MOST EXCELLENT
In December of last year, AEP presented Darian James with the O.A. Mitscher Award for Excellence, named after the businessman who served as the youngest mayor of Oklahoma City from 1892-1894. Micah Alcorn, part of AEP’s Leadership Team, says that this is the first presentation of the award, which the group plans to present annually to a young professional in recognition for outstanding contributions to the lives of central Oklahomans.
PHOTO: LINH SASSER AND HAYET SERRADJI BY BRANDON SNIDER
Linh Sasser and Hayet Serradji
Linh Sasser, who works in sales and graphics for Pilot Logistics Services (formerly Maxum Petroleum and Simons Petroleum), and Hayet Serradji, a geologist with Chesapeake Energy, both feel there is much to be gained, both personally and professionally, from being part of the AEP. “I have made connections that have aided me in my position and boosted my career to a new level,” says Sasser. “The professional contacts I have made have not only assisted me, but the company I work for as well.” Serradji’s story mirrors that of Darian James. She didn’t know anyone when she moved to Oklahoma City and found that her office hours made it difficult to meet new people and network. “AEP allows me to do that now,” she says. “I know a lot of people in different fields, and I’ve met people who have become very important in my life, including my best friend. When I think about it, about 60 percent of my friends are from AEP.” James recently moved to New York City to be closer to his ailing grandfather and accepted a position as the sales and catering manager for the Eventi hotel there, but he returns to Oklahoma City at least once a month and vows to maintain his ties to AEP. “I believe in OKC and the direction it is going and all that it has to offer young people,” he says. “Our sole focus and driving passion of AEP is to impact change in Oklahoma City’s cultural and professional landscapes,” James says. “Our goal is to make sure everyone benefits from the organization. Everyone joins the group for different reasons, but we believe young professionals can be influential leaders and make a positive impact on the future of our city through community outreach and networking. We are the voice of the next generation of leaders. We bring together newcomers and locals, traditionalists and trendsetters, entrepreneurs and corporate – the best and brightest of Oklahoma City.”
Oscar A. Mitscher came to Oklahoma in 1889 and was a senior partner in the Mitscher Bros. mercantile business. He was elected mayor of Oklahoma City on the Republican ticket at the age of 31, at a time when the city’s primary source of revenue was the $250 license fee collected from liquor dealers. During his tenure, sanitary sewers were constructed, power plants were built and city streets were improved. He was appointed as Osage Indian agent at Pawhuska by President William McKinley in 1900. Mitscher died in 1926 in Oklahoma City.
Join AEP for its next social event on Thursday, February 21, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Michael Murphy’s in Bricktown. Current members and those interested in joining will receive a special presentation on the history of Michael Murphy’s while enjoying drink specials and the restaurant’s rocking dueling pianos.
MAKING CONTACT
Alliance of Emerging Professionals 405.585.6652, info@aepokc.com
FEBRUARY 2013 // SLICE 43