

Members of the Education & Development Greeting Committee, Mindy Johnson, Angie Huffaker, Darian McPherson and Summer Sellers, prepare for Members to arrive before the September GMM.

The JLOC Board of Directors meet with Guest Speaker Linda Clark after her talk about being your authentic self.

JANUARY 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

*Membership and Donor Appreciation

*Community Impact Speaker: Megan Carter, Concordia Life Plan Community

*Guest Speaker: Teresa Atkinson, Director of Organizational Development, Express Employment International

• Topic: Let’s Be BOLD

APRIL 2023 HIGHLIGHTS

*Whale of a Sale Kickoff & Community Fair

*Community Impact Speaker: Candice Rennels, Oklahoma City Zoo

*Guest Speaker: Linda Clark, Linda Clark Consulting

• Topic: Making Genuine Connection & Authenticity Challenge

STAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

September

Sarah Dumas, Web Content Assistant Editor

Andrea Flores Raygosa, PAT Chair

October

Kajal Jassemnejad, Education & Development Networking & Social Chair

Audra Kedy, Education & Development Training Chair

January

Jade Law, Finance Committee, Community Impact Events

April

Megan Euseppi, Transfer Chair

May

Marcella Morgan, PAT Advisor

Darian McPherson, Education & Development Logistics Chair

JLOC President Sheena Karami Hollander starts the September 2022 GMM

May General Membership Meeting: Celebrating JLOC’s 95th Anniversary

By Jennifer Grover, League Link Editor

On May 9, 2023, 282 JLOC Members gathered to honor the traditions of the past 95 years, celebrate the successes of the 2022-23 League year and give a nod to the League’s continued hope for the future.

At the May General Membership Meeting (GMM), JLOC continued one of its most valued traditions, the Passing of the Gavel. Thirteen Past Presidents joined current 2022-23 JLOC President Sheena Karami Hollander to pass the Presidential

Gavel down to the new 2023-24 JLOC President Adrienne Nobles. Sheena gave her closing remarks, and Adrienne delivered her opening remarks for the coming 2023-24 League year.

To close out to 2022-23 League year, Members celebrated many great accomplishments. In Sheena’s closing remarks as President, she praised the League’s ability to not only go back to 100% in-person operations, but the League’s ability to thrive and exceed expectations in the in-person atmosphere.

This year, JLOC volunteers poured more than 14,279 volunteer hours into the Oklahoma City Community for a total of $454,099.55. That is 7,669 hours more than contributed last year! JLOC more than doubled our volunteer hours from 2021-22. During 2022-23, the League

brought back Legacy & Legends, bolstered our current community partnerships, added two new community partnerships, distributed 63,745 period products for Project EmpowHer, hosted 33 training events and 58 interest group and social opportunities.

In addition to League-wide accomplishments, the GMM also allowed us to celebrate individual Members. Marcella Morgan and Darian McPherson were recognized as the fi nal STAR Award recipients for the 2022-23 League year. Both ladies were honored because they went above and beyond to support the League and its Members. 2022-23 Membership Service Awards were also given to those Members that met Membership milestones. (For a list of those Members, see page 39.)

The May GMM is always a great celebration for the Provisional Class as they are recognized for completing their requirements and moving into Active Member status. Fifty-nine Provisionals were recognized and welcomed as new Active Members.

Special Recognition

JLOC HQ’s Operations Coordinator and Active Member, Emily Eudy, surprised President Sheena Karami Hollander with a special honor from the United States Department of Defense for her support of Emily during Emily’s deployment with the Coast Guard during the 2022-23 League year.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH 2023-24 JLOC PRESIDENT ADRIENNE NOBLES

What do you love about JLOC? I love connecting with people I may never have crossed paths with if not for JLOC. I love the opportunity to not only use my talents and skills to serve the organization, but to also try new things and develop new skills through trainings and placements. And finally, I love being a part of the JLOC history that has and continues to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma City.

What do you hope to contribute to JLOC and the wider OKC community through your role as President? By the time you actually become President, it is more about implementing and supporting your fellow leaders to shore up the future of the League. I have had years of training and excellent examples of leadership during my time in the League. I hope I am able to contribute continuity,

stability, joy and excitement for the future. I want to build up our bench of leaders and engaged Members as we head toward our centennial.

What are your goals for your tenure as President?

My goals include continuing the momentum built by my predecessor, Sheena Karami Hollander, in returning to a primarily in-person Member experience and strengthening Membership engagement and value.

In a post-pandemic world, connection is as vital as it’s ever been for our health and wellbeing.

To me, that’s one of the most unique parts of our value proposition. You can volunteer other places.

You can find a training with other organizations.

You can meet people in different places. But JLOC offers a way to not only do all three…but to do them in truly impactful and creative ways that

result in deep connections and lifelong friends. When we strengthen Membership engagement, we strengthen JLOC’s potential to impact our community.

1. Members gather at the OKC Golf & Country Club to celebrate the 2022-23 League year and recognize the successes of the League’s Membership this year. 2. Coming in a sea of blue (shirts), 59 BOLD new Active Members were welcomed from the 2022-23 Provisional Class Members. 3. Passing the Gavel: A Time-Honored Tradition.

Making Mistletoe Magic in 2022

By Jennifer Grover, League Link Editor

The 2022-23 Mistletoe Market began with Preview Party on Thursday, Nov. 3 and continued through Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center.

Mistletoe Market continues the Junior League of Oklahoma City tradition of hosting Oklahoma City’s premier shopping event. With 104 merchants, 147 volunteers and more than 441 volunteer hours, JLOC raised $137,140 to help support leadership trainings and its health-based community projects throughout the Oklahoma City community. An impressive 5,076 shoppers attended Mistletoe Market and helped make it a rousing success.

Th is year’s Mistletoe Market Committee was led by Co-Chairs Daysha Johnson (Active) and

Kathleen O’Toole (Sustainer).

Johnson praised the committee saying, “My favorite memory of Mistletoe Market this year was working with such an amazing Committee, a group of women who not only had the skills and bravery to take on Mistletoe Market, but also the passion and heart.”

“We are grateful for all of the people who made Mistletoe Market happen, the merchants, vendors, JLOC Members and everyone else involved. It takes a village, a very large one, to make Market run and be successful,” Johnson said. “After nearly 30 years, Mistletoe Market is still going strong, and I am happy that I had the opportunity to be a part of something so dear to JLOC that benefits the OKC community and our amazing community partners.”

Mistletoe Magic

Special Events: Preview Party

The Mistletoe Market Special Event Committee hosted several events over the course of the weekend, starting with the beloved Preview Party on Thursday. Sponsored by Sustaining Members

Sue Ann Hyde and Betsy Mantor, the Preview Party event made its return to an indoor event, welcoming more than 300 people to experience the shopping mecca for the first time. Guests were serenaded by pianist Shaun Suttle while they shopped, browsed auction items and won some special door prizes from our Merchants.

Sunday Funday

The weekend rounded out with Sunday Funday, an event sponsored by The Market at Northpark, Supporting Strategies and a small group of Mistletoe Market Merchants. Guests received brunch bites, unlimited mimosas and a coupon book featuring discounts or free gifts with purchase from each of the sponsoring merchants.

“Sunday Funday was a brand-new event this year, but I’m hoping it can become a staple at Market,” said Whitney Tatum, Mistletoe Market Special Event Co-Chair. “We made it our goal to host events that were fundraisers in their own right, and we were successful in that. Every special event was profitable for Mistletoe Market, and I’m so proud of that.”

Sponsored by Pat’s Tire & Auto, the Mistletoe Market’s childrens event, Mistletoe Magic, returned for the first time since 2019 with a very special appearance from Santa himself. The event not

only featured crafts, refreshments and Santa, but also two live reindeer from the Oklahoma Reindeer Club. Grace, a rare female, joined Yukon, a beautiful male, for a special visit, while families

learned about everything from the dense coat to the antlers before having a special photo opportunity with Santa.

1. Education & Development Vice President, Hayley Moore, gets shoppers in the holiday spirit as a volunteer at Mistletoe Market. 2. Active Member Ashley Feeback spends time with her children, Edie Feeback and Maxwell Feeback, and their friend, Maddie Kirkpatrick, learning about reindeer at the Mistletoe Magic children’s event. 3. Mistletoe Market Magic is real! President Sheena Karami Hollander, Clarke and Bennett Schwarz enjoy some quality time with Santa Claus!

Whale of a Sale: Catching Waves in 2023

Thanks to the hard work of the 202223 Whale of a Sale Committee, led by Co-Chairs Sabrina Herrmann (Active) and Jean Spitz (Sustainer), the Whale of a Sale fundraiser made record-breaking sales this year. There were 740 customers at this year’s Whale of the Sale. This year’s fundraiser raised over $15,000. Sabrina Herrmann was 2022-23 Whale of a Sale Chair.

Held at Quail Springs United Methodist Church, this year’s Whale of a Sale fundraiser began with a preview on Thursday, April 20 and continued through the weekend, ending on Sunday, April 23. The upscale rummage sale

included items such as furniture, home décor, housewares, appliances, holiday décor, books, new and gently used clothing, accessories, designer handbags, shoes and toys.

All money raised stays in the Oklahoma City community, supporting our community partners and our mission of training women to be skilled leaders and community volunteers.

The preview event was open to the public and admission was $10 or a new box of period products. Donated period products went on to support JLOC’s Project EmpowHer to help end period poverty in Oklahoma City.

MISTLETOE MARKET SPONSORS

News 9

Variety Care

Midfirst Bank

Beasley Oil

The Santreece Foundation

Magic 104.1

405 Magazine

Daysha and Nicholas Johnson

Kendra Scott

Impulse Fitness

COPPER

Coppermark Public Adjusters

Sue Ann Hyde

Julie Smith, Pat’s Tire and Auto

Betsy Mantor

Mabrey Bank

Supporting Strategies

Studio Tatum

SUPPORTER

OKC Moms Blog

The Market at NorthPark

Justin L. Beasley, DDS

New Leaf Florist

Swiss Cleaners

Hideout Art

FRIEND

Jimmy Taylor

Santa Joe Swan Dentistry

Ferguson

Social Selfie

Premium Brands

Hypsy Jo Photography, LLC

Skirven Hotel

Black Swan Boutique

Laser Away

1. Whale of a Sale Committee. Front row, left to right: Jean Spitz, Sabrina Herrmann, Tabitha Narvaiz. Back row, left to right: Kaci Schick, Katherine Hager, Erin Cunningham, Piper Wiewel, Amanda Patterson, Kimberly Swan. 2. JLOC Active Members Sammie Goben and Marcella Morgan spread the holiday spirit by volunteering at the 2022 Mistletoe Market. 3. The Provisional Fundraising Committee hosted a giftwrapping station at Mistletoe Market to raise funds for JLOC community projects. Provisionals pictured here, left to right: Kasidi Liebmann, Anna Logan, Jessica Chalker, Jessica Wilkes, Staci Tipton.

