Dressed for Dinner Magazine

Page 1


Dressed for Dinner Beauty, Brains

Participating Restaurants:

Rococo, Cover, Pages 4 & 5

Other Advertisers:

McDaniel Family, Page 3 CK & Co., Page 16

Special Thanks

CK & Co. • Rococo

Richard Clifton • Each of Our Models • Jason Jewell

and

On the cover:

Our Beauty, Brains and Grace models toast each other at Rococo, from left: Ariel Moore, Meghan McDaniel, Stacey Dykstra, Darlene Parman, Deborah Senner, Joy Richardson and Phi Nguyen.

From left: CK partner
Harper Webb, owner Kathy Brown and partner
Sarah Bolding.

The 20s

Meghan is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where she earned her degree in human relations last May. She currently serves as the client relations special‐ist at BGC Fundraising, a local nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations across Oklahoma City advance their missions.

As someone who has lived in Oklahoma their whole life, Meghan is passionate about giving back to the OKC community. Her heart for service began early — her family founded Oklahoma Cleats for Kids out of their garage when she was a child, and she’s remained involved ever since. That early experience inspired her ongoing commitment to supporting local causes and building meaningful relationships. Outside of work, Meghan enjoys trying new restaurants and going to Thunder games with her family and friends, as well as staying active through workout classes around the city. She’s always up for meeting new people and finding new ways to support the community she loves.

Best beauty tip/secret

My best beauty tip is to stay hydrated!

Getting it all done

A good support system and lots of coffee!

Meghan McDaniel is wearing the Kleid Aithana Midi Dress —the perfect mix of style and comfort! This midi dress features a drop waist design for a flattering fit and effortless chic look. Say goodbye to uncomfortable clothes and hello to looking fabulous all day! Kleid, any day, all day, any night, all night! Available at CK & Co., Nichols Hills Plaza.

The 30s

OSU Center for Social Innovation

Ariel Moore serves as the senior director of the Center for Social Innovation at Oklahoma State University, where she is passionate about helping indi‐viduals overcome challenges such as criminal justice involvement, poverty, trauma and substance abuse. Through personalized education, training, peer sup‐port and career pathways, Ariel helps others find renewed purpose and hope.

She currently serves on the board of ReMerge of Oklahoma County, a program she herself graduated from in 2017. After experiencing the pain of losing her own child into the foster care system when he was 6‐months‐old, she was able to use that experience as the catalyst towards her own personal and spiritual trans‐formation. Having experienced many of the barriers that she sees in her work today, she is excited and thankful to be able to intertwine her lived experience and professional expertise into the realm of education and employment for disadvantaged populations.

Today, Ariel is a devoted wife to her husband Ryan and a joyful mother to two energetic boys, ages 9 and 2. She calls OKC Community Church her spiritual home, where she finds belonging, community and authenticity in her faith.

Best beauty tip/secret

Exercise, sunlight and the glow of the Holy Spirit. Plus, maybe some eyeliner.

Getting it all done

I am definitely only where I’m at today because of God’s call on my life and Him making a seat at the table for me. I don’t come from a traditional educa‐tional background, nor do I have the credentials that might typically be expected for the role I’m in. What I do have is complete dependence on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He leads me in how to prioritize, when to rest, and how to speak life into the people and situ‐ations around me. His presence is the wellspring with‐in me and the sunshine around me.

bestselling mini dress features a slim peasant sleeve, a v-neckline, and MILLY signature pleating throughout. This season, it’s offered in our romantic Dream Rose print — a swirl of pink and red roses atop a white backdrop. It is a beautiful dress that is lively and very comfortable for a cocktail party or just a night out. Available at CK & Co., Nichols Hills Plaza.

Modeled by Ariel Moore, Milly’s

What a darling Milly short set Phi Nguyen is wearing! It is soft, flattering and versatile, this high-waist short is crafted from ultra luxe linen with pleating detail and is guaranteed for repeat wears all season long. For the full look, we paired it with its coordinating blazer. The outfit is complete with a knit-style tank and is accented with sequin embroidered detail throughout. What a fun, trendy look for a night out on the town! Available at CK & Co., Nichols Hills Plaza.

