J U N I O R L E A G U E O F O K L A H O M A C I T Y, I N C .
www.jloc.org
SPRING 2021
President’s Letter Difficult Roads Lead To Beautiful Destinations In this (longest) year of COVID-19 and cancellations, I have struggled to find anything beautiful. My life, just like yours, was upended in March 2020. I set aside plans and dreaming and shifted to crisis mode in my personal, professional, and JLOC life. We’ve all battled the feeling of exhaustion, stress, and hopelessness. Some days I don’t even know how I got out of bed and battled through the day. What a year to be JLOC President, right? As we have all done during this most unusual year, my daily screen use skyrocketed and I found myself scrolling through endless opinions, memes, and self-help advice from every corner. Most of it made no impact on me. But, as some special messages are meant to do, one nugget spoke to me. “Difficult Roads Lead To Beautiful Destinations.” As I reflect on our league year, I think this message is the new JLOC mantra. I think about how the Mistletoe Market team moved from a traditional, in-person market to several virtual experiences and made over $35,000. Our community projects met our placement partners head-on with virtual events for kids, teens, and seniors. Our Financial Development team crafted a drive-through Santa experience for the whole community. The training team pivoted to provide wonderful, creative virtual trainings allowing our members to engage with peers and enhance their personal and professional skills. Project EmpowHer collected, packaged, and distributed THOUSANDS of period products to women across Oklahoma City. The bottom line? JLOC didn’t shrink from our commitment to provide community support and vital trainings. It might have been messy at times, but I’m proud of our membership and the work YOU did to make this year successful. As we move forward into a new era, I hope we can reflect on what we learned and maybe even incorporate some of our new knowledge into years to come. We don’t need to stop our progress. Instead, let’s always push forward onto that beautiful destination. With love, Leslie Coale-Mossman JLOC President 2020-2021
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 in 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 welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities.
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Contents SPRING 2021
LINK VISION To inform members and increase awareness of Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. projects and events.
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PRESIDENT-ELECT Ann Richard-Farinha ADMINISTRATIVE VP Anastasia Svec BYLAWS CHAIR Angie Huffaker COMMUNICATIONS VP Julia Daine COMMUNITY VP Katherine Chandler
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NOMINATING CHAIR Jamie Manoles SUSTAINING ADVISOR Margaret Hoge CHIEF OF STAFF Rachel Henderson
LEAGUE LINK STAFF
Legacy & Legends
CHANGING LIVES [
projects ]
Community Project Letters DEI Task Force PAT Task Force
FINANCE VP Candace Beaty
MEMBERSHIP VP Kelli Hilgenfeld
Mistletoe Market
Year in Review
EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT VP Ashley Rivers
FUNDRAISING VP Hillary Ashton
events ]
Whale of a Sale
2020-21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT Leslie Coale-Mossman
IMPACT [
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EmpowHER
EMPOWER [
p e o p l e]
Member Spotlights Sheroes Photo Montage
CO-EDITORS Hayley Moore (A) and Lauren Rieken-
Hobbs (S) COMMUNICATIONS VP Julia Daine CONTRIBUTORS Emily Burris, Marcella Morgan, Erica
Robinson, Whitney Swyden
League Link is published by the Junior
Also included: Nearly Weds, Little Leaguers, Courtesy and Recognition Update, Membership Updates, First Year Actives, Membership Service Awards (5, 10, 15 year), Leadership Institute, League Pets
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
ON THE COVER:
Fax (405) 843-0994
Photo highlights from 2020-2021
www.jloc.org
FUNDRAISERS Mistletoe Market Legacy & Legends Whale Of A Sale Annual Campaign
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Impact [ events ]
2020 Mistletoe Market
t
BY MARCELLA MORGAN, MISTLETOE MARKET MERCHANT CO-CHAIR
he 2020 Mistletoe Market Committee set out to make this year’s event one for the books. The leadership and volunteers diligently worked to make the merchants feel appreciated and showed the most hospitality possible. With all of the help they received, the Merchant Committee was able to get over 60 pre-deposits for the 2020 market. That number of merchant pre-deposits speaks to the growth, popularity and loyalty of our merchants to this great fundraising event. However, then the pandemic would change it all for everyone. The Mistletoe Market Committee had to re-think how to keep the tradition of the market going in the midst of not being able to hold the league’s most profitable fundraiser. These efforts had to be carried out by all of the committee chairs under the leadership of Moira McCarthy-Parham. She definitely led her team with style and grace. After brainstorming, discussing pros and cons and collaborating with one another, the Mistletoe Market Committee landed on a few events to present to the membership and the community. A virtual Mistletoe Market was born. This consisted of the following: MERCHANT COUPON BOOK There were over 100 merchants included in the coupon book. This was offered in a digital format to members and the community to purchase for some great offers.
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CURATED BOXES The curated boxes included five local merchants that offered just a few of the many products they sell. These merchants included: Local Lather (who helped facilitate the production of the boxes), Couture Collective (the owners are JLOC members), Oklahoma Toffee, OK Collective Candle Co., and Cargo Room. The items were boxed and wrapped up ready to give as a gift or keep for yourself. With an added bonus of receiving a copy of Western & Grand with each box.
ZOOM WITH SANTA The idea of having Zoom with Santa stemmed from the tradition of many families that have children who take their photos in the mall with Santa each year. With the pandemic making that impossible the Mistletoe Market Committee found a way to carry on this tradition in a safe way. Families were able to purchase time slots to have a virtual talk with Santa and also receive a digital photo as a keepsake all in the comfort of their own homes. ONLINE AUCTION It is no secret that most auctions are a blast to view and bid on the awesome items. A big shout out to the Special Events Committee for acquiring and hosting a successful online auction. There were items in almost every
price range with a variety of tastes for folks to choose from. The Marketing Committee did a good job of highlighting the packages and making the community aware that their bids for auction items helped our community projects for the year. MERCHANDISE As another Mistletoe Market tradition, there were shirts available to the members and public to purchase. Members look forward to the design and creativity that the market committee comes up with year-to-year. As an addition to having a t-shirt for sale, an ornament that looked like a camping mug was available for purchase as well. The 2020 Virtual Mistletoe Market turned out to be a culmination of events and offerings for the membership and community to participate in while still being safe. Each of these events would not have been possible without the help of the Mistletoe Market Committee and the league volunteers. This year was not ideal however we managed to raise over $35,000 to assist with our community efforts. Overall, job well done!