Changing Lives [ projects ]

Community Impact Events m

embers BOLDly volunteered throughout Oklahoma City to support JLOC’s community partners through various Community Impact Events (CIE) in 2022-23. CIE is a unique placement that allows League Members to support several partner organizations throughout the year. Jamie Benda and Pooja Singhal were 2022-23 Community Impact Events Project Managers.

Th is year, CIE volunteers made an impact by helping children in foster care shop for back-to-school supplies at Citizens Caring for Children, supporting DreamNight at the Oklahoma City Zoo, providing STEAM learning activities at Geekapalooza with Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma and decorating Positive Tomorrows for the holidays. CIE volunteers wrapped up the year with spring activities supporting the Oklahoma City Zoo’s literacy activities from children at the

PROJECT MANAGERS

2022-23 Community Project Managers were honored with Outstanding Volunteer Awards during the April 2023 General Membership Meeting. Captured together, front row, left to right: Mayra Hernandez, Amanda WillsSeay, Danyale Matthews, Sheena Karami Hollander, Erica Robinson, Kaci North, Edith Gilyard. Back row, left to right: Alley Cottrell, Lindsay Lucas, Emily Carmichael, Jamie Benda, Lynda Backström, Jenefar De Leon Cossey, Rachel Benbrook.

Read Across Oklahoma event in April and the Girls on the Run 5k event in May. More than 670 foster kids are served at Back2School, where they get to “shop” for school supplies and clothes. Some volunteers help stock and prepare the floor, while others are personal shoppers for the kids. The Back2School program provides one new outfit, shoes, a backpack and school supplies.

1. JLOC Members volunteered at Positive Tomorrows to decorate and undecorate the space for the holidays and spread JLOC joy. 2. CIE volunteers, Celia Silk, Jamie Benda, Lauren Carson and Heather Tikhonoff, supported Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma and Oklahoma families by volunteering at Geekapalooza: A STEAM Festival for Kids.

Committee Highlight: Research, Education and Development (READ) Committee

The Research, Education and Development (READ) Committee coordinates ongoing research to identify community needs and Junior League interests. The Committee uses this information to develop projects and programs for JLOC Members and works to promote voluntarism through partnerships with the community.

Over the 2022-23 Junior League year, the READ Committee worked to develop two new community placement opportunities for Junior League of Oklahoma City volunteers at ReMerge Oklahoma and City Care. These new community placement opportunities are a unique way for Members to engage in the

Oklahoma City community through providing educational resources to mothers facing non-violent felony offenses and providing direct assistance to the pets of our unhoused neighbors.

“It has been such an honor to lead the READ Committee this past year. I am so proud of the READ Committee’s hard work and accomplishments in developing the two new community placement opportunities. I am so excited to see these placements grow as Junior League volunteers begin to serve the community at ReMerge Oklahoma and City Care in the upcoming League year,” said Myriah Downs, READ Committee Chair.

New Community Project

Supporting Women with ReMerge

CONNECTION TO JLOC VISION & MISSION

The Junior League’s new community project with ReMerge Oklahoma focuses on developing the potential of women through education by supporting and tutoring ReMerge Oklahoma clients as they seek the completion of a GED. The project supports the JLOC focus of health, as research shows that people who have completed high school or GED programs live longer and have better health outcomes. Research also informs us that children will complete the same level as education

of their parents and often go beyond that level. By supporting the clients of ReMerge Oklahoma to complete their GEDs, we are also impacting the health outcomes for the children of clients. The JLOC project with ReMerge Oklahoma supports JLOC’s focus of alignment and enrichment of lives through an intentional partnership.

PLACEMENT DESCRIPTION

JLOC volunteers will work with clients of ReMerge Oklahoma who have not completed high school

to study and prepare to complete their GED. Once the client has taken the HiSET (GED), volunteers can follow up with the client to celebrate or to review and work on areas of improvement.

WHAT MAKES THIS PROJECT UNIQUE

This project will be a one-on-one project, and while JLOC volunteers can sign up to attend together, they will be responsible for making a schedule with the ReMerge Oklahoma client and meeting with them regularly.

New Community Project: Pet Hotel at City Care

CONNECTION TO JLOC VISION & MISSION

The Junior League’s new community project with City Care focuses on homelessness and poverty as a community health issue. City Care is dedicated to empowering JLOC volunteers to provide a community health response impacting the Oklahoma City metro community, and JLOC will be at the forefront of change to build a better Oklahoma City. City Care’s Night Shelter was created to be the beacon of light for those who have been turned away everywhere else and need respite. City

Care considers it to be the front door - an opportunity to connect with the most vulnerable and get them into permanent housing solutions as quickly as possible.

PLACEMENT DESCRIPTION

JLOC volunteers will run the Pet Hotel at City Care by checking in and out pet guests at the City Care Night Shelter.

WHAT MAKES THIS PROJECT UNIQUE

This project will focus on working with animals. JLOC does not currently have a project that works with animals. In this community placement, JLOC volunteers will also have the

opportunity to support the homeless population of Oklahoma City.

This new community project was created in response to feedback from a survey that was led by the READ Committee. The survey indicated that working with the homeless population in Oklahoma City is an area of interest and concern of JLOC Members. The READ Committee noted the interest and worked hard to create a project to meet this need.

Project EmpowHer

The Junior League of Oklahoma City continues to work tirelessly to support its signature project, Project EmpowHer. JLOC currently has 36 community partners. During the 2022-23 League year, Project EmpowHer distributed 50,985 pads and 12,760 tampons to its partners and individuals in need! Project EmpowHer was led this year by Chair Amanda McCellon and Vice Chair Jenefar de Leon Cossey.

Saying Goodbye to Dress for Success

JLOC’s Dress for Success community project had to sunset mid-year due to a realignment with the Department of Corrections. This realignment had all individuals at the Oklahoma City facility reassigned or moved to a facility that was over two hours away, leaving JLOC unable to complete our commitment to the organization as it stood. While this was a true loss to our Membership as a Community Project, the sunset went smoothly. We reassigned all members to their next choice in their Community Project or they were placed on a LOA as requested, one Member was working on a transfer to a new League.

Assistant Director for Dress for Success

Melissa Baez shared with us via email: “We are so heartbroken about all the changes and hope we can find an opportunity to work with you all again in the future. Please let the volunteers know how much we appreciate them and all the work they've put in. This was a great project for us, and you did so much for our clients.”

Project EmpowHer was busy this year. Project EmpowHer Committee Members volunteered with OG&E and Delta Sigma Th eta Sorority, Inc.’s International Women’s Day Fun Run and period product donation drive, benefiting Project EmpowHer. Jenefar and Stephanie Hinton, Community VP, spoke to attendees about Project EmpowHer and how community and business partners genuinely make an 1 2

impact to end period poverty in Oklahoma City.

JLOC Members also supported an OG&E and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.’s Period Product Packing Party in late March. Those organizations donated and packed products for Project EmpowHer. All donations gathered will be donated to JLOC community partners, Pivot and the Oklahoma City Public Schools.

Beginning with the 2023-24 League year, Project EmpowHer will no longer just be a community placement, but will focus efforts to be a League-wide signature project.

Supporting Healthy Practices with YWCA

YWCA Oklahoma City works to empower new beginnings for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in our community. JLOC volunteers have the unique opportunity make a difference by encouraging women

and children in their time of crisis. At weekly project sessions, volunteers share information on topics such as nutrition, health and exercise, or self-care and often plan a fun craft or bring a healthy snack to share. Volunteers aim to provide a positive, safe space where YWCA participants can renew their spirit, learn new skills and create fun memories with JLOC volunteers. This year, JLOC volunteers were led by Co-Project Managers, Danyale Matthews and Emily Carmichael.

JLOC volunteers, left to right: Tianna Carter, Stephanie Hinton, Emily Carmichael, Abbie Ruckman, Elizabeth Davidson supported children and families with coloring and activity books.

1. JLOC Board of Directors and friends gathered for a pre-holiday Project EmpowHer period supply packing party in December. 2. JLOC and OG&E teamed up for a period supply packing party in March to help break down barriers to education, access and opportunity. All menstrual products donated by OG&E were distributed to JLOC’s partner agency, Infant Crisis Services.

The Children’s Hospital Prom is back!

On April 1, for the first time in almost three years, Junior League of Oklahoma City collaborated with the OU Children’s Hospital to hold an in-person prom. The theme was Boots and Bow Ties.

The event included a pre-prom event where the OU Children's Hospital patients could pick out dresses, shirts and ties, and get alterations, if needed. The children were able to get their hair and makeup done, pick out a piece of jewelry from Kendra Scott, get their nails done and take pictures with a backdrop. The kids also had the opportunity to make their own corsages and boutonnieres, along with other crafts.

All patients, siblings and parents were welcome to participate in this event. The prom was held in the Samis Education Center at the OU Children’s Hospital. At the prom, the children got to enjoy a full night of dancing, photobooths, dinner, cookies and special appearances from Rumble the Bison and the University of Oklahoma Spirit Programs. The night ended with the excitement of crowning Prom King and Queen!

“For me, the best part of volunteering with the Children’s Hospital Events this year was having prom back in-person. We kept hearing how

to right: Madeline Sigler, Katie Freeman, Lynda Backström, Lauren Palmer. Back row, left to right: Nina Lawrence, Summer Sellers, Jessica Gracon, Allyson Knox.