The 40s

Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership

Phi Nguyen is a proud Oklahoman with a lifelong passion for bringing people together. From her early days in the hospitality industry to five years in public accounting, Phi has always had a knack for making things happen. Now, as chief operating officer of Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership, she’s committed to making downtown OKC a place for everyone. Whether it's driving urban development or creating community spaces, Phi believes connection and inclusivity are the heart of any thriving city.

Phi’s love for Oklahoma City goes far beyond her professional work. She actively serves on the boards of nonprofits such as Leadership OKC, Arts Council OKC, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. These roles allow Phi to nur‐ture the relationships that make OKC unique, ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table to contribute to the city's growth and momen‐tum.

When she’s not shaping the future of downtown, Phi is out explor‐ing OKC’s dynamic food scene. Through her platform @TakeABiteOK, she shares her culinary adventures, always seeking the latest restau‐rant openings and hidden gems that make OKC’s dining culture so vibrant. Her love for food and art extends beyond the city’s borders with frequent travels to discover new restaurants and museum exhi‐bitions, but no matter where her travels take her, her heart always leads her back home to OKC.

Best beauty tip/secret

As a fresh 40‐year‐old, I like to keep it simple: sunscreen, hydra‐tion and sleep, as much as you can of each! My beauty splurges for maintenance include regular mani/pedis and quarterly botox.

Getting it all done

For me, it’s about prioritizing what truly matters. I’m passionate about my role at Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership and my work with nonprofits, which keeps me deeply engaged. Giving back to my community isn’t just a job ‐‐ it’s a calling. I find fulfillment in both my professional and personal commitments, and that passion keeps me motivated. But balance is key, too. I live in Midtown, which keeps me connected to my work while allowing me to enjoy down‐town’s energy, food scene and vibrant social life.

None of this would be possible without my strong support system — friends, family, and colleagues who understand the demands of my work and keep me grounded. Those meaningful connections and deep friendships make everything feel more manageable.

The 50s

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Stacy Dykstra enjoys a challenge and is passionate about ensuring our children thrive. Her career began in education, teaching kindergarten, directing an after‐school program, and teaching college courses while pursuing her graduate degree. Stacy transitioned from education to research, man‐aging a collaborative, longitudinal research project for OSU and OU. In 2006, she moved into nonprofit management, integrating her knowledge and experience from both fields. For the past 18 years, Stacy has provided strategic and oper‐ational vision in nonprofit administration. Under her direc‐tion, both Smart Start Central Oklahoma and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma have earned many honors and changed countless lives.

Stacy believes when we invest in people, we enhance overall well‐being. She values the chance to work collectively with an exceptional team, a strong board of directors, count‐less individuals, companies, foundations, organizations and agencies committed to eliminating hunger and improve opportunities. Stacy holds a doctorate of philosophy in instructional leadership and academic curriculum from the University of Oklahoma. She and her husband have two daughters.

Finding ways to volunteer in the community has always been important. Spending time with family is a priority, and Stacy enjoys exercising with her husband, playing games and hiking adventures with her family.

Best beauty tip/secret

I have found regular exercise to be the most power‐ful contributor to my health, energy and well‐being.

Getting it all done

I am grateful for my professional experiences, even when the work itself, or the management of work‐life bal‐ance, is challenging. We have been so fortunate to have a supportive family, especially the support of my father who helped care for our daughters while we worked. Attitude also plays a vital role in work‐life balance. When we work collaboratively, we can successfully address any problem. Working with others to make a difference is very motivat‐ing, keeping me focused and optimistic.

Stacy Dykstra shows us how La Vie Style House is famous for its handcrafted, onesize silhouettes redefine inclusivity, versatility and time. As the first to create this category, we continue to set the standard, proving that true luxury is about freedom, not constraints. This darling caftan can be worn to the beach or a black tie event, so much style and diversity with La Vie Style House. Available at CK & Co., Nichols Hills Plaza.