SPONSORS
CRISTI COYLE
Legacy & Legends
M
eet our finalists for the Woman to Watch award for their experience serving in the Junior League of Oklahoma City. Each of these
women play an integral role within the League through their selfless leadership and community service efforts. The Legacy & Legends Virtual Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, May 7!
1-4 Years of Experience
Tabitha Narvaiz
Stephanie Hinton
Marcella Morgan
Tracie Simard
Selena Skorman
Hayley Moore
Kathy North
Samara Terrill
Jessie West
Winner of Women to Watch Award
5+ Years of Experience
Rachel Henderson Winner of Women to Watch Award
WHALE OF A SALE Whale of a Sale is an upscale rummage sale that began at the Junior League of Oklahoma City’s headquarters. The covid-19 pandemic cancelled the 2020 Whale of a Sale fundraiser, however, the membership and the community had a successful event in 2021. This year under the leadership of
Allie Cox
Katherine Hager, Active Co-Chair and Anne Collins, Sustaining Co-Chair they worked diligently to make sure Whale of a Sale was successful and raised money to help support our community projects. We want to encourage members of the community as well as League members to plan to donate items for next year.
Kimberly Swan
Marcella Morgan
Katherine Hager, Co-Chair
Anne Collins, Co-Chair
Hillary Ashton
Elizabeth Nordin 5
Impact
League Highlights
Read more information in Year-End Reports in the member section of JLOC.org under the “Resources” tab.
Other Highlights from the Year!
NOMINATING NEWS Voting on this year’s board slate required the organization of a drivethru vote due to restrictions on indoor gatherings. Members came to headquarters and voted in their cars. The membership met quorum and passed the incoming board slate!
This year, the Fundraising Council spearheaded a new partnership with
Text GIVE2JLOC to 44321
GiveLively at the September General Membership Meeting. The platform will assist JLOC in fundraising through mobile and digital platforms, including allowing donors to give via text message. All of our fundraising events, Financial Development and EmpowHer are now able to fundraise for their areas and easily advertise giving to JLOC via text. All you have to do is text “GIVE2JLOC” to 44321 for a one-time gift or to sign up for recurring gifts.
JLOC at the Movies
W
hile in-person indoor gatherings were limited this year, JLOC got creative and went back in time for a drive-in movie night in Guthrie at the
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Beacon Theater. League members watched the classic holiday film “A Christmas Vacation” and enjoyed refreshments from the Saucee Sicilian pizza truck and Fluff cotton candy!
Year In Review Community Projects
A
lthough Junior League placements faced numerous obstacles due to the inability to meet in-person this year, League members got creative to serve our community!
WELLNESS FOR LIFE CONCORDIA SENIOR LIVING Members in this placement organized a scavenger hunt for the residents’ outdoor walks, made posters for Alzheimer’s awareness, chalked the sidewalks outside the facility with uplifting and health-related messages, and dropped off art kits for projects they could complete on their own time. Members also recorded uplifting video messages for them throughout the year and engaged the entire membership to send holiday cards to every resident. JLOC was the winner of the Nonprofits Serving Nonprofits Award at The Journal Record 2020 Beacon Awards for our work with Concordia in our Wellness for Life Project!
KIDS ON TRACK THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY Throughout the year members of the placement worked with students to instill the importance of a healthy lifestyle including stretching, meditating, exercising and healthy eating. For the holidays, Kids on Track at the Boys and Girls Club received brand new running shoes purchased by JLOC from Red Coyote and got to speak with Santa on Zoom to thank him for their new shoes!
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN & TOP CHEF THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF OKLAHOMA COUNTY Members of the Kids in the Kitchen placement taught a new lesson to the students about healthy eating each week. The lessons ranged from healthy after school snacks, how to pack a healthy lunch, and healthy alternatives to some unhealthy foods.
Volunteers always kept the lessons fun and the students just loved it! For Top Chef, the students learned basic cooking techniques while cooking some signature and easy meals and some things they had never tried before! Some of the things we cooked were breakfast burritos, sausage pasta, spring rolls, and more. The students’ favorite activity was always the Top Chef competition night. They loved being competitive and putting their own spin on recipes. The placement also held a December Farmer’s Market for the Top Chef students. Volunteers prepacked the groceries for them to take home with recipes, but they were so thankful!
CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS INFANT CRISIS SERVICES Although volunteers were unable to install car seats this year, the members of the placement pivoted and were able to provide much needed items such as wipes, sippy cups, coats, and snacks. This placement was able to provide over 2,400 snack bags, 90 coats, 1,008 packs of wipes, 864 sippy cups, and 30 car seats to families in need.
PROJECT EMPOWHER
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL EVENTS OU CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL The creation of “Zone-to-Go” activities allowed members of the placement to continue to plan crafts for children in the hospital that were delivered via “Craft Cart” to their rooms while The Zone was closed for the year. Crafts included slime making, painting pumpkins, making Love Bugs, and planting flowers in pots. OU Children’s Prom was held virtually in February and volunteers packed “Prom in a Box” to be distributed to each one of the children. Prom included activities, games, dance playlists, raffle giveaways and the crowning of the king and queen by Lane Johnson, former OU Sooner and Superbowl champion, and Alex Eppler Williams, former Miss Oklahoma.
FOOD & FUN AT PIVOT PIVOT Volunteers in this placement organized personal hygiene packages for the shelter and dropped off yard games and athletic equipment in place of the normal in-person activities. The students’ favorite activity was the karaoke machine, but the biggest blessing was the opportunity to gift each student with a new pair of sneakers. The volunteers also filled backpacks with school supplies, water bottles, charging stations and headphones. Some of the activities the teens enjoyed included painting mini pumpkins, bingo with Santa, decorating Christmas cookies, House of Clay activity, a scavenger hunt and an escape challenge.