FOOD AND FUN AT

Junior League volunteers participate in a variety of activities with the youth at Pivot, A Turning Point for Youth to encourage healthy habits and life skills for those youth who are staying at Pivot’s Family Junction shelter and its Tiny Homes community. JLOC Pivot volunteers were led by Project Manager Edith Gilyard.

in-person and get to do all the see the so than expected, and all the kids had shared

happy everyone was to be back in-person and get to do all the activities they used to do before COVID. To also see all the hard work that the volunteers put in come to fruition was so neat as well. Everything turned out better than expected, and all the kids had such a great time,” shared Mayra Hernandez, Project Manager.

Starting with the 2023-24 League year, Children’s Hospital Prom will be supported by JLOC as an event within the Community Impact Events placement.

(Above) JLOC Children’s Hospital volunteers prepare for the 2023 Children’s Hospital prom. Members left to right: Madison Brezny, Allyson Wilson, Nicole Doherty, Stephanie Manek, Liz, Nelson, Rebecca Harris, Melissa DeCuire, Stephanie Hinton, Christina Kastl, Mayra Hernandez, Erica Robinson.

(Below) The Oklahoma City Thunder’s mascot, Rumble the Bison, joined JLOC volunteers at the Children’s Hospital prom to show Oklahoma City’s support for the children in the Hospital.

Wellness for Life with Concordia Senior Living

Concordia Senior Living aims to create a community of individuals who share a common ground and common bond, bringing respect, support and joy to each other’s lives, thus creating a feeling of belonging to an extended family. Junior League volunteers work with residents in this unique community by leading engaging activities to keep residents’ minds and bodies active.

This year, volunteers have helped community

This year, JLOC volunteers hosted a shopping and budgeting event where the youth, ages 12-17, were given money to buy a variety of purchased and donated items. Volunteers were able to share education about budgeting, taxes on goods and saving for purchases. JLOC also led an impactful activity about long-term goal setting. Volunteers shared steps on accomplishing goals and heard from the youth about some of their goals for the future and their plans to make those goals a reality.

members stay mentally and physically active in activities that include trivia and memory games, ornament decorating, coaster making, a mini carnival, a welcome luau and more. With all of these fun and engaging activities, residents say that visits from Junior League volunteers are their favorite time of the week. Residents and volunteers work together to build a lasting community. JLOC volunteers were led by Project Manager Lynda Backström.

JLOC also developed a way to support Pivot's growing Tiny Homes community by making donations of toiletry items and some education about hygiene habits and life skills. Pivot’s Tiny Homes community provides affordable and stable housing for young adults in crisis by supporting them through their unique and vulnerable needs. Pivot helps its young adult residents find access to services that will allow them to develop skills to become self-reliant adults with a plan to achieve long-term success.

JLOC Members started their year off with a welcome luau for Concordia residents. Front row, left

Changing Lives

Kids in the Kitchen and Top Chef

Good nutrition is so important! Teaching young students to eat food with sustenance and quality ingredients helps their overall health which in turn helps them be successful in school. JLOC volunteers at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County educate children on a variety of interactive healthy eating topics.

JLOC Volunteers sign up for weekly sessions either for the Kids in the Kitchen or Top Chef program. Kids in the Kitchen volunteers give a lesson on healthy nutritional habits and provide a fun and healthy snack for the children to make during the lesson.

with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County

Project Manager, Alley Cottrell described her favorite part about this community placement, “It has been so much fun seeing the Top Chef kids become more and more confident in their kitchen skills! My favorite memory was probably watching the students successfully execute a steak dinner with gouda mac and cheese and green beans!”

JLOC’s Kids in the Kitchen/Top Chef placement also celebrated a special accomplishment this year. One of the students who has participated in JLOC activities at the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County since elementary school is graduating high school

KIDS ON TRACK PARTICIPANT WINS FIRST PLACE

JLOC volunteers for the Kids on Track placement work with children at the Boys & Girls Club of Oklahoma County to promote healthy lifestyles through exercise. Kids on Track meets every Monday. Volunteers spend an hour with the kids working on running and healthy activities and games, followed by health snacks. Rachel Benbrook and Kelsey Henry were Project Managers for the Kids on Track community placement for 2022-23.

This year, 18 kids were involved with the Kids

on Track program. These kids got new tennis shoes and prepared to run the Kids Marathon with the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. In the Kids Marathon, kids run a total of 26 miles throughout the year and run the final 1.2 miles together at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. This year, one of the kids in the Kids on Track program won First Place!

JLOC volunteers at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. Pictured here, front row, left to right: Taylor Downey Trousdale, Ashley Ewers, Rachel Benbrook, Lauren Ford, Kelsey Shaver, Danielle Cotto. Back row, left to right: Sammi Payne, Gabrielle Thompson, Kelsey Henry, Emily Burris, Sarah Decker.

this year and will be going to college! She often exclaims how happy she is that she will have cooking skills to take with her when she is living on her own and will be responsible for feeding herself.

JLOC volunteers ran the Kids Marathon with Kids on Track participants. Pictured here is the Kids on Track group after the end of the Kids Marathon.

JLOC provisional members volunteered at Infant Crisis Services, a longtime community partner of JLOC.

Infant Crisis Services

JLOC Members in the Infant Crisis Services (ICS) community placement serve at monthly diaper packing sessions. ICS serves babies and toddlers under the age of four by providing formula, diapers, food, blankets, clothing and other basic necessities. Volunteers assist ICS by creating diaper packs for infants and toddlers. JLOC donated almost $7,000 worth of diapers to ICS to support this mission. Volunteers count, sort, and pack diapers that ICS then distributes to its clients. To date, during this League year, JLOC volunteers have packed over 45,430 individual diapers and over 1,022 infants and toddlers (diaper packs usually include about 40-50 diapers a piece).

Sarah DeWitt was Project Manager for the JLOC Infant Crisis Services community placement for 2022-23.

Community Project Letters

Being Bold [

Pantsuit Politics: Prioritizing Relationships Over Politics

By Hayley Moore, Education & Development Vice President

over the past few years, we have all been in a conversation with someone and thought, “I think you’re wrong, but I’m listening.”

It is well-known and practiced etiquette to exclude politics from social conversations, but over the past few years, it has become nearly impossible not to inevitably cross a topic that is politically adjacent, if not full-blown politically charged.

On September 29, we featured the co-hosts of the popular Pantsuit Politics podcast, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, at a speaking

event at Camp Trivera. The Girls Scouts of Western Oklahoma generously partnered with JLOC to enable nearly 150 people to attend the event at their beautiful new facility.

Sarah and Beth spoke to members of JLOC, as well as members of the Oklahoma City community, about the importance of having respectful discussions about policy that don’t divide us, but instead, help us understand the differing perspectives in a respectful way that, with intention, can create more acceptance and care for those around us.

President Sheena Karami Hollander understands the importance of navigating

conversations in today’s politically-charged atmosphere: “Partnering with Pantsuit Politics was a wonderful opportunity for JLOC to engage both our members and the community in a public forum. Our leaders know fi rst-hand the importance of navigating difficult conversations, as doing so helps us understand the different perspectives of our shared community. In line with JLOC’s values, Beth and Sarah reaffi rmed the importance of prioritizing people over politics and embracing what matters most, while staying true to our vision of impacting the community and enriching lives.”

The event included a book signing with Sarah and Beth for sponsors and special guests and a Q&A to help answer difficult questions that we all face in our everyday interactions with friends and co-workers.

Sponsors were University of Central Oklahoma Public Aff airs, Ryan Whaley Attorneys and Ragnar Research Partners. Let’s Fix Th is OK also supported the event.

JLOC Members meet with Pantsuit Politics cohosts, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers.

JLOC Member Rachel Benbrook meets the Pantsuit Politics co-hosts, Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers.

Leadership Institute

JLOC’s Leadership Institute provides a valuable opportunity for JLOC Members to learn from subject matter experts about negotiation topics that are applicable to all facets of life.

Led by Megan Sittig, this was the second year that the Leadership Institute used the book Negotiate a Life You Love: the 5 Tactics to Get What You Want

JLOC Commits to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee met this year for the first time as an official JLOC Committee. The committee is comprised of appointed leaders from each Council, Members of the Board of Directors and additional Members-at-Large to allow for a diverse make-up of committee members. The Committee was formed from the DEI Task Force that was organized two years ago to address the desire

of our Members to take steps to be a more inclusive organization. The DEI Task Force surveyed Membership and then laid out the ground work for the DEIB Committee to put in to place.

The "Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion" statement was added to our website and is also included on the meeting agenda template for all committees to utilize to make sure Membership is informed and aware of the statement. That was a small step towards

in Life, Love and Work by Dr. Meg Myers Morgan as its springboard. The book and the Leadership Institute encourage participants to develop their negotiation skills in all areas of life. For the final meeting of the Leadership Institute, author Meg Myers Morgan joined the cohort to give a special presentation about negotiation, collaboration and knowing your worth.

2022-23 LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GRADUATES

Mattie Baert

Barbie Bahner

Emily Burris

Tianna Carter

Christin Cornelius

Elizabeth Crossno

Nicole Doherty

Megan Euseppi

Jennifer Grover

Breann Hager-Miller

Miranda Hines

Lauren Johnson

incorporating ideas and discussions of diversity and inclusion in materials used by our Membership. Creating an inclusive environment is not just directed at our Membership but also in the organizations and partnerships that we form throughout the years. This year, the DEIB Committee focused on creating a diversity matrix for Mistletoe Market and Whale of a Sale. Making sure to have a variety of merchants is important in the people that are attracted to the Junior League through our fundraisers. This same model was also used to look at how our programming was formed. This includes GMMs, trainings and programs that JLOC holds throughout the year.

Suzy Lytle

Samantha McEntire

Kim McLean

Darian McPherson

Katie Mueller

Amy Parsons

Katie Saint

Bethany Scott

Colleen Trammell

Christina Troxtell

Mary Ann Williams

Artisha Woody

“LEAD LIKE … WOMAN OF THE YEAR”

BREANN HAGER-MILLER

Active Member Since 2016

2022-23 Placement: Membership

Placement Resource Co-Chair, Leadership Institute

Being Bold

Legacy & Legends: BOLD Women Inspiring Other BOLD Women

By Natalie Fix, Communications Vice President and Jennifer Grover, League Link Editor

After a three year hiatus, we were thrilled to welcome back the JLOC Legacy & Legends event on Sunday, March 26. Th is year’s event also marked the return of it being a Member-focused event, and it was a lovely afternoon.

