Career Shift for Terri Watkins

Congratulations to Terri Watkins on her move to the State Auditor and Inspector's office. Here is The Oklahoman's article. I missed it so extend thanks to Mike McCarville for mentioning it on The McCarville Report Online.

Katie Case Wins Chickasaw Nation's Pontotoc District Seat 3

Does anyone have a current listing of Native American women elected officials in Oklahoma?

Wilma Mankiller, Other Women Tribal Chiefs

Former Cherokee tribal chief Wilma Mankiller is one
of Oklahoma's treasures so I was
delighted to see her quoted in the
Dec 16th Oklahoman.

(Click here to read the full article).

Women chiefs of Oklahoma tribes include:

•Alice Brown Davis, Seminole Nation, 1922-1935
•Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee Nation, 1985-1995
•Grace Goodeagle, Seminole Nation, 1994-1996
•Bernadette Huber, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, current
•Glenna J. Wallace, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, current

Picturing Mary - OETA Friday, Dec 22, 8 pm

OETA will broadcast the program "Picturing Mary" on Friday, December 22 at 8 pm. The film demonstrates how - through local life and culture - images of Mary are as relevant to the faithful now as they were hundreds of years ago. A sneek preview of the film was available today at the Oklahoma Museum of Art in Oklahoma City and at the Circle Cinema in Tulsa.

Sally Tibbals Honored

OU College of Nursing instructor Sally Tibbals has received a 2006 "End-of-Life Award of Excellence." She has been teaching Oklahoma's future nurses how better to care both for dying patients and their families. If you have not yet cared for a dying parent, spouse or loved one, you may not yet appreciate end-of-life issues. When you are in those shoes, remember Sally Tibbals - and be thankful.

Cindy Rosenthal Is Running for Mayor of Norman

Vote for Cindy Rosenthal. Better yet, help in her campaign! Norman has only had one woman mayor and that was about 50 years ago and she was selected by members of the City Council. So this could become the first time citizens of Norman have elected a woman mayor.

And Dr. Rosenthal certainly has the credentials. She has been serving on the Norman City Council, co-founded N.E.W. Leadership, is director of the Carl Albert Center at OU, teaches politics and government at OU, previously worked for the National Conference of State Legislatures, has published numerous books and is wicked smart and totally honest. Read more and find out how to send her a campaign contribution at her website http://CindyForMayor.ORG

Ann Hoover Teaches Etiquette and Protocol

The Okahoman had a nice story recently on Oklahoma City's Ann Hoover. She gives lectures on protocol, entertaining, etc. Check out her website at www.hooverprotocol.com

Carolynn Caudill, Oklahoma County Clerk

The Oklahoman has a nice article today on how, under Carolynn Caudill's leadership, Oklahoma County has become a model for other counties nationwide in digitalization of public records. Read the story here.

Women Complete Chamber Management Training

The following women recently completed the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives Association's "Chamber Management Institute" program: Lisa Navrkal (Bixby), Betty Calley and Suzanne Shirey (Sapulpa), Jennifer Shaffer (Vinita), Dee Ann Gray (Beaver County) and Carol Campbell (Glenpool).

Linda Bowlby's New Book "Renaissance Woman"

Oklahoma author Linda Bowlby (Red Earth Woman and Red Earth Wisdom) recently published Renaissance Woman: A Study of Women's Roles Throughout History With Accompanying Works of Art. The book explores positive historical female role models since the ancient Greek period. Go girl. You can meet her on Saturday, December 9 at 3 pm at the wonderful Full Circle Book Store in Oklahoma City (50 Penn Place). Read The Oklahoman article about her here.

OCU to Award Clara Luper an Honorary Degree

December 15 Clara Luper will receive an honorary Doctorate degree from OCU in recognition of her lifetime of civil rights work and education. Click here to read bios on Luper.