Project EmpowHer hit the ground running by starting the year with Pink Week where we held a donation/packaging drive at the first General Membership Meeting of the 2020-2021 year. Through donations and Pink Week packaging parties that were hosted twice this year, the League has been able to provide 50,000 products to partner agencies including ReMerge, OKCPS, YWCA, Pivot, Infant Crisis Services, Boys & Girls Club, Positive Tomorrows, Palomar, NorthCare, Bethany Public Schools and the Homeless Alliance.
WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS YWCA Volunteers in this placement coordinated activities each Wednesday for adults and children at the Thelma Gaylord Emergency Shelter. Participants enjoyed multiple art projects including making seasonal décor to decorate their rooms, art, journaling and more. Volunteers helped residents celebrate various holidays with themed activities including pumpkin painting, self-care gift bags, ornament making, and a virtual Santa visit for the children while enjoying hot cocoa and cookies. We also had fun making Valentine’s cards and cookie decorating to celebrate love in all forms.
THRIVE SUNBEAM FAMILY SERVICES The placement was designed to help senior citizens experiencing transition and homelessness in their life focus on mindfulness while also providing comfort and support through conversation. The placement met virtually throughout the year, and activities with residents at the Sunbeam Emergency Senior Shelter included variations of bingo, riddles, and chair yoga. Volunteers provided personal care packages and items for the seniors such as hygiene products, socks and gloves, masks and hand sanitizer, and holiday treats.
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Impact
The Year in Photos
Back Row (left to right): Tracie Simard, Elizabeth Rice, Emily Burris, Lauren Riepl, Sandra Andresson Smith, Ashton Neufeld, Jessica Leonard, Shannon Easter, Katelyn Kelly, Beth Gentry. Middle (left to right) Elizabeth Isensee, Sarah Dumas, Kelli Miller, Mary Kate Roy, Meghan Wilbourn, Lynda Backstrom, Whitney Pittman. Front (left to right) Michelle Demos, Ashley Ewers, Jennifer Grover, Suzanne Frewaldt, Danyale Mathews, Hannah Liles, Brook Tipton, Sammie Valentino, Erica Robinson, Daysha Johnson
In addition to the virtual placement fair, members also had the opportunity to stop by JLOC headquarters to learn more about committees and placements and pick up some goodies! Pictured (left to right): Kajal Jassemnejad, Marcella Morgan, and Lauren Quick
Jennifer Burke, Jamie Manoles, and Nichole Glover celebrate another League year in the books at May’s General Membership Meeting.
Claire Painter and Lindsey Marczewski show off their JLOC goodies at the spring placement fair.
8 SPRING 2021
Member Lauren Willingham teaches a virtual Pure Barre class for provisionals to safely attend.
Residents at PIVOT OKC enjoy a special dinner featuring Oh My Gogi food truck arranged by PIVOT’s community project managers.
Some Provisional members meet via Zoom to wrap up the year and head into Active status while looking forward to in-person meetings again!
Members write holiday cards for seniors in our Wellness for Life community project. Over 400 cards were delivered to Concordia to bring holiday cheer to residents! Pictured: Azadeh Adlamini, Erin Laumer, and Samantha McEntire
Boys and Girls Club Kids on Track participants thank Santa on Zoom for their new running shoes!
Past Presidents Ann Felton Gilliland and Beth Shortt mingle at the May General Membership Meeting in advance of the “Pass the Gavel” celebration. Beth will be the Sustaining Advisor to the Board of Directors in 2021-2022.
Sustainers Blair Bradley, Patty Brumbaugh, and Tracey Frederick with their beautiful potted creations put together at the direction of Adorn.
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Changing Lives
[ projects ]
“All the moms who juggled school from home this year! Pictured: Jaime Manoles and her daughters McKenzie, Maybree, and Malori
PAT Task Force
t
he Provisional Admission & Training (PAT) Task Force did a comprehensive analysis of our provisional recruitment and training programs. The Task Force worked to achieve several goals including establishing and institutionalizing a formal recruitment
campaign to attract women who share our mission and wish to be community changemakers. The Task Force also made a number of recommendations to create provisional training experience that models the active member experience and prepares them for lifelong membership in JLOC.
Amy McDougall
Anastasia Svec
Breann Miller
Katie Rose-Gorton
LaLinda Harrison
Jenna North
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Mandy Heaps, Chair
2020 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Task Force “W DIVERSITY, e have the responsibility to act, and we have the opportunity to conscientiously act to affect the environment about us.” That was how Mary Harriman described the mission of The Junior League more than 100 years ago. This year brought to light many challenges facing our nation and our world, and as we strive to be better friends, neighbors, and members of the Junior League of Oklahoma City, we cannot sit by idly and look to others to address the racism and injustices around us. We must look inwardly and ask ourselves what responsibility we hold to combat these injustices and what role we must play to make this world a more equitable place for those around us. To begin this process, the Junior League of Oklahoma City established the Diversity
Myriah Downs Chair
and Inclusion Task Force that will work to identify how locally we can be more diverse and inclusive by identifying issues, creating plans for action, and proposing changes to the Junior League of Oklahoma City membership. The DEI Task Force is made up of 12 incredible women who are committed to creating actionable plans to cultivate a more equitable environment for our membership.
Samara Terrill
Myriah Downs / Azadeh Adlamini / Lauren Fassio / Erin Laumer / Tracey Frederick / Jenefar De Leon / Cassidy Smith / Ilse Salazar / Marcella Morgan / Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik / Shannon Stiger / Kathy North / Rachel Benbrook / Samara Terrill / Christi Woodworth / Sheryl Sullivan / Chelsey Branham
Sherry Sullivan
STATEMENT ON
EQUITY & INCLUSION
The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations and communities.