The afternoon tea, held at OKC Golf and Country Club, was full of friends greeting each other and catching up with laughter and hugs.

Th ree Sustaining Members were honored for their contributions to JLOC and our community at large. Jamie Farha received

the Sustainer of the Year award for her recent eff orts. Ann Stephenson Cameron received the President’s Spirit of Commitment award for her consistent volunteer achievement and commitment to the community. And, Linda Garrett was honored with the Mary Baker Rumsey Lifetime Achievement award, for epitomizing the characteristics of being a driving force for good in the community through a lifetime of service above self.

Though the award winners were originally selected in 2020, all three continued to lead

Spotlights

and serve over the past three years and have shown us that we made the correct choice by choosing to honor them now as well.

At the event, two Active Members shared the spotlight as they were named Women to Watch by JLOC leadership. Darian McPherson and Angie Huff aker have shown dedication to the JLOC mission during their membership, and we are confident they will continue to do so in the future, both within JLOC work and the community at large.

LINDA GARRETT

Mary Baker Rumsey

Lifetime Achievement Award

Linda Garrett began her Junior League career when she joined the provisional class of 1976. Throughout her League years, Linda has been a member of not only the Oklahoma City Junior League, but the Philadelphia and Atlanta Leagues as well.

Linda’s lifelong commitment and years of service to JLOC as an Active and Sustainer are exemplary; she has served recently as a Sustaining Advisor to Legacy & Legends, Nominating Committee, Courtesy & Recognition, Membership Council, and most

JAMIE FARHA Sustainer of the Year Award

Jamie Farha joined Junior League of OKC in 1990, thanks to sponsor Gayle Semtner who knew she’d need respite time from caring for newborn twins!

Jamie gives credit to Junior League for molding her into a trained volunteer, which has allowed her to serve her community. To name a few of Jamie’s Junior League involvements – she served as Community VP for the Board of Directors in 2000-01.

With Sustainers Kris Frankfurt and Midge Lindsey, Jamie Co-Chaired the Blinn House Task Force, which facilitated the sale, purchase and construction of the new Junior League Headquarters. Additionally, Jamie served as Project Coordinator, Project Manager of several placements, PAT Advisor, Nominating Chair, Jungle Gym Community Build at the OKC Zoo and CoChair for the Sustainer Award Luncheon.

Jamie is married to Clay Farha. The two have been married for 33 years and have four adult children.

recently, Sustainer Events Co-Chair with Matilda Clements.

She currently serves on the OU School of Arts Board of Trustees, is an Emeritus member of the Lyric Theater board, longtime supporter of the Beaux Arts, Winter Ball, Girl Scouts, The Juliette Low Society, Casady School, Rotary, Westminster Church, OKC Museum of Art, Antiques and Glass Club, Woman of Valor Committee for the Jewish Federation of OKC, OKC Philharmonic, and countless more endeavors.

Linda is wife to the late Stephen Paul Garrett, and mother to three children. She devotes countless hours to supporting and elevating the arts in Oklahoma City and Norman, and she is an accomplished artist herself.

JLOC Board of Directors. Front row, left to right: Sheena Karami Hollander, Stephanie Hinton, Natalie Fix, Sarah Miller. Back row, left to right: Adrienne Nobles, Zoe Butts, Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter, Kristin Van Nort, Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik, Whitney Tero, Tabitha Narvaiz.

ANN STEPHENSON CAMERON President’s Spirit of Commitment Award

Ann Stephenson Camerson has been a dedicated community volunteer for many non-profit organizations, including JLOC for more than 25 years. Her high energy, outgoing personality, intense passion and determined spirit inevitably put her in leadership roles with each organization she served. Ann has an insatiable willingness to take on the hard jobs, and she never met a challenge she didn’t embrace.

Ann recalls some of her favorite placements and loved her time at Coffee Creek Riding Center and at the Boys & Girls Club, as well as serving in many of the early literacy programs. She was part of the OKC Metro Literacy Coalition task force and the League’s 10-year focus on Changing Lives through Literacy.

Ann served as JLOC President in 200910 and spearheaded, with the help of her Sustaining Advisor Kris Frankfurt, a research

ANGIE HUFFAKER

Women to Watch

5+ Years of Active Service

JLOC Member Angie Huffaker (left) was awarded “Women to Watch 5+ Years of Active Service”.

DARIAN MCPHERSON

Women to Watch 1-4 Years of Active Service

JLOC Member Darian McPherson was awarded “Women to Watch – 1-4 Years of Active Service”.

project and history of JLOC, which was on exhibit at the Oklahoma History Museum for seven years. In 2018, she chaired the 90th anniversary Jungle Gym expansion and renovation at the OKC Zoo.

Ann has enjoyed working on numerous causes and events across the city. She was chair of the Oklahoma Humane Society’s Hero Awards, The Last Frontier Council’s Sporting Clays, the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma’s Juliette Low Leadership Society and the Bill Teegins/McBride Foundation Golf Charity to name just a few. She was co-chair of the community outreach campaign for the YWCA and Ann was in Leadership OKC Class XXVII.

Ann is married to Alex and mom to Sarah and Scott. Ann and her husband recently moved to Washington, D.C. She says she misses OKC, the people and great community. And, she promises to find a way to advocate for Oklahoma from afar! Ann was unable to attend the in-person event but had a beautiful table with well-wishes and sent a video for the event.

Three generations of he Butts family attended Legacy & Legends, continuing their family legacy in JLOC. Pictured left to right: Zoe Butts (Active), Jeanie Butts (Sustainer), Alex Brady (Sustainer). Alex was carrying baby Isabel. Isabel Inez Brady was born on May 9, 2023 to join her sister as a Little Leaguer.

JLOC Sustainer Jamie Farha was awarded “Sustainer of the Year”. Farha is joined here with Matilda Clements, Christi Coyle, Debra Bair, Sheena Karami Hollander, Caroline Turan.

JLOC Sustainer Linda Garrett was awarded the Mary Baker Rumsey Award.

Being Bold

2022-2023 MEMBERSHIP

RETURN TO ACTIVE STATUS

Katherine Vanlandingham

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

– EFFECTIVE 6/1/2023

Courtney Caplin

Alicia Deaton

Samantha McEntire

Julia Olsson

Pooja Singhal

Lauren Walling

Jena Williams

SABBATICAL – EFFECTIVE 6/1/2023

Zoe Butts

Lauren Fassio

Mayra Hernandez

Meredith Koomson

Jillian Neville

Calley Simpson

SUSTAINER – EFFECTIVE 6/1/2023

Grace Bright

Sarah Campbell

Kelly Collins

Sarah DeWitt

Emily Gray-Rigazzi

Sarah Hare

Whitni Hays

Danielle Hentges de Luna

Jamie Herrera

Lauren Kamp

Sheena Karami Hollander

Whittney Hood

Lauren Hoops

Lacey Hulme

Jessica Hunt

Lauren Hammonds Johnson

Stephanie Josefy

Allyson Lambert

Morgan Lankford

Lori Mayhue

Jennifer Nightingale

Lauren Palmer

Sara Peery (Sustainer)

Lauren Quick

Deemah Ramadan

Debra Ridpath

Laura Scott

Margaret Shaffer

Katy Sharp

Kailey Stephens

Becca Sullivan

Cassidy Sullivan

Whitney Tatum

Emily Whipple

Heather Whiteside

RESIGNATION – EFFECTIVE 6/1/2023

Rachel Baugh

Chelsey Branham

Reema Burger

Ellen Byrne (Sustainer)

Christina Chicoraske

Martha Coe (Sustainer)

Julie Confer

Sarah Decker

Melissa DeCuire

Corrine Duggan (Sustainer)

Anne Emberson (Sustainer)

Kristin Fasking

Jennifer Fillmore

Julie Fomenko

Marissa Haley

Audrey Harrah

Sarah Hulse

Sara Kelly (Sustainer)

Taylor Lingle

Christina McCarthy

Amanda McCellon

Kelsey Murphy

Sammi Payne

Summer Sellers

Koshia Silver

Sarah Stewart

Sandra Andresson Smith

Gabrielle Thompson

Emily Winkeljohn

REINSTATEMENT

Julia Assef (Sustainer)

Megan Brown

Ann Cox (Sustainer)

Melissa DeCuire

Kristen English

Joanie Holmboe (Sustainer)

Erin Logan

Andi Neaves (Sustainer)

Rachel Palmer

Kerri Reeves

LEAVE OF ABSENCE – THRU 5/31/2023

Rachel Baugh

Bailey Buchanan

Lauren Carter

Christina Chicoraske

Julie Confer

Julia Daine

Alicia Deaton

Katherine Dickens

Allie Dodson

Kristin Fasking

Jennifer Fillmore

Julie Fomenko

Frances Fuller

Jamie Gibbons

Marissa Haley

Whitni Hays

Jordan Horn

Jessica Hutton

Abby Johnson

Allyson Kubat

Ashley Lawson

Hannah Liles

Taylor Lingle

Christina McCarthy

Karen McGuire

Kelli Miller

Kelsey Murphy

Jennifer Nguyen

Julia Olsson

Rachel Palmer

Kerri Reeves

Elizabeth Rice

Nicole Robinson

Taylor Royer

Margaret Shaffer

Katy Sharp

Sandra Andresson Smith

Gabrielle Thompson

Stephanie Turner

Emily Whipple

Molly Williams

Emily Winkeljohn

Jacquelyn Wright

SABBATICAL – THRU 5/31/2023

Kelly Collins

Jamie Herrera

Jessica Hunt

Morgan Lankford

Kailey Stephens

Heather Whiteside

Jena Williams

RESIGNATION

Jessica Addai (Provisional)

Megan Brown

Kaitlyn Canavan

Millie Hightower (Sustainer)

Kelsey Johnson

Summer Johnson (Provisional)

Jaleesa Komolafe

Andi Kulka

Michelle Manwarren

Ginny Murphy (Sustainer)

Stephanie O’Gara

Barbara Perry (Sustainer)

Janel Ray (Provisional)

Lauren Riepl

Katie Ringwall

Mary Robideaux (Sustainer)

Natalie Simon

Betty Lou Stewart (Sustainer)

Victoria Still (Provisional)

Lesley Sullivan (Provisional)

Ann Thaxton (Sustainer)

Abbey Walker

Maya Williams (Provisional)

PROVISIONAL DEFERRED

Lois Coleman

Maren Cottrell

Grace Enmeier

Hannah Rush

Lindsay Taylor

Kaylee Tipton

TRANSFER OUT

Nina Barker (Active) – to Norman, OK

Nicole Bell (Active) – to Palm Beaches, FL

Ann Cameron (Sustainer) – to Washington, D.C.