The 60s

Deborah Senner President and CEO Make‐A‐Wish Oklahoma

Deborah McAuliffe Senner currently serves as president/CEO of Make‐A‐Wish Oklahoma, a statewide non‐profit organization granting life‐changing wishes for critically‐ill children.

Deborah Senner has over 30‐years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising expertise. She is president Emeritus of Allied Arts of Oklahoma, where she worked to strengthen the cultural community for over 21 years. Upon her retirement in 2022, Allied Arts created an award in her honor to be given annually recognizing her passion for arts education and arts accessibility for all ‐ the Deborah McAuliffe Senner Excellence in Arts Education Award.

Deborah is the recipient of numerous awards including the Governors Arts Community Service Award for leadership in the arts, the 2024 Stanley Draper Award from Downtown OKC Partnership for being a visionary in propelling the arts forward, Oklahoma Hall of Fame Lee Allan Smith Legacy Award in 2023, Top Fundraising Professional for Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), as well as numerous years in FRIDAY news‐paper’s Most Powerful Women issue. She continues to be active in numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. Deborah was appointed by Mayor Holt to serve as an arts commissioner for the City of Oklahoma City in 2022 and continues in that role.

Best beauty tip/secret

I honestly think taking care of your skin is the most impor‐tant tip. You don't have to use the most expensive products, but you do have to be consistent. Drink a lot of water and commit to a regular cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen routine.

Getting it all done

Teamwork. Teamwork makes the dream work. My husband, Scott, is pretty amazing and we approach all things as a team, and together we make it happen! My professional life has always been pretty demanding time‐wise so in a dual working household I'm fortunate to have that total support with Scott.

MEIMEIJ is known for their Modern elegance. Italian craftsmanship. Female empowerment. Timeless style. Check out this darling MEIMEIJ black and white flower print midi dress Deborah Senner is modeling with a ruffled collar and sleeve detail and a bow at the waist. It is a super fun wear for any and all occasions. Available at CK & Co., Nichols Hills Plaza.

The 70s

Darlene Parman

Parman & Easterday

‘Matriarch,’ Multiple Roles

As the saying goes, “Behind every great man there is a great woman.” Darlene Parman exemplifies that statement 100‐fold. Darlene has been married to Larry Parman for over 55 years. She coordinates their home, social, and travel life as well as assisting with marketing and special projects for the law firm Parman & Easterday. She helped Larry launch the firm in 1985 and over the years has served as director of first impressions, finance director, office and personnel manager, client and community relations director, and chief cook and head bottle washer (frequently wearing multiple hats at once). She is lovingly referred to as the “matriarch” of the firm and deserves every bit of recognition for the success Parman & Easterday is privileged to have today.

Darlene was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas. She was a Fashion Design major at Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and earned an M.A. in Clothing and Textiles from the University of Missouri‐Columbia. There she met her husband Larry at a fraterni‐ty party.

In their early marriage, Darlene was a dress designer in Kansas City and taught fashion design, pattern making, draping, millinery, and history of costume at Stephens College and later at the University of Oklahoma. She often says she stopped designing clothes and started designing babies with Larry. They have two grown children: Scott Parman of Oklahoma City and Alexandra Pitts and her husband Michael and their two boys, Dez and Sage, of Portland, Oregon.

Best beauty tip/secret

I follow my mother’s No. 1 Rule. Never go to bed without cleaning your face and Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. Stay out of the sun and smile often. My dad’s No. 1 advice was to never stop moving! He was active for 96 years. I work out every day of my life if possible. This is for both my physical and mental health. It keeps me energized and grounded Personally, I believe beauty comes with happiness in your life. I used to have a sign in my office that says “Happiness is something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to.” I have all three! But most important, God has blessed me in so many ways. That is a beautiful thing.

Getting it all done

It will never all be done, but I try. I get up at 6:30 a.m. and attack anything that requires concentration first. I keep detailed lists of lists! I organize and prioritize tasks and maintain a detailed paper calendar. That shows my age, but I have seen too many glitches with electronic calendars. I have both!

Teri Jon is a luxury brand with the finest specialty and day-to-dinner wear. This stylish Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Floral Jacquard fresh pink and nude patterned, puff sleeve shirtdress is great for a luncheon, garden party or date night. Worn by Darlene Parman and available at CK & Co., Nichols Hills Plaza.

