Kelli O'Hara Booked for Broadway

Elk City native Kelli O'Hara is set to star in the new Broadway play "Nice Work If You Can Get It" opposite Matthew Broderick. O'Hara has been nominated for a Tony Award three times. A graduate of Deer Creek schools and Oklahoma City University, she is also a singer; her second album, "Always," was released last

May. Read more at http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/31/kelli-ohara-will-star-opposite-matthew-broderick-in-nice-work-if-you-can-get-it/

Valerie Naifeh Selling Jewelry on Shop NBC

Oklahoman Valerie Naifeh recently debuted her jewelry on the home shopping network Shop NBC. This Tulsa native started her business in 1993 and initially sold out of Samuel Gordon Jewelers. She set up her own business, Naifeh Fine Jewelry, in 1998. Naifeh is a graduate of Tulsa University and now has her own store in Casady Square in Oklahoma City. You can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/Valerienaifeh or on Facebook. She also blogs at http://naifehfinejewelry.blogspot.com/.

Oklahoma Artist Jean Ann Fausser Exhibits at State Capitol

The work of Tulsa artist Jean Ann Fausser is currently on display at the Oklahoma State Capital in Oklahoma City. Entitled "Roots and Connections," the show involves fiber work, sculpture, and quilt work. Words can't do it justice. If you are in the Oklahoma City area, swing by the State Capital and see for yourself. This exhibit is sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council.  

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.

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.

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!

Judith James Honored by OMRF

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation recently presented Judith James, MD, PhD with their Edward L and Thelma Gaylord Prize for Scientific Achievement. This is OMRF's highest scientific honor. James is a native of Pond Creek, Oklahoma. Her work on hlupus has led to several discoveries on both the causes and how lupus progresses.

Lynn Mitchell Appointed OU Chief Medical Officer

The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine has appointed Lynn V. Mitchell to be the Chief Medical Officer of OU Physicians. She's got a heck of a resume! She was state Medicaid director (2000-2010), Medical Director at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (1995-2000), faculty at the OU College of Medicine (1989-1995), etc. You can read more about Lynn at http://www.ouhsc.edu/news/templates/?a=411.

Two Women Inducted To Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame

Nine Oklahoma journalists - including two women - were inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of fame on May 13, 2011. The two Oklahoma women were:

~ Gloria Brown, Managing Editor of the Perry Daily Journal

~ Joan Henderson, Publisher of Oklahoma Today Magazine

Vashina Butler is First Black Female Captain for OK City Police Department

The Oklahoma City Police Department has promoted the first black female to the rank of captain. Congratulations Captain Vashina Butler! You can read her story at http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-promotes-first-black-female-police-captain/article/3579860

Betty Shaw Elected President of Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Assocation

Congratulations to Okie Woman Betty Shaw who has been elected President of the Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Association. A resident of Chickasha, Shaw is Senior Vice President and Mortgage Operations Manager at Spirit Bank in Oklahoma City. You can read an interview with her at http://newsok.com/oklahoma-mortgage-bankers-associations-new-president-sets-sights-on-growth/article/3576084

Sandra Olson, Juanita Keel Tate Honored

The Oklahoma Historical Society recently honored four individuals -- including Sandra Olson and Juanita Keel Tate (left) -- for outstanding contributions to Oklahoma's history.Olson was recognized for her fundraising efforts and work resulting in restoration of historic buildings in Waynoka. Tate (now 101 years of age) contributed greatly to the preservation of Chickasaw history as well as her own family history. She is author of Edmund Pickens (Okchantubby): First Elected Chickasaw Chief, His Life and Times. Read more by clicking here. 

Miki Farris is 2011 Mother of the Year

The Oklahoma Association of American Mothers has named Miki Farris 2011 Mother of the Year. She has four children of her own and is also the founder and CEO of Infant Crisis Services in Oklahoma City. This organization aids thousands of babies and toddlers each year. Infant Crisis Services estimates they have helped over 150,000 babies over the past 27 years.  The nonprofit provides formula, food and diapers to needy Oklahoma babies. Jennifer King of Newcastle, Oklahoma was named Oklahoma Young Mother of the Year.

Source. FRIDAY, Local named top mom, 5-6-2011

Shelly Campbell is 2011 Oklahoma City Teacher of the Year

The Foundation of Oklahoma City Public Schools recently named Shelly Campbell as 2011 Oklahoma City Teacher of the Year. A teacher at John Marshall High School, Campbell teaches ninth and tenth grade English classes for special education students plus advance placement classes in language arts and literature. She also helps with Student Council much more. Congratulations, Shelly! Read more ->>

Image by Nate Billings with NewsOK

Sara Bizzell Named Oklahoma Court Clerk of the Year

The Oklahoma Municipal Court Clerks Association recently awarded Sara Bizzell their Anne Thompson Court Clerk of the Year designation. Bizzell is municipal court clerk on Piedmont, Oklahoma.  She has served the City of Piedmont for 22 years. Congrats to Sara Bizzell -- a notable Okie woman! 

Cathy Keating and Elizabeth Warren to be Inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame

The Oklahoma Hall of Fame has announced their 2011 inductees. 


They are Tommy Franks, Harold Hamm, Margues Haynes, Cathy Keating, Steve Malcolm, Roger Miller and (get ready for this) Elizabeth Warren. I am delighted but really, really surprised; she is a Democrat, don't ya know! 


Warren is currently Assistant to President Barack Obama and Special Advisor to the Secretary of the Treasury on creating the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She is also the Leo Gottlieb Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Sadly, our Oklahoma Congressional delegation is working hard to block her from becoming head of the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 


I just hope all the Republicans in the room won't boo Warren when she is introduced!


Photo by David Shankbone via Flickr