Rep. Chelsey Branham
Sustainer
Christi Woodworth Sustainer
New Provisional Year Timeline! Adjustments have been made to the provisional year timeline to better align with JLOC’s fiscal year and provide a more enhanced provisional experience. Beginning this year, potential new member events will take place in June and July and the provisional year will begin in August. These events may be virtual or hybrid in-person/virtual and we will update this in accordance with our ever-evolving Covid-19 situation. Upcoming dates for potential new member events will be held the following
dates: • Monday, June 1 • Wednesday, June 9 • Thursday, June 17 • Thursday, July 1 • Wednesday, July 7 • Saturday, July 17 • Monday, July 19 Please encourage qualified potential new members you may know to join us for one of the above events! Have a great idea for new member recruitment? Please reach out to patchair@jloc.org and share with us!
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Changing Lives
League Pets
Paige Powell - Lexie
Katie Rose - Pikachu
Erin Laumer - Scout
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Marion Paden - Spencer
Stacie Nguyen - Mochi Paradise
Shannon Stiger - Bandida & Shameous
Sally Stringer - Maisie Mae Duchess of Skye
Hayley Moore - Mr. Bear
Our fur babies helped us through this challenging year with comfort and unconditional love. Enjoy these sweet member pets, because can we ever really get enough of our sweet furry friends?
Ashley Ewers - Allie
Alexis Lux - Brutus
Catherine Armitage - Roanoke, Eloise & Elsinore
Ashton Yancey - Fritz
Amanda Patterson - Winnie
Amanda Patterson - Sunshine
Bria Hanlon - Dolly
Colleen Trammell - Chuck
Stephanie Hinton - Wiley
Barbara Perry - Blondie
Claire Painter - Mabel
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Changing Lives
Community Project Letters
We appreciate the Junior League reaching out to us and donating period supplies. Your goal to help women exit poverty is consistent with NorthCare’s mission. Your donation will help the many women who are homeless who access care here as well as women at our women’s residential substance abuse treatment facility. We are so grateful for your support!!! Denise is pictured with Kristen Bradley, one of our NorthCare nurses, and Rita Cooper Roberts, our receptionist. Connie Schlittler, LCSW, MPA Vice President of Growth NorthCare 2617 General Pershing Blvd Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Cell 405-406-3454 Desk 405-858-2836
14 SPRING 2020
Project Empowerher Update
L
ast year, the Junior League of Oklahoma City launched a new signature project: Project EmpowHer with a mission to empower women and girls in the Oklahoma City Metro by providing access to menstrual supplies and health education. While this year was full of challenges, JLOC delivered on this mission in many ways. Throughout this year, League Members have hosted numerous packing parties during two designated “Pink Weeks” and provided 50,000 products to partner agencies including ReMerge, Oklahoma City Public Schools, YWCA, Pivot, Infant Crisis Services, Boy & Girls Club, Positive Tomorrows, Palomar, NorthCare, Bethany Public School and the Homeless Alliance.
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Empower [ people ]
Member Spotlights We Zoomed with nine incredible members to learn about them and how the Junior League of Oklahoma City has impacted their lives.
SUSTAINER SPOTLIGHTS
tions into the store or if we should tag this purse or not! What impact do you feel you have had on the community during your tenure in JLOC? I feel
like if you’re part of the League, no matter what you’re doing—serving in a leadership position or actively working in the community—all of it feeds to the community and making things happen. So every person is very important to ensure we are helping the community, which is the number one goal. The League stressed to me how important it is to stay involved and be involved in anything that helps your community because everyone can make a difference.
AMY CROWLEY Joined JLOC in 1991 What is one of your favorite parts of the JLOC? The many friendships I’ve made.
What role do you feel the Junior League played in your community involvement? I was Com-
I’ve been a Sustaining Advisor quite a few times, and I always think, “Wow, this is so special I get to work with someone I probably never would have met.” It’s really a blessing. So my favorite part is definitely the friendships and connections I’ve made. Tell us a story from your time as an Active member: Working at the Remarkable Shop,
we had so many good stories—so many people together in a placement that was really fun. Everyone came with a really happy heart for the whole thing, so willing to help and willing to do, even if we didn’t know how we were going to get all of the dona16 SPRING 2021
both nationally and internationally the Junior League was probably the best-known women’s organization, period. And I knew enough about the organization that I understood the emphasis on having trained volunteers, not just volunteers. I think that is a crucial difference in our organization. So I knew it was a great group of women who trained volunteers. The big plus for all of us in the long run is the friends we made and how those friendships broadened our horizons significantly. What is one of your favorite parts of JLOC? I love all the projects that impact the community. And as I found out, the Junior League really has had a significant impact on the growth and development of so many non-profit organizations. Not only with funding and volunteer support, but actually originating some organizations from the very beginning. A few examples include the Infant Crisis Center, the Oklahoma Blood Institute, and Variety Care.
CAROL TROY Joined in 1974 and served as President during JLOC’s 55th Anniversary Why did you join the Junior League of Oklahoma City? The primary reason was I knew that
munity VP, and I really loved that position so much, because I got to meet so many people in our broader community. I got a chance to see the opportunities and challenges we, as a city wanting to grow, had, and some of the things we could play a role in. Since then, a few of my favorite volunteer experiences have been serving on the Allied Arts Board of Directors, the Civic Center Foundation Board of Directors as Chair, and as both the Chair of the Board of Directors and eventually CEO of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.
accomplishment for me.
ACTIVE SPOTLIGHTS
What are your personal goals moving forward? Be on the board of directors of a
nonprofit, and a professional goal is to be the director of my division, because the diversity in my field is very limited, and I want to be a role model to minorities to show that they can accomplish this as well. Also, completing my PhD.
DENA “DINKY” HAMMAM Joined JLOC in 2002 What is one of your favorite parts of the Junior League of Oklahoma City? I loved
Variety Pack where you get to volunteer at an assortment of placements, and I really enjoyed reading to the children at the Boys and Girls Club. What impact do you feel you have had on the community during your tenure in JLOC? The impact any one of us has on the
community is when you have empowered women working together. The first thing I think of as a greatest impact is all female teams of people empowered through actionable, measurable work. One person is the beginning, and then as we team up as a group, we have a far bigger impact together. I see people craving connection and connectivity, and the Junior League provides that sense of safety, community and belonging. The League definitely did that for me. What role has JLOC had in your community involvement? It was a springboard to other
things. Now my real job is a professional volunteer and advocate. I sit on boards, that’s what I do. Those are the types of things that the Junior League helped me begin doing and trained me to do. Currently I am (Board) President of Heartline 2-1-1, which is a free, 24-hour phone service that provides Oklahomans access to information about health and human services across forty-three counties. Right now, we’re inundated due to COVID-19 and the ice storm, as it is the main helpline for Oklahomans. It is also a suicide hotline, domestic abuse hotline, and provides resources for a variety of needs.