OKC’s 2007 “Byliner” Awardees Named

The Oklahoma City Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications recently announced that their 2007 Byliner Awardees are Major General Rita Aragon, director of Staff protocol, US Air Force; Martha Burger, treasurer and senior vice president-human resources, Chesapeake Energy Corp.; Mary Ann Eckstein, vice-president-news, KFOR-TV; Sister Joseph Marie, Villa Teresa School; Pam Newby, executive director, Special Care Inc.; Mary Lilliam (Lil) Ross, community leader and Laura Warriner, artist. The celebration dinner will be February 8 at the Petroleum Club.

OCU Societies to Honor Four Women

Oklahoma City University will honor Kay Goebel, Rita Moore, Lois Salmeron, and Martha Burger at a ball on February 24th. Congratulations, ladies.

Oklahoman Jeane J Kirkpatrick Dies

Oklahoman Jeane Jordan Kirkpatrick died yesterday at the age of 80. She was the first women to serve as a US Ambassador to the United Nations.

Glenna Wallace First Woman Chief of Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Glenna J Wallace of Seneca, Missouri was recently sworn in. Read The Oklahoman article here. She is in a small circle of women chiefs including Oklahoman Wilma Mankiller (Cherokee Nation, 1985-1995), ALice Brown Davis (Seminole Nation, 1922-1935), Grace Goodeagle (Quapaw Tribe, 1994-1996) and Tamara SUmmerfield (Quapaw Tribe, 2000-2002).

Celebrating Oklahoma Authors

These Oklahoma authors are gathering in Tulsa tonight. Wish I could be there!

Billie Letts / Shoot the Moon Ally Carter / Cheating at Solitaire Wilma Mankiller / Every Day is a Good Day

James Patrick Hunt / Before They Make You Run William Bernhardt / Capital Murder Kandi Radzinski / S is for Sooner Connie Cronley / Light and Variable

David Dary / The Oregon Trail: An American Saga Will Thomas / The Limehouse Text Andrew Burstein / The Passion of Andrew Jackson

Tim Tharp / Knights of the Hill Country Hannibal Johnson / No Place Like Home: A Story About an All-Black, All-American Town

Jami Fullerton / Advertising’s War on Terrorism Malena Lott / The Stork Reality John Wooley / Ghost Band

M. J. Van Deventer and Nancy Ingram / Modern Country Michael Wallis & Suzanne Fitzgerald Wallis / The Art of Cars

William Winchester / A Very Small Farm Kim Doner / The Philosopher’s Club Robert J. Conley / Cherokee Medicine Man

Lyn Hester Appointed to Commission on the Status of Women

Congratulations to Lyn Hester on her recent appointment to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. She was appointed by Governor Brad Henry and replaces renita Shofner.

Alice Mary Robertson and Marva Ellard Featured

As lay leader and 6th grade Sunday school teacher at my wonderful church, Sundays are full. I leave the house early to pick up snacks for "my kids" and often don't get home until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. Some weeks I miss reading the Sunday paper all together. So, as I gathered up old papers today, I was delighted to see The Oklahoman profiled two extraordinary Oklahoma women on Nov 26: one from the past (Alice Mary Robertson) and the other a contemporary (Marva Ellard). Better yet, the stories were written by some of the paper's top writers. Well done.

Lynn Schusterman in Oklahoma Hall of Fame

At the 79th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet & Induction Ceremony, Lynn Schusterman was inducted into the Hall of Fame. She was the only woman inducted this year although several women introduced inductees. Jill Ker Conway of Massachusetts, the fiirst female president of Smith College, introduced inductee J Philip Kistler; Oklahoma's Jane Jayroe introduced inductee Tom Mcfaniel and Georgian Deborah Lipstadt introduced Schusterman). Maybe best of all, Woody Guthrie's sister and daughter (see right for image on "big screen" at the awards event) spoke on his behalf. Click here to read the Hall of Fame's writeup on Lynn Schusterman.