The 80s

Born with a love of the "just slightly off center" and a passion for color, I was just destined to be an abstract artist. I had a wonderful childhood, was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved as a child to attended Edmond schools, but lived in north Oklahoma City. I was graduated from OU where I met my adorable husband, Jerry. Our three fun‐loving and accomplished children and spouses gave us nine amazing grandchildren. My minor in journalism gave me tools to write a travel, social and humor column for FRIDAY newspaper for 28 years. My fashion arts major taught me, through rigid fine arts classes, that I disliked anything that didn't have the opportunity for frisky thinking and off‐beat creative license.

I've had the awesome opportunity to travel to over 100 countries and immerse myself in the culture and delight of their differences, and am inspired by the vivid colors of their spice markets — EVERY country has them. My adventurous husband even took me to North Korea — do I have stories to tell! When not traveling or spending time with extended family or friends, I can be found flinging paint around in my studio. My large VERY colorful abstract paintings have homes around the world, and it tickles me that I strike a chord in art lovers.

Best beauty tip/secret

As we get older, we tend to become beige. Everything is the same color. For goodness sake, toss some color on your face, blush, lipstick, accent your eyes, but blend, blend, blend, and you'll look approachable and happy.

Getting it all done

How did I? With children, carpools, soccer, school projects, civic involvement, entertainment, travel, meals — young women (who also work) are AMAZING! When you look back at all that, you're proud that it all came together. Thankfully now I can eat brownies and watch soap operas — NOT! There is still a bunch of world out there to explore, and I'm going to grab my passport.

Chiara Boni launched in 2007 with an eye toward flattering the female form. Using versatile materials like its signature stretch jersey combined with strong silhouettes, the brand's sophisticated styles always make a mark. This colorful dress Triana Floral Stretch Bell-Sleeve Knee-Length Dress, modeled by Joy Richardson is perfect for day or an elegant evening. Available at CK & Co., Nichols Hills Plaza.

ReMerge breaks ground on Graduate Center

ReMerge celebrated a major milestone with the official groundbreaking of its new Graduate Center, a vibrant expansion that will serve the 214 women who have graduated from the program and their 535 children.

With more than 250 community leaders, supporters, and partners in attendance, the event was a true celebra‐tion of transformation and hope. Guests enjoyed live music, small bites and a joyful atmosphere as ReMerge graduates had the honor of breaking ground — symbol‐izing the next phase of their journey and the continued support that lies ahead.

The ceremony also marked the official launch of the ReMerge Forever Capital Campaign, a $4.5 million effort to fund the construction and programming of the Graduate Center. The campaign ensures that ReMerge graduates and their families continue to have access to recovery support, family‐centered services and a place to gather with their ReMerge sisters for years to come.

Speakers at the event included ReMerge Board Chairman Tyler Tokarczyk, Judge Kenneth Stoner, Judge Don Andrews, ReMerge graduate Joy Sanger and ReMerge CEO Erin Engelke, who each reflected on the significance of the day and the lasting impact of the ReMerge program.

The Graduate Center is set to open in December 2025 and represents ReMerge’s continued commitment to building stronger families and safer communities through treatment, recovery and hope.

Those who would like to learn more about the expan‐sion or support the ReMerge Forever Capital Campaign can visit remergeok.org/remerge‐forever.

About ReMerge:

ReMerge is a comprehensive diversion program in Oklahoma County dedicated to transforming the lives of mothers facing incarceration due to nonviolent charges. Through a five‑phase, court‑supervised program, ReMerge provides trauma‑informed treatment, recovery support, family reunification services, and holistic care to break cycles of addiction, poverty, and incarceration. Since its founding, ReMerge has graduated 214 women and posi‑ tively impacted more than 535 children, creating lasting change for families and communities across Oklahoma.

Erin Page, Lauren Clark and Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby help break ground on ReMerge’s new Graduate Center.
CEO Erin Engelke with ReMerge graduates Melissa, Kat, Joy, Jemi and Marissa.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.