LALINDA HARRISON First Year Active Contracting Officer, Department of Defence On assignment with the Pentagon as a Procurement Analyst Why did you join the Junior League of Oklahoma City? I have always loved to
volunteer. It was in my blood, I was born and raised volunteering. I met someone at Mistletoe Market who told me about the different things the Junior League does in Oklahoma City, and I realized that there were like-minded women just like me that are really involved in the city. I realized a lot of my friends were also members of a Junior League. I went to an informational session and it was amazing to see women from all walks of life, all stages of life, out there serving the community and doing whatever they can for the betterment of the community, and I decided I wanted to be a part of that. What has helped you get through this challenging year? I am a Zumba instructor, and
that helped me get through this year. Exercise in general has helped me get through. What life accomplishment are you most proud of? Being a representative for Team
Challenge with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and running a half marathon on the strip in Vegas at night. That was a huge
NATALIE FIX 12 Years Active Marketing & Public Relations Manager, Allied Arts What’s your favorite part about the Junior League of Oklahoma City? Volunteering—It
has been amazing to get to work with such great organizations doing amazing work, but I have also enjoyed the in-League placements. Everyone needs to be on PACE (Project and Committee Evaluation) and everyone needs to be on the Nominating Committee. What do you hope to contribute to the Junior League of Oklahoma City? I want to be a com-
mitted volunteer and advocate for members to help them learn what we do and who we are and the value of the total membership. What has helped you get through this year?
The friends that I have made in the League. The squad of girls who are now a really big part of my life so when things sucked, we could call each other and commiserate and build each other up as well.
[ Continued on pg. 18 ] 17
Empower [ Continued from pg. 17 ] What accomplishment are you most proud of? I
helped develop a Medicare education program for patients at Mercy that is system-wide now. What are your personal goals moving forward?
A cool project that my dad and I have started is raising bees, so I’ve been playing farmer the past few weeks as we tear up the land and plant clover and wildflowers and they’ll be here any day now. I’m also looking forward to seeing people again!
mental health. What accomplishment are you most proud of? Coming out at the age of 40. I never in a
million years would have thought that I would have had the courage to stand up and be who I really am. It’s been super scary, and I’ve lost a lot of relationships, and it’s been very hard at times, but I finally for the first time in my life feel like I am being authentic. If one person can look at me and have the courage to stand up and do something, whether it be coming out or talking about mental health, at the end of the day it makes all of the hard stuff worth it.
PROVISIONAL SPOTLIGHTS
bring to the table and bring ideas. I want to share my thinking, my actions, and personality to get my team going to better serve our community and shine a positive light on Junior League. I want to make sure that I leave a legacy on anything that I touch. All of the organizations that I am in, I want to have a positive effect. I continue to network and make friends and do what I can to better myself and my community. What is something that has helped you through this year? I’ve been able to connect more with my hus-
band and my family. I talk to my grandma everyday. We have seen our family more without texting, we get on zoom and see each other. We had been going and going for so long, Covid really sat us down and shined a light on the important stuff for us.
AMANDA MCCELLON First Year Active Director of Planning & Community Development for the City of Bethany What’s your favorite part about being in the Junior League of Oklahoma City? The amazing
friendships I have built and being able to be involved in Project EmpowHer. I LOVE Project EmpowHer. What do you hope to contribute to the League long term? As we continue to talk about inclu-
sivity and diversity, I have a different perspective than some people, because I came out as queer late in life, so I really think that I can help as we have those conversations and build towards a future that encompasses everyone. What has helped you through this past year?
What has helped me are the people that I have met. Sometimes someone just sending you a funny meme or TikTok can really change your whole day. Also being able to reach out to someone and be open about your mental health. The pandemic has made people feel more comfortable with talking about their
DANYALE MATTHEWS Why did you join the League? I was inspired by my sorority sister Marcella Morgan. I have always been passionate about community service. Growing up in a small college town, my grandparents cooked for students who couldn’t go home for holidays. We would knock on their doors and deliver meals. Community service was instilled in me through my family and my sorority. I learned about the opportunities available through Junior League, did some research, and was excited to see how I could serve my community and the people I would meet. What do you hope to contribute to the Junior League as you embark on your first Active year? I’m
hoping that things I have learned throughout life and serving in my community I am able to
KENDRA NORMAN Why did you join the Junior League of Oklahoma City? I am around attorneys all day long, and I
wanted to branch out and meet different kinds of people and professionals. I wanted to meet women in the community. I love women-centric groups and the community aspect and wanted to get involved outside of my office. What is your favorite part of the Junior League? I have enjoyed getting to meet new people. I went to Supper Club and horseback riding. It got me out of my house to do something fun, and it was so wonderful to experience during the pandemic year. What do you hope to contribute to the League as you embark on your first Active year? I am excited
to have the opportunity to volunteer and get my community placement. I will be a member at large on the Membership Council and learn more about how Junior League works. What other community organizations/activities are you involved with? I’m the chapter advisor for Alpha
Omicron Pi at OU, and I am a member of Cru OKC, a women’s commercial real estate group. It’s a good way to network and advance women. What is something that has helped you through this year? Junior League has given me things to
look forward to. I had fun events to get me out of my house and look forward to after work, it was always nice to see new faces. I did the 80s murder mystery event and had a great time! 18 SPRING 2021
BROOK TIPTON Tell us about yourself. I am a big family and
friend person. I adore and love my husband. We have two cats that we adopted. We love giving back to our community, supporting local restaurants and breweries, and exploring our town. What is your favorite part of the League? I joined the Junior League to give back to my community even more and have enjoyed doing things for Project EmpowHer. I hosted a period product drive at my house and a couple of girls joined virtually. We packaged a lot of tampons. Learning more about what we are doing with Project EmpowHer and ending period poverty in our city has been really interesting to me. I am excited for my community placement and working with some of the great nonprofits the League partners with.