First Woman: Justice Alma Wilson

The Oklahoman had a nice Oklahoma Heritage piece today honoring Alma Wilson. As it is an ad paid for by BancFirst, Chesapeake, and the Oklahoma Heritage Association, I don't think I can link to it. (If anyone can show me how, please do!) So I will quote:

Alma Wilson was born in Pauls Valley. When she was 8, Wilson decided she wanted to be a lawyer, just like her father, an very unusal aspiration for a little girl in the 1920s.

Women had only just attained the right to vote with the nineteenth amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This was also an unusual time i history because World War I had just ended. Many people said it was the war to end all wars.

Wilson, however, graduated from college and went on to law school. At that time, only 2.4 percent of lawyers in the United States were women. She married a lawyer by the name of Bill Wilson.


In 1983, Gov. George Nigh appointed her as a justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. In 1997, she became the Chief Justice. Wilson was the first women to serve as the Chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Guthrie's Own Gloria Parker to Perform

Mezzo-soprano and Broadway star Gloria Parker is performing in her hometown of Guthrie this Saturday, Nov 18. For more information and to purchase tickets ($25 and $35), call 360-2263. Read The Oklahoman article by clicking here.

First Oklahoma Women in Government

Anyone want to correct me? Add another woman to this list?

1907 - Head of Charities and Corrections – Kate Barnard (elected)
1921 - State Senate – Lamar Looney (elected)
1921 - State House of Representatives – Bessie McColgin (elected)
1921 - US House of Representatives – Alice Mary Robertson (elected)
1946 - Secretary of State – Katherine Manton (appointive position)
1963 - State Auditor and Inspector – Imogene Holmes (appointed)
1979 - Corporation Commissioner – Norma Eagleton (initially appointed, then elected)
1982 - Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice - Alma Wilson (appointed)
1985 - Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals - Carol Hansen (appointed)
1991 - Attorney General - Susan Loving (appointed)
1991 - State Insurance Commissioner – Cathy Weatherford (appointed)
1991 - State Treasurer – Claudette Henry (initially appointed?)
1991 - Superintendent of Public Instruction – Sandy Garrett (elected)
1993 - Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals - Reta Strubhar (appointed)
1995 - Commissioner of Labor – Brenda Reneau Wynn (elected)
1995 - Lieutenant Governor – Mary Fallin (elected)

Oklahoma Women Lawyers - retention and promotion rates

The National Association of Women Lawyers recently issued a first of its kind report on women lawyers retention and promotion rates. Women make up 45 % of the associates in law firms yet only 5% of managing partners are women. Hmmm. Read the Journal Record article here.

Malena Lotts founds Athena Institute to benefit women

Edmond author (The Stork Reality), product branding expert and marketing consultant, Malena Lott, recently established the Athena Institute - a professional development company that targets women business owners, working mothers, college women and empowering girls. In addition to her own blog, she offers Athena Knows Workshops, a Godess Chronicles blog and a newsletter. Read the Journal Record article about it by clicking here.

Sue Tate Recommends Mediation Over Trial

Sue Tate, head of Okahoma's Alternative Dispute Resolution system, suggests folks check out the new website if they want to avoid time in court and legal expenses!

Oklahoma's Women College Presidents

Participants at the Oklahoma Women in Higher Education fall conference yesterday at UCO got to hear from our past and present women college presidents. Hats off to (left to right) Janet Cunningham (Northwestern OSU in Alva), JoAnn Haysbert (Langston University), Joe Anna Hibler(former president of Southwestern OSU in Weatherford) and Cindy Ross (Cameron University in Lawton). Click here to read The Oklahoman article entitled "Women leaders urge help for others."

Lou Kerr Receives ACHE National Honor

The Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) has selected Mrs. Lou C. Kerr as the recipient of its 2006 Special Recognition Award for her many years of distinguished public service and commitment. She received the honor at an awards banquet held yesterday at the 68th Annual Meeting of the ACHE in Los Angeles.