Ashley Campbell (Active) – to Midland, TX

Michelle Cleveland (Active) –Kansas City, MO

Welth Cooper (Active) – to Washington, D.C.

Mary Cornelsen (Active) – to Norman, OK

Jenefar De Leon Cossey (Active)to Portland, OR

Denise Heppler-Balkum (Sustainer) – to Houston, TX

Kelsi Hildretn (Active) – to Dallas, TX

Evalyne Kamau (Active) – to Chicago, IL

Jessica Leonard (Active) – to Boise, ID

Rachel Leonard (Active) – to Stark County, OH

Teryn Moorman (Active) – to Tulsa, OK

Stacie Nguyen-Paradise (Active) –to Collin County, TX

Abbey Pizel (Active) – to San Antonio, TX

Ilse Salazar (Active) – to Fort Worth, TX

Katherine Wilson (Active) – to Washington, D.C.

TRANSFER IN

Stefanie Beavers (Active) – from Fort Worth, TX

Jenny Cripps (Active) - from Philadelphia, PA

Kaitlyn Canavan (Active) – from Tulsa, OK

Mandi Fenn (Active) – from Wichita, KS

Adrian Lovett (Active) – from Dallas, TX

Theresa Nicoletto (Sustainer) –from Norman, OK

Emily Rosenthal (Sustainer) –from New York, NY

Kelli West (Active) – from Alexandria, LA

All known status changes as of May 30, 2023

Member Spotlights

Community Volunteer Spotlight: Celia Silk

Active Member Since 2019

2022-23 Placement: Community Impact Events

2023-24 Placement: Community Impact Events Project Manager

Why did you join JLOC? Growing up, I was an active member of 4-H for nine years and enjoyed participating in volunteer and leadership activities. I loved helping others, having learning opportunities and impacting the local community. After college, I lived in a new city, didn’t have friends outside of work and felt like something was missing. A client introduced me to Junior League in 2018. Since then, I’ve been honored to be a part of a beautiful organization surrounded by inspiring women devoted to voluntarism.

Active Spotlight:

Marcella Morgan

Active Member Since 2018

2022-23 Placement: PAT Advisor, Nominating Committee, Legacy & Legends Committee, Courtesy and Recognition Committee, Financial Development Committee, Education & Development Networking & Social Committee

2023-24 Placement: Education & Development

Provisional Training Chair

Why did you join the Junior League? I joined JLOC because I wanted to be around other like-minded women that had a passion for volunteering in their community just as I did and still do to this day. I was ready to join an organization that took pride in empowering its Members to serve the community

through training and developing them as leaders. What impact do your feel you have had in the community during your tenure in the Junior League? During my five years as a Member, I have been a dedicated volunteer to my In-League and Community Placements. I have empowered others to continue to volunteer, and I have empowered women around me to step out of their comfort zones and lead.

What Junior League or life accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of my life accomplishment of being a guardian to my three nephews for the past five years. Raising my nephews with the tremendous help of my momma has been my most worthwhile accomplishment. The days were not always easy, but I am thankful that I was willing and able to care for three young boys that I hope will one day grow up and know that their Auntie loves them will all her heart.

Active Spotlight: Megan Sittig

Active Member Since 2020

2022-23 Placement: Education & Development Leadership Institute Chair, 100th Anniversary Signature Project Development Committee Member-at-Large, Finance Committee

2023-24 Placement: PAT Advisor, 100th Anniversary Signature Project Development Committee Member-at-Large

What do you love about JLOC? I like volunteering in the community, the General Membership Meetings, AJLI membership and being part of a nationally respected organization. I love the friendships created while supporting philanthropic efforts.

What Junior League accomplishments are you most proud of? I am most proud of my time volunteering with Community Impact Events this year. Every community event felt meaningful. I gained experience working with JLOC’s community partners and felt confident in pursuing a project manager position. I am proud of my service and look forward to helping offer a positive experience for volunteers and our community projects next year.

What advice do you have for Provisional or Active Junior League Members? Get involved and stay curious. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Say ‘yes’ to those opportunities even if you have little experience or it’s out of your comfort zone. The Junior League is a great place to learn new skills, grow and connect with passionate women.

Also, be willing to learn from others, take the time to get to know one another and cheer each other on to success. I love to see empowered women empowering other women!

What has been your favorite placement with JLOC? I have been honored with the opportunity to chair the Leadership Institute the last two years, and I love this because I see real development in the participants, including me!

What do you love most about Oklahoma City? Oklahoma City strikes the perfect balance between thriving big city and charming small town.

What is your favorite quote? “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”from “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

What is one thing on your bucket list? I don’t keep a bucket list. Instead, I do something each year that I’ve never done before. My 2023 “never before” was becoming a vegan.

Being Bold

Member Spotlights (continued)

Active Spotlight:

Myriah Downs

Active Member Since 2020

2022-23 Placement: READ Chair

2023-24 Placement: PAT Advisor

Why did you join the Junior League? I joined the Junior League because I was interested in becoming more engaged in the Oklahoma City community with other women from different backgrounds. What is your favorite thing about JLOC? As cliché as it sounds, I have met some of my best friends through the Junior League. I firmly believe the things which survive us are our relationships. I will forever be grateful for the part the Junior League played in welcoming these wonderful people into my journey.

Active

Spotlight:

Rachel Benbrook

Active Member Since 2018

2022-23 Placement: Kids on Track Project Manager, 100th Anniversary Signature Project Development Committee Memberat-Large, Nominating Committee, Education & Development Networking and Social Committee

2023-24 Placement: Project EmpowHer Programming Coordinator, 100th Anniversary Signature Project Development Committee Member-at-Large

What do you love about JLOC? I love the ability to serve my community and to be of service to so many nonprofits in a way that I never could have on my own. I love how JLOC

builds us up as individual women and allows us to give back to the community through service. I have gained so many new friends and new skills through social events and interest groups.

What do you hope to contribute to JLOC and the wider Oklahoma City community? Through my past volunteering at the YWCA, I was able to get involved in their young professionals’ board, Y Lead, and I now serve as a sexual assault advocate. I would never have been able to do these things if JLOC had not given me the opportunity to engage with their mission.

What advice do you have for Provisional or Active Junior League Members? If something piques your interest, just give it a try! You may be able to find new skill sets and passions that can help you personally and professionally. Also, go to as many social events as you can!

New Active Spotlight:

Jessica Wilkes

2022-23 Placement: Provisional, Provisional –Communications Committee

2023-24 Placement: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Member-at-Large

Why did you join the Junior League of Oklahoma City? I joined the Junior League so that I could learn more about how to meet the needs in my community and to meet life-minded individuals along the way.

What is your favorite part of the Junior League so far? Aside from getting to be a part of some

What do you hope to contribute to JLOC and the wider Oklahoma City community? I started my first-year active year as the Project EmpowHER Programming Coordinator. This coincided with the ongoing global pandemic which made Project EmpowHer’s mission all the more relevant. It was my goal at that point, to do everything I could to help Project EmpowHer thrive. I still very much believe in Project EmpowHer’s mission and am happy to have had the opportunity to be a part of the process.

What other organizations are you involved in? I currently serve as Co-Chair for the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s Momentum exhibition and as a member of the Plaza District Festival 2023 Artist Committee. I am also the Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association Diversity Committee and am active in the Oklahoma City yoga community through my role as an instructor at Dragon Yoga.

amazing volunteer events and learning new things outside of my typical sphere, I have met the most amazing new friends that I am so thankful for!

What do you hope to contribute to the League as you embark on your first Active year? I hope to dedicate my time to embracing our current volunteer projects and learning more about how we can best serve our community.

What other organizations are you involved with? I am a part of the Women in Law division of the Oklahoma Bar Association, Zoofriends and Friends of Trivera.

New Active Spotlight:

Jennifer “Jen” Thomas

2022-23 Placement: Provisional, Provisional – Communications Committee, ProvisionalCommunity Committee, Transfer Committee

2023-24 Placement: Community Council Memberat-Large. YWCA

Why did you join the Junior League of Oklahoma City? When I lived in Florida, I volunteered at the local science center mentoring girls in their GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) club. While volunteering there, I learned that Junior League of the Palm Beaches originally founded that science center. That led me to learn more about the organization when I was moving to Oklahoma City in 2022. I was really excited to be able to join an organization of women that are passionate about serving our community. I couldn’t ask for a better way to start building a network here in OKC.

What is your favorite part of the Junior League so far? The women I’ve met through the League. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind! I must give a special shout out my Team Purple Provisional group. We’ve developed a very strong bond! Our PAT Advisor, Marcella Morgan, has really made this experience special for us.

What do you hope to contribute to the League as you embark on your first Active year? I’m excited to dive into my community placement at

Sustainer Scoop

By Natalie Fix, Communications Vice President

There’s no way Sustaining Members could feel disengaged with the wide variety of activities that were planned for them this year. With everything from happy hours to art classes, tours of a film studio and the OKC Zoo, there was something for everyone as JLOC got back into the full swing of activities.

Sustainer Engagement Co-Chairs

Christi Coyle and Tracey Frederick planned a fun range of activities and

events to engage JLOC Sustainers and even made room for Actives at some of their events.

Kicking off the year, the Co-Chairs made sure to cover a range of interests and schedule availabilities. Members enjoyed time socializing as well as learning new things. During a naughty needlework night at OK Contemporary, Members laughed together and creatively expressed their thoughts through art.