Sustainer and League Shero, Leslie Littlejohn, was determined to do her part .to help our community end the Covid-19 pandemic by volunteering with IMMY Labs in Norman to help with vaccination efforts. “I knew if I could help to move this process along, I was going to do it.” Leslie helped direct patients aged 65 and older who came to receive their vaccines, and she worked to keep their process running smoothly so more friends and neighbors in our community could get vaccinated faster so the community can begin its return to normal. Thank you for stepping up and being a Shero in our community, Leslie!
Matilda Clements Dulaney Browne Library Society Award Gayle Lucas Semtner Kirkpatrick Petree Music and Performing Arts Society Award Becky Roten Nordick-Hulsey Gallery Society Award Hayley Moore Regional Emmy Award Janelle Archer 50 Making A Difference Leslie Coale-Mossman 50 Making a Difference Jennifer Fillmore Top 8 , Mrs. USA Earth Erin Engelke Mrs. Oklahoma
What other community organizations/activities are you involved with? My husband is a
Midtown Rotarian and the district governor of Rotary, so I am very active in supporting Rotary. I am also a Modern member at the Museum of Art and work to get younger generations interested in the arts. In my job as a child development specialist this year we have been serving much differently. Right now we have been working in public health and helping to get our community vaccinated.
Moms who juggled school from home this year! Pictured here: Jamie Manoles and her daughters McKenzie, Maybree, and Malori
What is something that has helped you through this year? Access to things like Zoom
has allowed me to see my family for virtual Christmas and birthdays, and I have been able to serve my families that I work with in my job via Zoom. We bought a house at the beginning of covid, and I have really had the year to settle in and make it a home. Some really good stuff has come out of 2020.
Adorn helps businesses and residential clients create amazing first impressions with custom container gardens and outdoor décor. ELIZ ABE TH RICHARDSON
elizabeth@adornokc.com 405.255.1730 www.adornokc.com
19
Empower
The Year in Photos
Whitney Tatum, Lauren Quick, Hillary Ashton, Chelsea Rickett, Azadeh Adlamini attend the May General Membership Meeting aptly themed “All the Parties We Have Missed!”
Erin Laumer makes a new friend at the Honeylee Ranch Outdoor Adventure Club event.
Hayley Moore takes pride in casting her ballot in this year’s U.S. presidential election!
20 SPRING 2021
Katelyn Kelly enjoys “A Christmas Story” and cotton candy from Fluff at the Beacon Theater.
Nichole Glover casts her ballot in the JLOC board slate vote while Hillary Ashton treats her son to some treats.”
Leslie Coale-Mossman shows off her “I Voted” sticker from the 2020 U.S. president election.
Bridgette Nichols visits her polling place to vote in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Katherine Vanlandingham helps to collect ballots from the JLOC drive thru board slate vote.
Hillary Ashton braves the blistering cold during the worst freeze of the decade in Oklahoma City.
Julie Daine celebrates voting in the 2020 U.S. presidential election with her mom.
JLOC Supper Club members enjoy the patio at Flint for brunch. Pictured (left to right): Hayley Moore, Myriah Downs, Kelsea Henry, Erin Laumer, Rachel Benbrook, Evalyne Kamau, Tory Wilbanks, Taylor Lingle, Christina McCarthy, and Kendra Barnhart
21
Also Included [ various ]
Courtesy & Recognition Update
t
he Courtesy & Recognition Committee is designed to spread love to the Junior League of Oklahoma City membership. Each year, the co-chairs bring their unique ideas on how they would like to celebrate and recognize the
22 SPRING 2021
wonderful life events of our members. This year, the committee began sending out birthday postcards to all active and sustaining members. This was a special touch that allowed the committee members to hand write birthday wishes to fellow members. The co-chairs also designed a new unisex style baby bib that was
sent out to members with newborns. The committee members loved being able to get creative and share joy with other members they may have never met to increase morale among our members. Whitney Swyden & Amy Crowley Courtesy & Recognition Co-Chairs
LITTLE LEAGUERS
NearlyWeds
Eleanor McKay Wilbanks Arrived a week early on April 6th to Tory Wilbanks 7.3lbs 20”
Alicia Patterson & Chris Pool Engaged March 3, 2021
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PROVISIONAL MEMBERS WHO ARE MOVING TO ACTIVE STATUS FOR 2021-2022!