Kerr, president and chair of The Kerr Foundation, Inc., has spent over 20 years committing herself to public service and the advancement of education, women, youth and the arts. For the past 15 years, she has dedicated her time and effort to partnering with OSU’s Spears School of Business to establish and help coordinate the annual Women’s Business Leadership Program for business professionals and students. Most recently, Kerr initiated a campaign to raise funds for the Jeanine Rhea/Oklahoma International Women’s Forum Professorship in the Spears School.

Sharon King Davis Chairs Tulsa Kick-Off of OK Centennial Celebration

Sharon King Davis recently had a nice column in The Oklahoman about Tulsa's Centennial kick off party.

The Wonderful Jean Gumerson Has Died

Farewell to Oklahoma City's most extraordinary civic leader -- Jean Gumerson. She died October 18, 2006 and will be greatly missed by the whole state.

I have been in many meetings where someone said, "What we need to do is just clone Jean Gumerson and our problem will be solved" or "Where can we find some more civic leaders like Jean Gumerson?" From a personal perspective, she was always a wonderfully supportive friend to both Larkin and me. She was one of the first donors of a full scholarship to N.E.W. Leadership; back then, I was just learning how to fundraise and she was amazingly gracious and kind.

Click here to read the Oklahoman story about Jean and also to read her obituary. Her memorial service will be at 11 am on Saturday at Westminister Presbyterian Church in OKC. Rest in peace, Jean.

Lou Kerr to be Honored by OSU

President and chairman of The Kerr Foundation, Lou Kerr, will be honored by the Association for Continuing Higher Education on October 30 for her work with the Women's Business Leadership Program and the Jeanine Rhea/Oklahoma International Women's Forum Chair at Oklahoma State University. Lou has long been an advocate for women. I am personally indebted to The Kerr Foundation for it's early financial assistant to launch Oklahoma's National Education for Women's Leadership program.

Come to Kenya

I am assembling a mission team to travel to Kenya February 1 through 17, 2007. You can read about the project at http://Kenya2007.blogspot.com and you can read about last year's mission trip to Kenya at http://Come2Kenya.blogspot.com/.

If anyone is interested in coming, contact me!

Joy Beaver, Audrey Oaks in Higher Ed Hall of Fame

The following were inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame last night: Marshall Allen (OSU), Don and Joy Beaver (Southere Nazarene University), Charles Butler (OU), David Levy (OU), Audrey Eleanor Oaks (OSU), James Plaxico (OSU), James Ronda (TU) and the late Robert Todd (Oklahoma City Community College). I'll be adding Joy and Audrey soon to the Noteable Women page of my website.

Women's Almanac Garners National Award

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women has received an award for their Oklahoma Women's Almanac. Read the full press release here.

Linda Steele Brown: Interim Superintendent, OKC Schools

This is old news but worth noting. When Bob Moore left last spring, the Oklahoma City Public School District's School Board named Linda Steele Brown as Interim Superintendent. She has worked in the school district since 1974 and done practically everything. We wish her good luck and success until the district's national superintendent search is completed.

UCO Offers Women's (Higher Ed) Leadership Conference

Here is The Journal Record's article which you can also read at http://www.journalrecord.com/viewstory.cfm?recid=71534:

Women’s leadership conference offered at UCO
9/21/2006

EDMOND (JR) – Preparing women to assume leadership positions in higher education administration is the goal of a one-day workshop sponsored by the Oklahoma Women in Higher Education at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. The conference – “Maximizing the Leadership in You” – is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at UCO. The cost is $60.

Speakers will include Belle Wheelan, president of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Anne Morgan, a consultant, historian and writer. Topics for sessions include communication skills, mentoring, networking strategies and leadership development.

The Oklahoma Women in Higher Education is part of the American Council on Education’s Network. More information on the conference is available by calling Debbie Blanke at (405) 225-9151. The deadline for registration is Oct. 19.

Oklahoma's Women Attorneys Meet in Tulsa 9-28-06

The Oklahoma Bar Association's Women in Law Conference will be held at the renaissance hotel in Tulsa this Thursday. Women lawyers will take continuing education sessions and hear talks by VIPs including Gail Evans, author of She Wins, You Win: The Most Important Rule Every Businesswoman Needs to Know and Play Like A Man, Win Like a Woman: What Men Know About Success That Women Need to Learn.