YWCA. Community involvement was the main reason I connected with the League. I will also serve as a Member-at-Large with the Community Council which will help me learn more about how JLOC works and will allow me to contribute to the Community Council. Additionally, I have been able to join the Transfer Committee. Being new to OKC myself, it’s been nice to meet other Members that have recently relocated. I hope to be a helpful resource to future JLOC members that are new to the area.

What other organizations are you involved with? I’m proud to currently serve as the Chair for our women’s employee resource group at Pratt & Whitney. In addition to that, I’m a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and the Society of Women Engineers. I am very passionate about volunteering with organizations that provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education resources to K-12 students. I also actively volunteer with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Past Presidents welcomed Sustainer Members to an event at the Oklahoma City Zoo, showed off some new developments on their grounds and discussed what’s upcoming. Not even the threat of hail could ruin a fun night at the Zoo!

Before the May GMM, Sustainers gathered at Linda Howell’s gallery for an afternoon of conversation and fun.

We can’t wait to see what activities and fun Sustainer Engagement Co-Chairs Margo Ward and Kathryn Wilson Wheeler come up with for the 2023-24 League year.

1. & 2. Past Presidents and employees of the Oklahoma Zoological Society, Mandy Heaps and Kristi Leonard hosted Sustainers at the Oklahoma City Zoo for a private tour of the Zoo expansion project. 3. JLOC Sustainers took a behind the scenes tour of Prairie Surf Studios, an Oklahoma City-based global production company focused on multi-platform content creation. 4. Sustainers took a “Naughty Needlework” class at OK Contemporary Museum. They also took a tour of the Museum and saw all of the classes that are available.

Being Bold

Welcome 2023 – 24 Board of Directors

form a solid support system and fun environment for community leadership and volunteers.

What do you like to do with your spare time? Traveling, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Adrienne Nobles

President

Active Member Since 2008

What do you love about JLOC? I love connecting with people I may never have crossed paths with, if not for JLOC. I love the opportunity to not only use my talents and skills to serve the organization, but to also try new things and develop new skills through trainings and placements. And finally, I love being a part of the JLOC history that has and continues to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma City.

Favorite Book(s): Honestly, I don’t have one favorite book. There are many that I have enjoyed. Some recent favorites I would recommend include A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

tenure as President-Elect and President? My goal as PresidentElect and President is to continue to focus on growing and strengthening our Membership. Our Members are the heart of our organization, and it is vital that they feel connected, engaged and enthusiastic about being a part of JLOC. As President-Elect, I want to focus on supporting and learning from our next President, Adrienne Nobles. As President, I will focus on leading the Board of Directors by aiding and supporting each Member to be successful in their position.

Favorite Quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya

Angelou

history. I think it is important we continue to educate current Members on our history and communicate that with the community as well.

Favorite Book: Brene Brown books have changed me (for the better). I love The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are and Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.

Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter President-Elect

Active Member Since 2016

What are your goals for your

Administrative VP

Active Member Since 2017

What do you hope to contribute to JLOC through your leadership role? I am looking forward to serving on the Board of Directors and supporting the record keeping of the League.

Serving on the Historical Preservation Committee is something I am really looking forward to as we approach the 100th anniversary of the League and look back on our rich

Active Member Since 2016

What has been your favorite placement with JLOC? My favorite community placement was with Car Seat Safety Checks. It was a rewarding experience to see our volunteer work make such an immediate impact. My favorite in-league placement the opportunity to work with Provisional Members as a PAT Advisor, PAT Vice Chair and then Chair. I loved being able to get to know the talented ladies that join JLOC and help them navigate their Provisional year.

Active Member Since 2019

What are your goals for your tenure as Communication VP? To help spread awareness of the JLOC mission and charitable works.

Are you involved in any other volunteer or professional organizations? Make-A-Wish Oklahoma Young Professionals Council – Chair, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Leadership Council, Zootroop (young professionals board for the Oklahoma Zoological Society), Scissortail Gala in the Park Committee, LOYAL (Leadership Oklahoma City).

Favorite Quote: “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that leads others to join you.”

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Education & Development VP

Active Member Since 2016

What do you hope to contribute to the JLOC through your leadership role? I want to encourage ladies to go for a position outside of their comfort zone and learn something new. I also want to encourage more ladies to apply for positions at work with the skills that JLOC has helped them acquire so they can move to the next level professionally.

Favorite Quote: “We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.”

Sheryl Sandberg

Active Member Since 2014

What JLOC accomplishment are you most proud of? I am most proud of helping bring Legacy & Legends back to a Membership celebration in 2023.

Kajal Jassemnejad

Community VP

Active Member Since 2016

What are your goals for your tenure as Community VP? To build strong relationships with our community partners and

Favorite quote: “A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” Coco Chanel

Audra Kedy

Tracie Simard Bylaws Chair

Kendall Morgan Communications VP

Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik

Sarah Miller Finance VP

Active Member Since 2018

What has been your favorite placement with JLOC? Many would assume I would say Mistletoe Market, which I do love! But my favorite placement is and always will be Pivot. Those kids have my heart, and I cannot wait to get back there.

Favorite quote: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.” Walt

Whitman

Tabitha Narvaiz Membership VP

Active Member Since 2016

What do you love about JLOC? While I’ve always been committed to our work in the community, there is something truly unique about how and why we invest in our Members and empower them to success. You can only see a person’s passion and talents when you invest in them. The professional and personal development trainings, education and relationships offered by JLOC result in confident, empowered leaders who use what they’ve learned in the League and apply it to every aspect of their lives, making them stronger members of the community.

Active Member Since 2007

What has been your favorite placement with JLOC? There have been many, but probably my favorite has been Hospitality Co-Chair of the 90th Anniversary Project – Updating the OKC Zoo Playground. It was truly inspiring to see what JLOC and the OKC community can accomplish when we work together.

Favorite book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. I read it every year!

2014-15 President

If you could give advice to a Provisional or Active Member, what would you say? Put yourself out there. If there is a leadership role or a community placement you are interested in, go for it! Don’t wait to be asked. Life doesn’t work that way, and neither does the League. It’s up to you to be your own champion. If you don’t tell anyone you’d like to do it, nobody will know!

Favorite quote: “Nothing can dim the light which shines from withing.” Maya Angelou

Nichole Glover Chief of Staff

Active Member Since 2010

What has been your favorite placement with JLOC? Hands down my favorite placement has been Prom Night at the Children’s hospital! I was the READ developer on this project and once it was developed was fortunate enough to be the Project Manager. It was so rewarding to see this idea go from just a suggestion on paper to a fullblown event. The reactions of the children, parents and staff on their first prom night will stay with me forever!

Daysha Johnson Fundraising VP

Katherine Hager Nominating Chair

Kristi Leonard Sustaining Advisor

Provisional Class Starts Strong by Volunteering & Building Relationships

By Marcella Morgan, PAT Advisor

The 2022-23 Provisional class was very active throughout the 2022-23 League year. The Provisional class started out their League year by attending a team building retreat. The retreat served as a time for the women to meet their color groups and advisors in-person. The Provisional Committees that they selected also had time to meet and discuss a brief game plan for meetings. Throughout the year, Provisionals had required activities, courses, meetings and socials that they attended that introduced them to the League. Provisionals were also able to meet up at the General Membership Meetings and other events to socialize with Actives and Sustainers.

Community Projects

For the Provisional’s community projects, the Provisional Community Committee chose to support Infant Crisis Services in the fall and Positive Tomorrows in the spring. At Infant Crisis Services, the Provisionals took a tour and packaged diapers to be given to the clients that Infant Crisis Services supports.

In the spring, the Committee chose to create “Hope Bags” for the 125 students and siblings that attend Positive Tomorrows. The committee set up an Amazon wish list and obtained books from an Usborne vendor to be included in the bags. We were also able to include a copy of our signature book, Goodnight OKC, in each bag, thanks to our very own Provisional Member Jen Thomas! The Committee’s Co-Leads were Candice Bacon and Karen Meyer.

Little Black Dress Initiative

In March 2023, the Provisional class participated in an AJLI-approved fundraiser to raise awareness for those experiencing poverty and to raise money to support JLOC’s community projects. Th is initiative, called the Little Black Dress Initiative, was a week-long, social media-drive campaign focused on raising funds to support our community impact focus of health and wellness.

Participants were tasked with wearing the same black dress or outfit for five straight days. The Provisionals met to kick off the week and were given posts to share on social media to encourage donations and raise awareness for those that suff er from poverty. In this fi rst year of hosting this event, the Provisional class raised an impressive $2,977 for JLOC community projects.

Team Building at the OKC Zoo

For their spring team building retreat, the Provisionals were hosted at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The Provisionals had the opportunity to help beautify the Zoo and clean-up the “Jungle Gym”, the playground that was donated to the Zoo on behalf of the Junior League of Oklahoma City for the JLOC’s 90th Anniversary. While at the Zoo, the Provisionals also had the opportunity to build feeder boxes for the animals. These boxes were nailed together and then the bamboo was glued inside the boxes with various heights to provide dimension and allow for a variety of treats to be placed in the bamboo.

Scene [ the year in photos ]

Holiday in the Garden

Codi Jacobsen, Danielle Cotto

Jackie Foos, Tracy Caldwell, Allyson Kubat

Becca Sullivan

Jeanine Bertou, Jennifer Higley, Carolyn Taylor, Jordan Fritz Bethany Scott, Jenefar De Leon Cossey

Front row, left to right: Jen Thomas, Danyale Matthews, Kiara Benson, LaKeisha Lewis-Vick, Marcella Morgan. Back row: Erica Robinson, Morgan Arline, KeShana Braxton, Sharon Leveston-Sharpe, Tianna Carter.

