March 2022
 

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Together we can do great things.
- Mother Theresa

In This Issue
  1. President's Letter
  2. March 10 Monthly Meeting 
  3. February Meeting Highlights
  4. Meeting Feedback
  5. Member Spotlight
  6. Announcements
  7. Calendar of Events
  8. March Birthdays and Firm Anniversaries
  9. ASIST Scholarship
  10. In and Around Tulsa!
  11. Board Members/Contact Information
PRESIDENT'S

LETTER




 
LORI HEERLYN
 

____________________________________

EWI OF TULSA 2021-2022 PRESIDENT
____________________________________
Hello Tulsa Chapter.

Welcome March!  Spring is on the way and I am excited for what lies ahead for our Tulsa chapter.

At our March 10th chapter meeting, we will celebrate our chapter’s 66th anniversary.  Our chapter was chartered in 1956.  That year Dwight Eisenhower was President, Elvis Presley recorded Heartbreak Hotel and Blue Suede Shoes, the Ten Commandments was released in movie theaters (I still watch it every year at Easter), a loaf of bread cost .18 cents, a gallon of gasoline cost .30 cents, a new Ford car cost $1,700 and a typical house cost $9,500.  Also, that year, EWI of Tulsa installed our first Chapter President, Elizabeth MacDonald Brimm representing First National Bank and Trust Company of Tulsa which is now JPMorgan Chase.  How wonderful that her member firm is still an active member of our chapter today.  In 1975, Ms. Brimm presented our chapter’s incoming president with a traveling silver tray and gavel that is passed on to the incoming president every October at installation.  I proudly display them on my desk and look at them every day as a reminder of how steady, resilient, and strong our chapter has been since 1956.  I think Ms. Brimm would be very proud of our chapter today, and I am humbled and honored to follow in her footsteps.  Our March chapter meeting will be held in person at Helmerich & Payne, and Jody Davis representing Accent Moving, Storage & Logistics will speak at the meeting.  Jody has been a member of EWI since 2002 and has a wealth of knowledge of the history of our chapter.  She served as Chapter President in 2006-2007, was selected as our Executive of the Year in 2009, is currently serving as a Trustee for the Education Fund for our chapter, and serves on the 2021-2022 EWI Corporate Investment Committee.  Our March meeting will be a time for us to reflect and celebrate our past, look to the future, and gather for a delicious meal catered by P.F. Chang’s.  There will also be some surprises that evening that you don’t want to miss.

I want to thank Kristi Emmons Jones, past EWI Corporate President. for speaking at our last month’s chapter meeting.  I found her presentation on mental wellness timely and interesting and hope you did as well.  It was great hearing of her experiences serving as EWI’s Corporate President.  I encourage each of you who are interested in EWI corporate leadership to sign up and serve on a corporate committee.  For the remainder of the year, we continue with a strong line up of dynamic and engaging speakers on tap.  As you know, COVID has had an impact on everyone, including availability of venues and keynote speakers, but as we emerge from the pandemic, we are charging ahead stronger than ever.  More details on programming will be posted in future Connect Newsletters.  Thank you to Susan Miller and the Programs Committee.

In closing, we need mentors for our newest members.  If you would like to be a mentor, please reach out to Tonya Solomon.   Also, please watch your email for upcoming professional development webinars.  Most are free and well worth the hour of time spent.  Looking forward to seeing you at our March chapter meeting.

Together we can do great things!
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March Monthly Meeting
66th Anniversary Celebration

DATE:     Thursday, March 10, 2022
                   5:30 pm   Social
                   6:00 pm   Meeting 

WHERE  Helmerich & Payne, Boulder Towers
               1437 South Boulder Avenues

                
DRESS:    Business Casual  

COST:     $40.00 - Please bring checks payable to EWI of Tulsa to the meeting or mail to Heather Stephen, Helmerich & Payne, 1437 South Boulder Ave., Suite 1400, Tulsa, OK  74119  

SPEAKER:  Jody Davis, Accent Moving, Storage & Logistics/Mayflower

 

    __________________________________________________________________

In order to provide the appropriate seating arrangements and dinner servings, it is important that we have all RSVPs by Friday, March 4

RSVP:  Don't forget you now RSVP through the link inside the Monthly Chapter Meeting Notice that you receive separately via email.

•• Effective Dec 1, 2021••
Firm or Executive Representatives and Individual Members not providing a response by the designated response date will be considered as an affirmative response. If they do not attend the monthly meeting, they will be considered a no show and subsequently billed the monthly meeting fee.
 