Color Purple Music Director Linda Twine

Oklahoman Linda Twine is music director for play "The Color Purple" that has been entertaining sell-out crowds on Broadway since December 2005. Read the Oklahoman article here.

OCU Nursing Honors Seven at Oct 5 Celebration

Oklahoma City University's Kramer School of Nursing honors seven (click for story):
Gwen Dailey, Associate Chief for Nursing Specialty Services, Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, OKC.
Lisa Griffitts, nurse educator, Valley View Regional Hospital, Ada
Tammy Powell, Chief Nursing Officer and VP, St Anthony Hospital, OKC
Paula Price, Director of Health Promotion and Community, Norman Regional Health System
Stacy Robberson, Clinical Nurse Manager, Integris Baptist Medical Center, OKC
David Wilson, Staff Nurse, CHildren's Hospital Urgent Care Center, St Francis Hospital, Tulsa
Stanley Hupfeld, President and CEO, Integris Health, OKC

Christy Gaylord Everest

I actually heard a group of liberal Democrats recently admit that The Oklahoman is a better newspaper since Christy Gaylord Everest was elected president of The Oklahoma Publishing Company in 2002. Imagine that. Go Christy!

Abby Cash is Oklahoma's Argitourism Guru

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture recently appointed Abby Cash as director of Agritourism. She is developing an inventory of agriculture-related products and tourism services.

Mex Frates Dies

I have been out of state so I just discovered that civic leader Mex Frates died in early September at the age of 98. Her family settled in the Heritage Hills section of Oklahoma City in 1911 when she was 3 years old. She was the very first president of Junior League of Oklahoma City (1933), helped found our United Way, served on the boards of many, many civic organizations and was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1969! You can read entries in her Legacy Book here and nice write-ups about her by the Oklahoman.

France Honors Barbara Thompson

Barbara Thompson of Oklahoma City recently was presented France's Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. Thompson is the honorary consul of France for Oklahoma and has spent a lifetime teaching students Frence and promoting friendship between France and The United States. Read John Greiner's Oklahoman article by clicking here. TRead more about the French Legion of Honor by clicking here. Thompson is the wife of Judge Ralph G. Thompson.

Linda Hasler-Reid: Oklahoma's 2007 Teacher of the Year

Muskogee teacher Linda Hasler-Reid was named teacher of the year at the State Fair yesterday. Read The Oklahoman article here.

Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Supplement in The Oklahoman

In today's (Sept 17, 2006) The Oklahoman there is a nice 4 page supplement on the life of Oklahoma desegregation pioneer Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher. Sadly, I can't find a link to the story on their website - which is a real shame - so you'll have to pick up a copy of the paper yourself. Sorry!

Susan Winchester Is 2006 Woman of the Year

Congratulations to State Representative Susan Winchester for being selected the Journal Record's 2006 Woman of the Year. Read story here.

(Oklahoma) Women In Charge

The Oklahoman ran a lovely article by Paula Burke Erickson Sept 14, 2006 on a number of Oklahoma women who have made it to the top. Featured were Brooke Murphy (Crowe & Dunlevy law firm), Denise Suttles (Oklahoma City Clinic), Brenda Sanchez (Remington Park Casino), Yvonne Hovell (East Tulsa Dodge dealership), Isabel Chancellor (IngenuitE software consulting firm in Oklahoma City), Cheryl Cohenour (CRC & Associates environmental and hazardous waste consulting firm in Tulsa) , and Dana Weber (Webco Industries). Also featured was Amy Polonchek, Interim Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Click here to read the article.

Linda Edmondson on Advanced Directive

Kudos to Linda Edmondson for informing the public via an article in today's Oklahoman that Oklahoma has a new advanced directive ("living will"). So, if you have none, go get the form and do one; if you have one already, you will want to make an updated version! To download a copy of the new form go to http://okpalliative.nursing.ouhsc.edu/oklaw and click on "Oklahoma Advanced Directive Form" or call 271-1491, ext 49194. Read Linda's article here. And read about Linda here.