Kendra Norman, Danielle Pelargos, Kelsey Henry

League Social Highlights

1. JLOC Members enjoyed an evening at a Mix and Mingle Soiree at First National Center. Members had the opportunity to tour the residences, hotel rooms and bars. 2. At the “GalenWines” social event, Members shared their favorite wines and got the chance to try permanent jewelry from Hitch by Billie. 3. JLOC Members started the League year off spending time together with their families at a Dodgers game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Members pictured: Tracie Simard and Ashley Ewers. 4. JLOC Members learned decorating tips, gift ideas and table-scape ideas at West Elm during JLOC’s Hostess with the Mostest event. Pictured here, left to right: Lynda Backström, Ashton Neufeld, Nicole Doherty, Rachel Benbrook, Kelsey Henry, Andrea Flores Raygosa, April Sanford. 5. JLOC Member Ashley Ewers led Members through a high-intensity group training work-out at F45 Northwest OKC. Pictured, front row, left to right: Natalie Hugos, Breann Hager-Miller, Ashley Ewers, Sammie Goben. Back row: Andrea Flores Raygosa, Lynda Backström, Ashton Yancey, Anna Long, Kelsey Henry, Kelsee Watts. 6. The E&D Council’s Networking and Social Committee kicked off a great year with a Luau Party. Members pictured, front row, left to right: Marcella Morgan, Danielle Cotto, Ashton Neufeld. Back row: Ashley Ewers, Cameron Collins, Kendra Norman, Kajal Jassemnejad, Danielle Pelargos, Hayley Moore.

Interest Group Highlights

Joining a Junior Interest or Networking Group is an opportunity to build meaningful connections and learn from fellow Members. Provisionals, Actives, and Sustainers are welcome to sign up at any point during the year. Both Active and Sustaining Members can apply to lead a group. More information can be found on Digital Cheetah.

Wine Lovers Interest Group: Led by Jennifer Grover

The Wine Lovers group met for a second annual glassblowing class. Pictured: Daysha Johnson worked with the artist at Blue Stage Studios to make her own glass wine stopper.

Supper/Brunch Club Interest Group: Led

by Kajal Jassemnejad

(Above) Supper Club Members meet at Riserva Bar + Tapas for fun and fellowship. Pictured, left to right: Katherine Hager, Emily Burris, Danielle Pelargos, Kajal Jassemnejad, Denise Ridpath.

The Wine Lovers Interest Group met at Clauren Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Edmond for an afternoon of wine tasting and fellowship. This event is quickly becoming an annual tradition.

Crafting Interest Group:

Led by Marcella Morgan

Walking Interest Group:

Led by Dr. Andrea Allison

(Below) The Brunch Club at Frida Southwest. Pictured, left to right: Hayley Moore, MaryAnn Grover, Emily Eudy, Andrea Flores Raygosa, Alicia Pool, Denise Ridpath, Ashton Yancey, Jennifer Grover.

Adventure Interest Group: Led by Kajal Jassemnejad

Many JLOC Members have artistic talents. The Crafting Interest Group allows those women to spend time together making beautiful art. Picture, left to right: Andrea Flores Raygosa, Rachel Benbrook, Jenefar De Leon Cossey, Marcella Morgan.

Members of the Adventure Interest Group have established an annual tradition of taking a weekend trip to Broken Bow to enjoy nature and the many adventures it holds. Pictured, left to right: Danielle Pelargos, Michelle Demos, Kajal Jassemnejad, Kelsey Henry, Hayley Moore, Ashley Lawson, Whitney Swyden, Tracie Simard, Elizabeth Davidson.

JLOC Member Dr. Andrea Allison created the Walking Interest Group this year because she wanted to create an opportunity for Members to meet up and get outside. Pictured: Emily Isbill, Andrea Allison, Brooke Powell and Marcella Morgan enjoy a walk together on a beautiful spring day in downtown OKC.

Newlyweds Scene

“Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited.”

GLORIA STEINEM, AMERICAN JOURNALIST

Grace & Simon Bright Married October 15, 2022

Whitney & Marty Bueno Married May 7, 2022

Kelli Hilgenfeld Porter & Justin Porter Married August 27, 2022

Blair & Kyle Thacker Married February 25, 2023

Madison & Clark Brezny Married April 2, 2022

Katherine Nash & Dae Joong Kim Married November 12, 2022

Allyson & Logan Knox Married December 11, 2021

Cassidy & Joe Toliver Married September 19, 2022

Azadeh & Tommy Grayson Married October 12, 2022

Kendall Morgan & Jennings Hammack Married May 20, 2023

Makenzie & Hunter Owen Married November 12, 2022

Nearlyweds

Best wishes!

1. Cameron Collins & fiancé Reid Pepper. 2. Kaitlin Logan Wimmer & fiancé Andrew Melvint. 3. Danielle Cotto & fiancé Triffon Tatarin. 4. Darian McPherson & fiancé Kelby Lindemann. 5. Neeley Russell & fiancé Holden Cook. 6. Aubrey Hermen & fiancé Mike Bussowr. 7. Staci Tipton & fiancé Aaron Dickson.

Newlyweds

Sammie & Justin Goben Married May 13, 2023

Caroline & Eric Nelson Married May 5, 2023

Little Leaguers

Adopted July 26, 2022, Aged 12

Parents are Kristal Almquist Cochran & Martin Cochran

Kristal Cochren shared about the journey to adoption, “If adoption is your goal, just don’t give up, even when the process seems tedious and long. It is worth the time and effort that goes into it.” She also said that she is open to answering questions that anyone has about the process and what to expect.

Born January 20, 2022 to parents Kelli & Nick Miller and siblings Scarlett and Theo (pictured).

Born September 13, 2022 to parents Sarah & Nick Hartman and brother Theodore (pictured).

Born January 23, 2023 to parents Whitney & Martin Bueno.

Born December 26, 2022 to parents Tory & Adam Wilbanks and sister Eleanor (pictured).

Born November 29, 2022 to parents Christin & Cody Cornelius.

Born July 26, 2022 to parents Molly & Dominic Williams.

Born August 23, 2022 to parents Calley & Reid Simpson.

Harly Cochran

Colton Dean & Connor Mark Cornelius

Bennet Lawrence Miller

Kennedy Paige Bueno

Charlotte Rose Williams

Elizabeth Mae Hartman

Olivia Monroe Wilbanks

Holly Lynne Simpson

Born November 3, 2022 to parents Laura

Born December 15, 2022 to parents Ann RichardFarinha

Born June 28, 2022 to parents

Born January 17, 2023 to parents Amanda Wills-Seay & Joseph

Born April 9, 2022 to parents

Born July 18, 2022 to parents Lauren & Brent Fassio and brother Tristan (pictured).

Born April 28, 2023 to parents

Born August 26, 2022 to parents

Born November 11, 2022 to parents Katy & Kaleb

Alice Jean Sharp

Sharp and big brother Arthur (pictured).

Josie Louise McLean

Kimberly & Tyler McLean.

Ellington Blake Claussen

Butler & Lane Claussen.

Rennick John Seay

Seay and brother Rhett.

George Valentum Farinha

& Andre Farinha and brother Jacob.

Susanne Louise Whiteside

Heather & Tyler Whiteside.

Emma Pearl Law

Jade & Stewart Law.

Gwyneth Eleanor Gynther

Margot Marcin & Eli Gynther.

Teddy Fassio

“In giving birth to our babies, we may find that we give birth to new possibilities within ourselves.” MYLA AND JON KABAT-ZINN

Leash Leaguers

Each issue, we like to feature JLOC pets. If you would like to see your pet in the League Link, please email photos to leaguelink@jloc.org.

JLOC Members met up at Bar K for a bite, a drink and time with their dogs at Oklahoma’s newest fully staffed dog park. Pictured: Danielle Cotto and her dog, Roxy (left), and Azadeh Grayson and her dog, Baker (right).

Chewy and Velvet Adrienne Nobles

Marley Ashley Ewers

Allie Ashley Ewers

Charley and Teddy Christina Troxtell

Meet the Editor: Jennifer Grover

Active Member Since 2021

2022-23 Placement: League Link Editor, Leadership Institute, Education & Development Networking & Social Committee, Wine Lovers Interest Group

2023-24 Placement: Mistletoe Market Personnel Chair, Community Impact Events, Education & Development Networking & Social Committee, Transfer Committee

Why did you join JLOC? I joined the Junior League during Covid, in 2020. I initially joined for networking purposes, but I have stayed because I have found so much more. I have made great relationships, many of which I know will continue to grow. What advice do you have for Provisional or Active Junior League Members? There is something for everyone in the League. And, what you get from the League continues to change and evolve the longer you are in the League. Be open to new experiences and life lessons.

What is your career field? I work in international education and exchange, with a focus on Europe and cultural relations. I have had the great opportunity to travel to many beautiful places and meet incredible people from all over the world. What is a personal or professional goal that you have? I have started to study to be a sommelier so that I can gain the knowledge and skills to one-day manage a winery. That is part of the reason that I started the Wine Lovers Interest Group. I love being able to share my studies and training with my fellow JLOC Members.

What is one thing on your bucket list? I want to travel to all 50 states. I only have 4 states remaining, and after this summer, the only state that I will have not visited is Hawaii. (I’m thinking - ladies trip!)

Favorite Quote: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” —The Lorax

League Link Editor, Jennifer Grover (pictured far left), cannot be introduced without her family. Jennifer was awarded the Sophia Award at the January GMM for her support to her sister, fellow JLOC Member, MaryAnn Grover.

Winnie Jennifer Grover

Nala MaryAnn Grover

Winnie and Miss Honey Kendall Morgan

Piper Michelle Ramirez

Brix - JLOC’s First Dog Sheena Karami Hollander

Dolly Moos

Meet Bria Moos’s Pup – Dolly Moos. Dressed as Dolly Pawton, Dolly Moos won last year’s Myriad Gardens Pooch Parade costume contest.

2020-2021 Budget

2021-2022 Budget

2022-2023 Budget—Revenue

2022-2023 Budget

2022-2023—Expenses

Donors

Thank you for your support of the Junior League of Oklahoma City! We are incredibly grateful to our donors, sponsors, partners and stakeholders for helping advance our mission. Your investment into the Junior League directly benefits our community projects across the Oklahoma City metro and provides leadership and volunteer training to a diverse and dynamic group of women who are committed to building a better OKC.