RSVP deadline will now be the Friday before our monthly meeting.

February Meeting Highlights

Zoom Meeting 

February Program Comments:

  • Kristi is very inspiring and a great motivator.  Love her positive energy.
  • Very timely topic for today’s world and excellent presentation.
  • The speaker was good, but the topic was average. 
  • We heard about mental health at our January meeting. 
  • Kristi was very well prepared, I enjoyed it!
  • Love Kristi’s energy and how sweet she is!
February Suggestions/Feedback:
  • Please consider offering a way for older members who are still concerned about COVID to attend the meeting virtually when EWI Tulsa returns to in-person meetings.

Member Spotlight

Meet Debbie Burton, Director of Administration and Board Relations for Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma Chapter! 

This month Debbie is sharing some valuable information about reducing cognitive decline. 

Growing evidence indicates that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by adopting key lifestyle habits.  When possible, combine these habits to achieve maximum benefit for the brain and body.  Start now.  It’s never too late or too early to incorporate healthy habits.

1.      Break a sweat
Engage in regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body.  Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.

2.      Hit the books
Formal education in any stage of life will help reduce your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.  For example, take a class at a local college, community center or online.

3.      Butt out
Evidence shows that smoking increases risk of cognitive decline.  Quitting smoking can reduce that risk to levels comparable to those who have not smoked.

4.      Follow your heart
Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke — obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes — negatively impact your cognitive health.  Take care of your heart, and your brain just might follow.

5.      Heads up!
Brain injury can raise your risk of cognitive decline and dementia.  Wear a seat belt, use a helmet when playing contact sports or riding a bike, and take steps to prevent falls.

6.      Fuel up right
Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit to help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.  Although research on diet and cognitive function is limited, certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

7.      Catch some Zzz's
Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.

8.      Take care of your mental health
Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns.  Also, try to manage stress.

9.      Buddy up
Staying socially engaged may support brain health.  Pursue social activities that are meaningful to you.  Find ways to be part of your local community — if you love animals, consider volunteering at a local shelter. If you enjoy singing, join a local choir or help at an after-school program.  Or, just share activities with friends and family.

10.   Stump yourself
Challenge and activate your mind.  Build a piece of furniture.  Complete a jigsaw puzzle.  Do something artistic.  Play games, such as bridge, that make you think strategically.  Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

Announcements

MEMBER RECOGNITION

Tulsa Day Center Event Sponsors & EWI Member Firms
 
ONEOK
Helmerich & Payne
Schnake Turnbo Frank
We NEED EWI Mentors!
Remember when you first joined? Scary, right?
We would love to get a few mentors to help guide our
new members along the way.
 
Please contact Lori Heerlyn for more information.
lori.heerlyn@tdwilliamson.com

Please contact Lori Heerlyn at lori.heerlyn@tdwilliamson.com if you would like to donate door prizes for our upcoming meetings!
Door Prize Disclaimer: MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN! 
Please send any announcements you would like to share in the Connect to Liza Wenzel by emailing her at liza@wenzelcreative.com.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

  • March 1 - Women's History Month
  • March 1 - Mardi Gras (New Orleans)
  • March 2 - Communications Committee Meeting @ 5 pm - 1st Wednesday
  • March 4 - Employee Appreciation Day
  • March 10 - EWI of Tulsa Monthly Chapter Meeting 
  • March 13 - Daylight Savings Time Begins
  • March 16 - Programs Committee Meeting - 3rd Wednesday
  • March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
  • March 20 - Spring Equinox (Beginning of Spring)
  • March 23 - Membership Committee Meeting @ Noon (Virtual) - 4th Wednesday
  • March 23 - EWI Monthly Board Meeting @ 4 pm (Virtual) - 4th Wednesday
March EWI Birthdays

Representatives
March 19 - Lori Heerlyn, T.D. Williamson
March 24 - Tamara Conner - ONEOK, Inc.
March 27 - Johnnye Potter, Sustaining Member
March 29 - Saunya Moore, Montereau

 Executives
March 16 - Dr. Joseph Moore, Moore Funeral Homes
March 29 - Liza Wenzel, Wenzel Creative


March Firm Anniversaries

Firm Anniversaries
JPMorgan Chase & Co...............1956
Mrs. DeHaven's Flower Shop.....1956
ONEOK, Inc................................1958
Schnake Turnbo Frank...............2011
Mitchell Bonds............................2015
LD Kerns Contractors................2017
 
Every year the U.S. recognizes March as Women’s History Month, and here at LiveYourDream.org we’re already making plans to celebrate.