Artists/Designers: Show Your Stuff at OKC's The Girlie Show October 20-21

This is a juried art show for Oklahoma women artists and designers.

The show was featured in Oklahoma Today this month.

You can check out their website here.

Happy Women's Equality Day (Aug 26)

President Bush has proclaimed August 26, 2006, as Women's Equality Day and calls on Americans to celebrate the achievements of women and observe this day with appropriate programs and activities. (It recognizes the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution and the suffragettes who worked and sacrificed - especially Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Google these women and pay them tribute; they were incredible. (Thanks, Wanda DeBruler, for bringing the proclamation to my attention!)

Kristine Brown of Alva, Oklahoma is 109

Mary Jane Alexander, who is interviewing and photographing Oklahoma's oldest citizens for her "Salt of the Red Earth" project, thinks 109-year old Alva resident Kristine Brown may be Oklahoma's oldest living centarian. Read about Brown in this Alva Review-Courier article. The photo of Brown on her 108th birthday was taken by Helen Barrett. Want to nominate someone to be interviewed? See related story.

Mary Jane Alexander's "Salt of the Red Earth" Project

In the past three months, award-winning writer and photographer Mary Jane Alexander has criss-crossed Oklahoma and logged more than 2,000 miles to create portraits and signature quotes representing 100 Oklahoman centenarians. So far she has interviewed 88 -- from Commerce to Selig to Valliant. Four of the centenarians she has met (all women) were born in the 1890s. She has met one set of centenarian siblings and three married centenarian couples. The project - which is sanctioned by the Centennial Commision but unfunded - will result in dozens of museum-quality prints for a Tulsa Historical Society exhibit in November as well as a 2007 showing in the Governor's Gallery at the State Capitol. If you want to help Mary Jane with this project, contact her at inkfactory at cox dot net.

Amanda Stevens Olympic Bound?

Now that Enid native and OU College of Medicine graduate Amanda Stevens has her MD degree, her next goal is to compete in the 2008 Olympics. She won the 2001 USA National Triathlon Championships and is currently ranked 125th in the world and 15th in the USA.

"Jean Warner Is On A Mission"

Yup. I'm on page 31 of Oklahoma Today's September/October 2006 edition (aka CentennialCollectors Series: First of Eight). I can't show you a copy of the article so pick up a copy or order a copy.

WiLL and Laura Boyd

Among the many hats that former Oklahoma State Legislator Laura Boyd wears these days is National Field Director for the Women Legislators Lobby. WiLL is a national non-partisan network of women state legislators working together to influence federal and state policy and to promote women for elected office at state and federal levels. Approximately one-third of all seated-women legislators are WiLL members.

Say... How about a Women's Lobby for Oklahoma?

Anne McBride Mental Health Court

Kuddos to those working to establish the recently opened Anna McBride Mental Health Court in Cleveland County - especially district judges Bill Hetherington and Jequita Napoli. Former Judge Nancy Coates and OK Dept of Mental Health director Terry Cline worked hard to get one started in Oklahoma County. It is great to see the program spreading to other counties. It saves tax dollars while offering humane treatment to mentally ill citizens who have cross paths with the criminal justice system. Read the Norman Transcript story here.

Darcie Harris of EWF International

Today's Oklahoman has a nice half-page article about Darcie Harris and the company she co-founded, EWF International (formerly Executive Women's Forum). The firm hosts peer advisory groups or "Forums" where women business owners and top executives can discuss business issues in a confidential setting.

Vote Mary Fallin for US Congress Aug 22

Good for the The Oklahoman today for endorsing Lt. Governor Mary Fallin for the 5th Congressional District. Fallin's legislative experience will let her hit the ground running. She has a good understanding of all of Oklahoma's needs and interests. In this red state, a Republican is going to replace Ernest Istook and it should be Fallin - not her opponent. (And I don't want to hear about and supposed personal dirt on this candidate; she went through an unfortunate divorce a long time ago. Give it a rest. Let's run on the issues, please.)