Alexandra Adkins
Laura Butler
Jamie Jackson
Hannah Moore
Lauren Riepl
Athen Andrade
Sarah Dumas
Kelsey Jones
Teryn Moorman
Erica Robinson
Sandra Andresson
Shannon Easter
Jade Law
Ashton Neufeld
Mary Kate Roy
Smith
Haley Esche
Jessica Leonard
Kendra Norman
Angela Shen
Kenzie Arms
Ashley Ewers
Rachel Leonard
Claire Painter
Pooja Singhal
Lynda Backstrom
Jennifer Fillmore
Hannah Liles
Alicia Patterson
Jessica Steffan
Barbara Bahner
Suzanne Frewaldt
Lindsey Marczewski
Amanda Patterson
Brook Tipton
Katie Blankenship
Jennifer Grover
Sarah Masterson
Whitney Pittman
Meagan Wilbourn
Alexandra Bridges
Jordan Horn
Danyale Matthews
Victoria Powell
Allyson Wilcox
Emily Burris
Elizabeth Isensee
Kelli Miller
Elizabeth Rice
23
Also Included
MEMBERSHIP LEAVE OF ABSENCE/SABBATICAL (THRU 5/31/2021)
Sierra Alvarez Brandi Bowers Alex Brady Jessica Burris Morgan Cason Amy Cook Fisher Katie Davis Michelle Frazier Sabrina Froehlich Alyson Gilbert Dana Gillett Sabrina Herrmann Tina Izadi Evalyne Kamau Rachel Kliewer Elise Lopez Alexis Lux Emily Martin Sara Mason Haley McCaleb Laura McLain Laura Neal Jenna North Stephanie O’Gara Whitney Pence Sara Perry Victoria Raines Chelsea Rickett Lindsay Riddel Katherine Ringwall Paige Ross Laura Rudicel
Laura Scott Suzanne Singleterry Brittany Soliz Sarah Stockman Whitney Tatum Samara Terrill Caroline Vargas Emily Whipple RESIGNATION
Britni Tomcho Brittany Neumann Elise Lopez Kimberly Stout Maggie Lanier Mariam Clark (Sustainer) Melissa Megginson Molly Brantley Rachel Uraneck Raye Leonard REINSTATEMENT
Claire Robison Megan Euseppi Susan Eckman (Sustainer) TRANSFER OUT
Abby Grantham Amarillo, TX Alexandra Cochran Dallas, TX Arden Biard - Northwest Arkansas
Chelsea Johnson – Houston, TX Colleen Shapee - Ft Worth, TX Jessie West - Houston, TX Katie Hill - Dallas, TX Kyra Reed - Dallas, TX Lauren Bernhard - Ft Worth, TX Lisa Settle – Dallas, TX Vaughn Mitchell - San Antonio, TX Sarah Haight - Rhode Island Stephanie Gannaway (Sustainer) - Denver, CO Theresa Nicoletto (Susatiner) - Norman, OK TRANSFER IN
Aimee Cooper - Tulsa, OK Amber Gentry - Colorado Springs, CO Christina Taylor Winston-Salem, NC Danielle Cardile - Denver, CO Jillian Buys - Dallas, TX Holly Bounds (Sustainer) - DeKalb
County, GA Leah Harroz (Sustainer) - Denver, CO Margot Marcin – Philadelphia, PA SUSTAINER (EFFECTIVE 6/1/2021)
Leslie Coale Mossman Alexis Lux Katherine Chandler Vanlandingham Paige Ross Sally Kernke Sara Perry Jenna North Sabrina Froehlich Samara Terrill Suzanne Singleterry Whitney Pence Vanessa Stewart Jamie Manoles Emmie Cotton Alyson Gilbert Alex Brady Amy Cook Fisher Katie Davis SABBATICAL (EFFECTIVE 6/1/2021)
Bria Hanlon Emily Crouch
Morgan Cason Tina Izadi Whitney Cox Maggie King Alexis Sparks Michelle Andrews Samanthat Collins Allison Dumas Nina Barker Jessica Gracon RESIGNATION (EFFECTIVE 6/1/2021)
Laura McClain Sierra Alvarez Lauren Rogers Candace Pahl Rachel Uranek Autumn Everett Emma Elkins Holly Healy (Sustainer) Alexandra Soliz Jessica Hoang Ann Freeman Abbey Giambaresi Laura Rudicel Sarah McDonald Brittany Soliz Marty Margo (Sustainer) Paula Black (Sustainer)
LEAVE OF ABSENCE (EFFECTIVE 6/1/2021)
Marissa Danielle Haley
Years of Service Awards 5 Years Active Azadeh Adlamini Kendra Barnhart Candace Beaty Sarah Campbell Kelly Collins Leslie Crissup Sunnarvik Julia Daine Michelle Demos Nicole Doherty
24 SPRING 2021
Emily Gray-Rigazzi Kelli Hilgenfeld Whittney Hood Lacey Hulme Kajal Jassemnejad Stephanie Josefy Morgan Lankford Taylor Lingle Sara Mason Brittany McAnelly Melissa Megginson
Breann Miller Tabitha Narvaiz Stephanie O’Gara Debra Ridpath Denise Ridpath Ashley Rivers Lauren Rogers Laura Scott Katy Sharp Tracie Simard Selena Skorman
Sarah Stockman Cassidy Sullivan Kristin Van Nort Emily Whipple Heather Whiteside
10 Years Active Katie Freeman Sabrina Froehlich Nichole Glover Angie Huffaker
Alexis Lux Jenna North Lauren Quick Lindsay Riddel Whitney Tatum Samara Terrill Sheena Hollander
15 Years Active Jenifer Randle
2020-2021 Leadership Institute Graduates Janelle Archer
Amanda McCellon
Christina Chicoraske
Courtney Mueller
Jenefar de Leon
Jenna North
LaLinda Harrison
Taryn Sheldon
Makenzie Hill
Megan Sittig
Katelyn Hudson
Cassidy Smith
Jena Hunter
Colleen Trammell
Katelyn Kelly
Alejandra Villar
Morgan Lankford
Kelly Whelan
Leslie Littlejohn 25
Also Included
League Owned Businesses During this time of uncertainty, JLOC would like to promote and support our member-owned businesses. Shop Local. Shop JLOC owned businesses. ART & DESIGN Creations by KKM Custom Embroidery, tie dye, and resin art Owner: Kendall Morgan
Goods Owner/Designer: Myriah Downs thegoodsokc@gmail.com
Howell Gallery Owner: Linda Howell, Designer/ Gallery owner 405-840-4437 lch@howellgallery.com Howellgallery.com Interior Design business started in 1972, Art Gallery started in 1989
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
GRAPHIC DESIGN/ADVERTISING PR/MARKETING Jones Public Relations Owner: Brenda Jones Barwick 405-516-9686 Brenda@jones.pr Jones.pr Jones Public Relations specializes in comprehensive, integrated communications marketing campaigns for Oklahoma and national companies, government entities and associations. From strategic planning to full implementation, we focus on delivering results for our clients to be heard anywhere.