405 Magazine

Art by Savannah Whitehead

Kelsey Ashlock

Hillary Ashton

Candace Bacon

Ashley Baker

Balloon Therapy

Michael Baron

Justin L. Beasley, DDS

Beasley Oil

Bebe’s

Rachel Benbrook

Jackie Bendorf

Sally Bentley

Shannon Berlin

Black Swan Boutique

Lori Blumenthal

Elizabeth Bomhoff

Bronzed OKC

Jeannie Butts

Zoe Butts

Tracy Caldwell

Pam Campbell

Lauren Carson

Casady Square Stretch Lab

Jessica Chalker

Zena Cherian

Matilda Clements

Karla Cohlmia

Constellation Brands

Heather Cook

Coppermark Public Adjusters

Christi Coyle

Creations by KKM

CYL Sauna

Julia Daine

Jenna Dobson

Taylor Dose

Mrs. Kelly Dougherty

Mrs. Candy Reece Dulaney

Elizabeth Edwards

Elizabeth Eickman

Carson Eggers

Anna Elder

Megan Euseppi

Express Employment International

F45

Mrs. Jamie Farha

Ferguson

Hillary Ferrell

Natalie Fix

The Flower Truck

Jackie Foos

Aubrey Frazer

Marsha Funk

Linda Garrett

Nichole Glover

Shannon Gottschalk

Jessica Gracon

Azadeh Grayson

Gretta Sloane

Drake Gungoll Foundation

Katherine Hager

Kirk Hammons

Heritage Trust

Sabrina Herrmann

Hideout Art

Kelli Hilgenfeld-Porter

Barbara Hill

Stephanie Hinton

Danna Hogan

Sheena Karami Hollander

Alyssa Holybee

Whitney Hood

Katie and Dave Hull

Hannah Marie Hunt

Laurie Hyde

Sue Ann Hyde

Hypsy Jo Photography, LLC

Impulse Fitness

Jerry and Sandra Janowiak

Daysha and Nicholas Johnson

Lauren Hammonds Johnson

Mrs. Betty Karim

Kendra Scott

Jeanne Ann King

Laser Away

Megan Law

Bobby & Gayla Lax

Let’s Fix This

Sharon Leveston-Sharpe

Blakely Liebmann

Kasidi Liebmann

Anna Logan

Amy Loughridge-Acquaviva

Mabrey Bank

Magic 104.1

Majestic Construction & Roofing

Julie Malicott

Betsy and Cameron Mantor

The Market at Northpark

Anna Masters

Roxanne Mayer

Lori Mayhue

Karen Sargeant Meyer

Midfirst Bank

Mrs. Katherine Milam

Sarah Miller

Mindy Dawn Photography

Hayley Moore

Linda Morgan

Marcella Morgan

Modern Berry Co.

Tabitha Narvaiz

New Leaf Florist

News 9

Polly Nichols

No Bite Left Behind

No Regrets

Adrienne Nobles

Kendra Norman

Saundra O’Hara

OK Let’s Majong

OKC Moms Blog

Lauren Palmer

Premier Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics

Premium Brands

Lauren Quick

Ragnar Research Partners

Jenifer Randle

Andrea Flores Raygosa

Reindeer Club of Oklahoma

Tracy Reinke

Whitney Reinke

Denise Ridpath

Leslie Rothe

Ryan Whaley Attorneys

April and Wally Sanford

Santa Joe

The Santreece Foundation

Amanda Seay

Jeary Seikel

Margaret Shaffer

Sharon Sharpe

Beth Shortt

Skirvin Hotel

Shyla Slay

Julie Smith, Pat’s Tire & Auto

Social Selfie

Kay and Randy Spiva

Shannon Stiger

Stout Media

Studio Tatum

Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik

Supporting Strategies

Shaun Suttle

Kimberly Swan

Swan Dentistry

Sweet Law Firm

Swiss Cleaners

Swoon Beauty Bar

Mrs. Linda Tate

Whitney Tatum

Jimmy Taylor

Lindsey Taylor

Whitney and Dan Tero

Jennifer Thomas

Claire Thompson

Peggy Thompson

Timberlake Aesthetics

Mrs. Marjean Towe

Christina Troxtell

Udander

University of Central Oklahoma Office of Public Affairs

Kristin Van Nort

Katherine Vanlandingham

Sammie Valentino

Variety Care

Mrs. Rene Vassar

Helen Ford Wallace

Abbie Werth

Piper Wielwel

Kathryn Wilson Wheeler

Mary Ann Wiliams

Kaitlin Logan Wimmer

Thank You Annual Campaign Donors

Actives

Silver

Zoe Butts

Sheena Karami Hollander

Whitney Hood

Hayley Moore

Marcella Morgan

Jenifer Randle

Denise Ridpath

Amanda Wills-Seay

Christina Troxtell

Bronze

Megan Euseppi

Tabitha Narvaiz

Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik

Kimberly Swan

Jennifer “Jen” Thomas

Kristin Van Nort

Friend

Hillary Ashton

Rachel Benbrook

Lori Blumenthal

Heather Cook

Jackie Foos

Sabrina Herrmann

Kelli Hilgenfeld

Stephanie Hinton

Kaitlin Logan Wimmer

Adrienne Nobles

Kendra Norman

Lori Mayhue

Sarah Miller

Other

Tracy Caldwell

Julia Daine

Natalie Fix

Sustainers

Ruby Karla Cohlmia

Nichole Glover

Sue Ann Hyde

Silver

Ashley Baker

Hillary Farrell

Sara Sweet

Helen Ford Wallace

Mary Ann Williams

Bronze

Christi Coyle

Claire Thompson

Friend

Pam Campbell

Matilda Clements

Leslie Rothe

Beth Shortt

Whitney Tero

Provisionals

Anna Elder

Sharon Leveston-Sharpe

Kasidi Liebmann

Karen Meyer, M.D.

Lindsey Taylor

Your

2022-23 Membership Service Awards

SUSTAINER EMERITUS STATUS

Ann Barnes

Carolyn Barnes

Beverly Carter

Marilyn Swan Case

Janie Comstock

Evalie Edwards

Betty Fletcher

Jamie Gaddis

Janice Hickman

Bette Jo Hill

Gennie Johnson

Sally Lenz

Patti Marshall

Mary Rockett

Sandy Shapard

5 YEARS ACTIVE

Caroline Allen

Rachel Benbrook

Courtney Caplin

Kristal Cochran

Cameron Collins

Samantha Corriero

Jenny Cripps

Alicia Deaton

Edith Gilyard

Sarah Hartman

Kelsey Henry

Stephanie Hinton

Krissy Holman

Daysha Johnson

Hayley Jones

Katelyn Kelly

Nina Lawrence

Lindsay Lucas

Margot Marcin

Marcella Morgan

Emily Sederstrom

Natasha Seymour

Kelsey Shaver

Calley Simpson

Whitney Swyden

Victoria Tran

IN MEMORIAM

Olive Kees Austin

Priscilla Braun

Cheryl Browne

JoCarol Cameron

Katherine “Kitty” Champlin

Faith Everest

Gladys London

Betty Boyle Replogle

Betty Ann Ridley

Jeanne Smith

(Past President 1967-68)

Josephine Thweatt

Dorothy Turk

Donna Vogel

10 YEARS ACTIVE

Hillary Ashton

Lauren Carson

20 YEARS ACTIVE

Jamie Herrera

PROVISIONALS

Morgan Arline

Kelsey Ashlock

Candice Bacon

Kiara Benson

Jeanine Bertou

Suzanne Blair

Alison “Ali” Booth

Taylor Bradberry

Rose Brady

KeShana Braxton

Kennedy Brian

Brittany Brignac

Tracy Caldwell

Jessica Chalker

Charlotte Cheek

Zena Cherian

Jenna Dodson

Taylor Dose

Taylor Douglass

Carson Raye Eggers

Anna Elder

Jackie Foos

Aubrey Frazier

Jordan Fritz

Kerilee Hakala

Aubrey Hermen

Jennifer Higley

Micaela Hirsch

Danna Hogan

Alyssa Holybee

Derielle Howard

Natalie Hugos

Hannah Hunt

Katherine Jackson

Jasmine Kouzbari

Sharon Leveston-Sharpe

LaKeisha Lewis-Vick

Kasidi Liebmann

Anna Logan

Anna Long

Bahar Malakouti, M.D.

Roxanne Mayer

Carly Melton

Vanessa Mendoza

Karen Meyer, M.D.

Sahar Naderpour

Jennifer Nath

Whitney Reinke

Neeley Russell

April Sanford

Carolyn Taylor

Jennifer “Jen” Thomas

Staci Tipton

Vivian Tokarz

Hannah Van Alstine

Cynthia Vora

Kelsee Watts

Abby Werth

Jessica Wilkes

WELCOME NEW ACTIVE MEMBERS

2022-23 Provisional Members Graduated to Active Member Status at the May 2023 General Membership Meeting.

Morgan Arline

Kelsey Ashlock

Candice Bacon

Kiara Benson

Jeanine Bertou

Suzanne Blair

Alison “Ali” Booth

Taylor Bradberry

Rose Brady

KeShana Braxton

Kennedy Brian

Brittany Brignac

Tracy Caldwell

Jessica Chalker

Charlotte Cheek

Zena Cherian

Jenna Dodson

Taylor Dose

Taylor Douglass

Carson Raye Eggers

Anna Elder

Jackie Foos

Aubrey Frazier

Jordan Fritz

Kerilee Hakala

Aubrey Hermen

Jennifer Higley

Micaela Hirsch

Danna Hogan

Alyssa Holybee

Derielle Howard

Natalie Hugos

Hannah Hunt

Katherine Jackson

Jasmine Kouzbari

Sharon LevestonSharpe

LaKeisha Lewis-Vick

Kasidi Liebmann

Anna Logan

Anna Long

Bahar Malakouti, M.D.

Roxanne Mayer

Carly Melton

Vanessa Mendoza

Karen Meyer

Sahar Naderpour

Jennifer Nath

Whitney Reinke

Neeley Russell

April Sanford

Carolyn Taylor

Jennifer “Jen” Thomas

Staci Tipton

Vivian Tokarz

Hannah Van Alstine

Cynthia Vora

Kelsee Watts

Abby Werth

Jessica Wilkes

Women Building a Better OKC

MISSION

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

FOCUS

Women Building a Better Oklahoma City

MINDY DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY

Owner: Mindy Johnson (Active)

MindyDawnPhotography@icloud.com

http://www.MindyDawnPhotography.com

VISION

The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. will empower volunteers to impact our community and enrich lives.

CORE VALUES (I.C.A.R.E.)

Integrity Connection

Accountability Respect Excellence

WWW.JLOC.ORG