It is time Oklahoma sent a woman to Congress. Women legislators conceptualize problems differently, are more likely to offer new solutions, are more responsive to constituent requests and much more (read the research findings on this here).

All that said, The Oklahoman had me at "Fallin's campaign has generally been clean..." Say no more. Know what I mean, wink, wink? Fallin is a good, honest candidate; she deserves your vote.

Senator Nancy Riley Switches to Democratic Party

Following the Primary Election, State Senator Nancy Riley announced she was switching from the Republican to the Democratic Party. She was an unsuccessful candidate for Lt. Governor. The switch is a big deal. Just increasing the number of Senators in the State Senate by one makes it a little harder for Republicans to "take over" the Senate (i.e., gain a majority of members). Counting Riley, there are now 26 Democrats to 22 Republicans. However, six Senate seats held by Democrats are open because those Democrats couldn't run for re-election due to term limits. She said she was switching because she feels there is no place in the Republican Party for moderates, because Republicans are undermining public education and because she feels the party has a lack of compassion for people. She also said part of her problem with the party was because she was a woman. (Could that mean the Republican Party is not women friendly? What party IS?)

Robyn Hilger - Oklahoma Teacher of the Year

Okahoma State Teacher of the Year Robyn Hilger is a Suma Cum Laude graduate from Oklahoma City University and holds a Masters Degree in Music. She is band and orchestra director at Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School in Oklahoma City.

Anne Roberts to be Honored

Congratulations to Anne Roberts who has made such a difference in Oklahoma through the Oklahoma institute for Child Advocacy. She is one of five to be honored by HeartLine at their "Festival of Hope" event on September 7 at the Oklahoma City Golf and County Club. for more information, call 405-840-9396 or visit their website.

Where are the Women's Studies Programs in Oklahoma

I know of the following three women's studies programs in Okahoma and two "women's centers." Please let me know if there are others. Click on name to view ther website.
Oklahoma State University's Women's Studies Program
University of Central Oklahoma's Women's Studies Program
University of Oklahoma's Women's Studies Program
University of Oklahoma's Women's Outreach Center
University of Tulsa's Tulsa Studies in Women's Literature

Join Kim Henry Aug 16 to Promote Internet Safety

On August 16, Oklahoma's First Lady Kim Henry hosts "MyFamily.MySpace.MyResponsibility" - a day focused on promoting Internet safety for children and youth including a 7:00 a.m. First Lady's Prayer Breakfast at St. Luke's United methodist Church in OKC; a luncheon program at the Phillip's Pavillion for educators; and an evening program at St. Lukes. Reservations for the breakfast and evening program are preferred. For more information and how to register, click here.

Judicial Criteria & Judge Twyla Gray

When you voted for judges in the primary election, what criteria did you use? This spring, the Oklahoma County Bar Association asked over 4,700 local attorneys to rate the judicial candidates on honesty, intelligence, legal ability and expertise, unbiasedness (sic), temperament, courtesy, diligence and dedication. Voters returned Twyla Gray despite her poor score. I wonder if her refusal to accept campaign donations from attorneys mattered to voters. Congratulations on your re-election, Judge Gray. (I’d link you to the excellent story by Scott Cooper in The Oklahoma Gazette but they don’t seem have it on their website; go figure.)

Milena Govich a Rising Star

Oklahoman Milena Govich is going to replace Dennis Farina on Law & Order this coming season. Previous work has been on the televisions series Rescue Me and Conviction plus stage performances. Click here to read her bio.

Play About Te Ata to Premiere at USAO

A full length play with music based on the life of Te Ata (Mary Thompson, later Mrs. Clyde Fisher) will have its world premiere on August 5 in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium on the campus of the University of Science and Arts in Chickasha, Oklahoma. In 1987, Te Ata (1895-1995) became the first person ever declared an "Oklahoma Treasure."