HEALTH ChiroHer Michelle Andrews, DC ChiroHer | 4416 N Western Ave OKC www.ChiroHer.com o: 405-213-1072 c: 618-559-5395
INTERIOR DESIGN Lemonheads Mobile Detailing
Heritage Interiors
Owner: Jamie Benda, Scheduling Clerk 405-283-2750 info@lemonheadsdetail.com lemonheadsdetail.com
Owner: Jacquetta LeForce, Interior Designer 602-867-2275 jacquettaleforce@yahoo.com I am very passionate about providing solutions for your home with the expertise gained from my curated career.
collections including: Carlisle Collection, Anatomie Travel & Lifestyle Clothes, Peach Athleisurewear, and Freida Rothman Jewelry. We help women look their best for Casual, Travel, Business, and Special Occasions.
REAL ESTATE & STAGING Merritt Properties Moira McCarthy-Parham, Director of Public Relations and Development Mparham@merrittproperties.net (405) 495-6870 http://www.sandplumok.com/ http://www.dogwoodcreekok.com/ Merritt Properties is a multi-generational, family- operated property management consortium specializing in commercial and residential properties throughout the state. Our holdings include SandPlum Assisted Living and Dogwood Assisted Living Centers featuring 70+ rooms and offering 3 levels of customized care tailored to resident’s individualized preferences. Please call us today! Security deposits will be waived for anyone that mentions the Junior League of Oklahoma City!
Rose Team Homes powered by eXp Realty Owner: Katie Rose, Realtor 405-514-8202 katie@roseteamhomes.com Roseteamhomes.com We’re a family real estate team that services the entire OKC Metro.
FINANCIAL PERSONAL CARE & WARDROBE STYLISTS Synergy Wealth Management Owner: Samara Terrill, Wealth Manager 832-746-1205 samara@synergywmgmt.com www.SynergyWMgmt.com We are a full financial firm; IRAs, Institutional Money Management, Asset Management, Retirement & Estate Planning, Comprehensive Employee Benefits, and Life, Health, Home, Accident and Auto Insurance. 26 SPRING 2021
Carlisle Collection Owner: Shelly Soliz, Wardrobe Stylist 405-831-2157 Shelly@ShellySoliz.com shellysoliz.carlislecollection.com Executive Wardrobe Stylist, Featuring fashion
Staging Oklahoma Owner: Kimberly Swan, Accredited Staging Professional Master (ASPM) 405-742-4476 kimberly@stagingoklahoma.com StagingOklahoma.com Staging to Live, to Sell, and to Work. Staging for your Life!
ANNIVERSARY TASK FORCE RESTAURANT In anticipation of the 100th anniversary of the Junior League of Oklahoma City in League year 2027-2028, an Anniversary Task Force was established to Nashbird Owner: Jenny Dunham 405-600-9718 Jenny@nashbirdchicken.com Nashbirdchicken.com Nashville style hot chicken restaurant. Downtown OKC: 1 W. 9th St. OKC, OK 73102 Edmond: 17 E. 5th St. Edmond, OK 73034 Norman: 214 E. Main Str. Norman, OK 73069
RETAIL & CONSUMER PRODUCTS
plan and implement fundraising and celebratory activities to commemorate this exciting occasion. Be on the lookout for more information about the celebrations coming soon! Members of the task force include:
Actives Sabrina Froehlich, Sheena Karami Hollander, and Tabitha Narvaiz
Sustainers Patty Anthony, Kristen Brown, Ann-Clore Duncan, and Katie Moore
Black Swan Boutique Owner: Kimberly Swan (405) 842-SWAN theblackswanok@yahoo.com www.BlackSwanBoutique.com Nichols Hills Plaza, 6454 Avondale Drive, Nichols Hills, OK 73116 beauty. fashion. simplified. We want you to always feel BEAUTIFUL in our unique FASHIONS with a SIMPLIFIED process with curated collections and four convenient delivery options with you in mind! It’s just a click away, so order today! Curbside + In Store + Local Delivery + Ship to You
Couture Collective Owners: Cortney Smith & Christy Wilson 405-625-6481 info@cc-okc.com, www.cc-okc.com Couture Collective founders, Cortney and Christy, met while volunteering with the Junior League of Oklahoma City. Our Mission: Shopping with a purpose. Couture Collective is dedicated to fashion, fun and philanthropy. As a socially conscious company, each month a percentage of our proceeds is donated to a different nonprofit in the great state of Oklahoma.
GIVE TO THE ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
Text “GIVE2JLOC”to 44-321 Your support is needed now more than ever to continue funding our community projects in Oklahoma City!
27
Also Included
League Pets
Christina & Tim Chicoraske—Kuma & Ursala
Jennifer Fillmore - Gatsby
28 SPRING 2021
Jenefar DeLeon—Nakita
Megan Hansen—Miller
Jena Malone - Woody
Danyale Matthews - Roco
Jennifer Fritsch-Burke - Bailey
Julia Daine - Bubbles
Our fur babies helped us through this challenging year with comfort and unconditional love. Enjoy these sweet member pets, because can we ever really get enough of our sweet furry friends?
Thea Roegner—Rosie
Julia Daine - Sunshine
Laura Butler—Bronte & Knute
Nicole Jacobsen - Charlie
Krissy Holman—Tulip
Kathy North - Louis
Kellie Nicholas—Benny Shannon Easter—Poppins
Alexis Lux—Mini & Banksy
Rachel Henderson Penderson (Penn)
Claire Consoli—Hobbles & Addie
29
Also Included
Leage Lookback
30 SPRING 2021
Helping All Oklahomans At Every Stage Of Life At OU Health, we cherish milestones. We’re healing more people, discovering new treatments, educating Oklahoma’s doctors, treating the everyday and solving the complex - all so you can celebrate life’s moments. When you choose OU Health, you and your family benefit from advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities and research breakthroughs that we use in your care plan. No matter your age or stage of life, our healthcare professionals collaborate with you to provide comprehensive and compassionate care. The future of health is here.
To make an appointment or for more information, visit us at OUHealth.com
OU Health Locations statewide, including Oklahoma City, Edmond and Tulsa
31
Women Building a Better OKC
Thank you for advertising with us! OU Health
The Nichols
Adorn
MISSION
VISION
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.
The Junior League of Oklahoma City, Inc. will empower volunteers to impact our community and enrich lives.
FOCUS Women Building a Better Oklahoma City
WWW.JLOC.ORG