Annie Funke Picked for Actors Program

Edmond, Oklahoma native Annie Funke has been participating in the renowned 10-week summer residency program at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Expect involvement in this intensive learning experience to boost this 26 year old graduate of the University of Oklahoma to new professional heights.

Funke holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater performance. Her regional work experienceincludes Hairspray (Tracy), Charlie Brown (Lucy), Grease (Jan and Cha-Cha!), Godspell (Gilmer) and Once Upon a Mattress (Winnifred). She performed in Hairspray on Broadway.


Source. Rick Rogers. Actor participates in prestigious program. The Oklahoman. 8-21-2011

Jane Jayroe To Lead Monthly Women's Luncheon Series at St Luke's UMC in Oklahoma City

St Luke's United Methodist Church is offering a luncheon series starting next month called "Esther Women." The series is designed to stimulate discussion and fellowship among Christian women. Sessions are from 11:30 to 1 on the first Wednesday of the month through January. Led by former news anchor and former Miss Oklahoma Jane Jayroe, the program will feature fabulous Oklahoma women speakers including Kim Henry, Yvonne Kauger, Lisa Boone, Sherri Coale and others.

“These luncheons are not about networking or promoting a cause,” Jayroe said. “They are meant to encourage and inspire women who already serve their families and communities and will benefit from this time for themselves. It is about the bonds of friendship and the strengthening of faith.”

Enrollment for the full series is $150 of $20 per session. To register, call 405-232-1371 or visit www.estherwomenokc.org.

Rosie's Daughters: The "First Woman To" Generation Tells Its Story

Rosie's Daughters: The "First Woman To" Generation Tells Its Story is a book by Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett. It tells how how the women of the WWII era were the role models for the next generation and an important influence on the US women's rights movement of the 60s and 70s. 


Butler believes that growing up as a teenager In Oklahoma in the 1960's helped shaped her interest in this topic. She told The Oklahoman reporter Yvette Walker that it was in Oklahoma that she first felt a sense of freedom as a woman. 


Source. Walker, Yvette. "Matilda Butler: Oklahoma girl grows up to be ‘Rosie’s Daughter," The Oklahoman, 4-24-2011 

Tulsa Community Women's Reentry Project

Created by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections Division of Female Offender Operations in partnership with Resonance Center for Women, Inc., the Tulsa Community Women's Reentry Project has been in operation since April 2011. The project's goal is to help female offenders find jobs within 30 days of prison release. To qualify, one must be a non-violent female offender with children, who will be returning to Tulsa upon release and who has a parole officer.  Project leaders begin meeting with these women 3 to 6 months prior to their release.  Upon release, they receive a reentry basket filled with necessities. They enter work readiness classes, get help finding child care and, if necessary, receive substance abuse  treatment. On graduation after 6 months, the women receive a professional mentor. The project is took 100 women during the first year. This effort is funded by a federal grant with additional funding from the George Kaiser Family Foundation of Tulsa. 

Karen James is New REI Board Chair

Karen James has been elected Chairwoman of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc. She is the BancFirst regional executive for south-central and southeastern Oklahoma. She is a graduate of east Central University and has a masters degree from Oklahoma City University. Congratulations, Karen!

When REI was founded, I served on the Board of Directors. (Rep Wes Warkins called one day and said, "Jean, I want you to serve on this board. It's an exciting new initiative and it will be e fun!")

He was right. I hardly knew what I was doing though and didn't stay on very long but it was a wonderful honor and a great adventure at the time. It was brand new and inventing itself.

Who knew today it would have a wonderful section that focuses on the needs of women business owners across Oklahoma? You can learn more about REI, Inc at www.ruralenterprises.com and their Women's Business Center at http://www.ruralenterprises.com/womens-business-center/.

Kathy Potts Honored by Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits

The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits has named Kathy Pottts as "Volunteer of the Year." Potts is a board member of the Center and Chair-Elect. She is a VP and senior member of the health care group at REES Associates, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Arts, Fine Arts & History from Oklahoma State University.

Sara Jane Richter Authors Book on Oklahoma Panhandle

Sara Jane Richter, PhD, is Dean of the School of Liberal Studies and professor of English at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK. She is also the author of a recently published book entitled The Oklahoma Panhandle. This book illustrates the region's history through photos and captions. It is filled with outlaws, college students, settlers, ranchers, Native Americans, dust storms, immigrants, dinosaurs and much more. Richter has a BA from Phillips University in Enid and a MA and PhD in English from Oklahoma State University. She gives literary and historical programs on a range of topics including Depression era women, women of the Santa Fe and Oregon trails, and women of the western gold fields. She has researched the WPA, the Dust Bowl and much more. Her book would make a great gift for Oklahomans and others. It is available in bookstores, online and through Arcadia Publishing (888-313-2665). 128 pages, soft cover, $21.99.

Meredith Siegfried Named CEO of Nordam

Meredith Siegfried is the new President and CEO of Nordam, the aerospace manufacturer. Nordam's corporate offices are in Tulsa, OK. They specialize in the manufacture, repair, and overhaul of aircraft bonded-honeycomb and composite components. The Tulsa World reports that:

"Siegfried, the daughter of NORDAM founder Ray Siegfried II, who died in 2005, joined the company in 1999. She has a degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago. Siegfried also is chairwoman of the Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust and the Tulsa Airport Authority."

You can read more about Siegfried in a Tulsa World article at http://goo.gl/xLKXk and learn more about Nordam at www.nordam.com.

Women of the South Has Scholarships for Single Moms

Women of the South recently elected officers and board members for the coming year. Their new President is Mary Blankenship Pointer. Treasurer is Penny Hampton and Secretary is Lynda Fjeseth. Women of the South is a non-profit organization comprised of women helping women. Their focus is South Oklahoma City. Among their many programs, they provide "Primary Provider Scholarships" to women who are the sole or primary providers of their household. Recipients of this scholarship receive funding from Women of the South towards obtaining an associate degree from Oklahoma City Community College. Yu can read more about this fine organization at www.womenofthesouth.org.

Jane Haskin Profiled

The August 1, 2011 Journal Record had a super spread on Jane Haskin - the first woman to chair the Oklahoma Bankers Association. She is president and CEO of First Bethany Bank and Trust. A native of Drumright, OK, Haskin is a gradute of University of Central Oklahoma. Sadly, the JR makes you subscribe and then log in to their website - ie, they have a paywall -- to read this fine article. Bummer!

Three Oklahoma Girls Named OCU 2011 Bishop's Scholars

Hannah Frye, Samantha Erickson, and Leigh Smith have been named Oklahoma City University 2011Bishop's Scholars. The award recognizes academically advanced United Methodist youth committed to careers in Christian service. Hannah is a Durant High School graduate; Samantha graduated from Carl Albert High School; and Leigh is a Westmoore High School graduate. Congratulations to these Okie women!