To watch a short video and learn more about Te Ata, this exciting new play and how to purchase tickets for performances August 5-13, click here or call 405-574-1213. To read a short biography of Te Ata at the Chickasaw Nation's website, click here or on the Oklahoma Women website, click here.

Fannie Lou, Rosa, Coretta Voting Rights Act Renewed by House

On July 13, the US House of Representatives not only (finally) renewed the Voting Rights Act (H.R. 9) but renamed it “The Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006.” 390 members voted "Aye," 33 voted "Nay" and 9 members did not vote. All 33 who voted "Nay" were Republicans -- mostly from Southern and border states. Blessedly, all 5 Oklahoma Congressmen managed to vote "Aye." For more, click here.

3 Women Make “50 Most Powerful” List

FRIDAY, the newspaper of Nichols Hills, has issued its annual list of the 50 most powerful Oklahomans. A list is sent to 250 statewide leaders (not themselves on the list) who are asked to select the 50 they consider most powerful. Individuals can also be written in. I suspect the vast majority of the voters are men who live in Central Oklahoma and are Republican. Of the 50 selected this year, there may be one or two who can claim some Native American blood but there are no blacks or Hispanics and only 3 women – Christy Everest, Mary Fallin and Kathy Taylor. To view the list of 50, click here.

Status of Women in Oklahoma

Oklahoma ranks near the bottom according to a recent study by the Institute for Women's Policy Research. One in five women in Oklahoma has no health insurance. One third of Oklahoma's single mothers live below the poverty line. Click here to purchase a copy of The Status of Women In Oklahoma.

Emmy Nominations for Mullally & Woodard

Two women actors with Oklahoma ties -- Megan Mullally of “Will and Grace” and Tulsa native Alfre Woodard of “Desperate Housewives” -- have received Emmy nominations this year.

S i l e n c e

a poem by Anasuya Sengupta

Too many women in too many countries
speak the same language of silence.
My grandmother was always silent, always aggrieved
Only her husband had the cosmic right (or so it was said)
to speak and be heard.
They say it is different now.
(After all, I am always vocal and my grandmother
thinks I talk too much)
But sometimes I wonder.
When a woman shares her thoughts, as some women do,
graciously, it is allowed.
When a woman fights for power, as all women would like
to, quietly or loudly, it is questioned.
And yet, there must be freedom — if we are to speak
And yes, there must be power — if we are to be heard.
And when we have both (freedom and power) let us now be understood.
We seek only to give words to those who cannot speak
(too many women in too many countries)
I seek to forget the sorrows of my grandmother's silence.

Jennifer Paustenbaugh Chairs Commission

Dr. Jennifer Paustenbaugh is the new chair of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. More>>>

Commission on the Status of Women: New Officers

Officers for the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women for the coming year are:

Chair: Jennifer Paustenbaugh
Vice Chair: Catherine Haynes
Secretary: Lou Kohlman
Nominating Committee: Mary Walker and Anita Norman

The Chair of the Advisory Council will be Jilda Motley.

3 Oklahomans Compete In "Powder Puff Derby"

The 2006 Air Race Classic last week from Mesa, Arizona to Menomee, Maine included three women pilots from Oklahoma amongst the 68 women competing: Margie Richison of Norman, Carolyn Smith of Yukon and Heidi LaPine or Oklahoma City. Next year's race will start in Oklahoma City!

Lisa Pryor Begins 2nd Year As OK Demo Party Chair

Lisa Pryor recently began her second year as Chairman and Executive Director of the Oklahoma Democratic Party. When she first came in, the party had a debt of $524,000 (much of that from Brad Carson's failed run for the US Senate). That's down to $271,000 today. Yikes. Word on the street is she is doing a good job. Congrats, Lisa.
Addendum: Opps. Not "re-elected" ~ Lisa was elected for two years so is just starting the second half of her 2-year term. Click on "Comment" below to read more.