Wondering how you can celebrate Women’s History Month 2022?  We’ve got you covered with 15 excellent ideas.
 

1. Explore the history of women’s rights. 

The theme of Women’s History Month 2022 is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history. If you don’t know the history of women’s rightsnow’s a perfect time to learn!

2. Be aware of issues women still face today.

Although women have made progress, there are still areas where women face obstacles because of their gender. For example, women still earn less on average than men, carry the majority of household and childcare responsibilities, face workplace stigmas and double standards, and are under-represented in leadership, STEM careers, and politics. Plus, there’s domestic violence, sexual harassment, trafficking, and rape culture. Oh, and hiring bias, harmful beauty standards, and the pink tax. Do we need to go on?

3. Download the Feminist Activist Toolkit. 

While over 80% of people in the U.S. agree that genders should be treated equally, only 30% of people consider themselves feminists. Feminism is, unfortunately, surrounded by many misconceptions.

To help educate more people on what feminism actually means, and to show how anyone can take action to support gender equality, we put together this rad Feminist Activist Toolkit, which we’re giving away for free this Women’s History Month. Get yours now!

4. Post on social media to spread awareness of Women’s History Month.

An easy way to celebrate is to share articles, infographics, inspiring quotes, videos, and other women-centric content on your social media. We’ve curated a great collection of shareables over on our Facebook page.

5. Support a women’s nonprofit.

If you really want to make a measurable difference this Women’s History Month, support a charity that works with women and girls in need. Of course we have to toot our own horn here and say that Soroptimist / LiveYourDream.org is helping tens of thousands of women and girls across the globe achieve economic empowerment through education. Your gift can help us create more positive change!

But there are tons of other great nonprofits, big and small, working to empower women and move the needle on gender equality. And all of them could use every little bit of help. When enough people pitch in, a pinch of generosity compounds into a mountain of progress! 

 

6. Host an event to celebrate women.

An event is a fun way to acknowledge Women’s History Month and to build solidarity with other women. Invite your fierce and fabulous friends (not just women, but allies too!). Make it positive and empowering! Some fun ideas to make the event special:

7. Support women-owned businesses.

Women-owned businesses are on the rise, but women still represent the minority of business owners. March is a perfect time to show your solidarity with these tenacious leaders, entrepreneurs, and service providers.

8. Write a thank you note to a woman that inspires you.

A few simple words to acknowledge how another woman has inspired you can mean a lot to her. Maybe they’re a role model, or a friend who helped you through a tough time. Maybe you just admire certain qualities about them and don’t say so enough. A show of gratitude is a meaningful gesture.

9. Write yourself a love note.

While you’re at it, spare a few words of praise for yourself! Women are often our own best critics. Try writing down the things you love about yourself; you deserve to be celebrated!

10. Watch TED talks for women.

TED is such an incredible learning resource. We love to put on a TED talk in the background while we work or commute. The TED website has a whole curated list of videos about and by women.

11. Support women authors and artists.

Give the creative women of the world some well-earned love. We have a few recommended women authors, and a playlist of empowering women musicians to jam to while you work on your love notes.

12. Participate in political advocacy.

Even though women’s rights have come a long way, there’s still plenty of work to do to level the playing field and make sure women and girls have the opportunity to succeed. Pick a topic that matters to you and write or call your representatives to voice your concerns.

13. Mentor a girl or fellow woman.

There are tons of local and national programs where you can become a mentor for women and girls. Our Dream It, Be It program is one example, but there’s also Girls Inc, Boys and Girls Club, YWCA, Ellevate, and more. Being a mentor is a big commitment, but it’s also profoundly impactful, highly rewarding, and can change both mentor and mentee’s lives!

14. Join a women’s volunteer club.

Joining a club—like your local Soroptimist chapter—not only gives you opportunities to give back to the community, it also lets you build lifelong friendships with like-minded women. Nothing is more amazing than women lifting up fellow women to help all of us thrive together!

15. Discover your inner Shero. 

Are you more of a Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a Malala, or an Amy Poehler? Take our super fun Shero Quiz to identify what fearless feminist woman you are, and then get ready to make a difference with our personalized action opportunities to empower women and girls!


EWI of Tulsa to award $10,000 in ASIST Scholarships
Application Deadline:
Friday, March 18, 2022 at 4:00 AM CT

https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarship/asist2022
 
The Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship Program for the benefit of non-traditional students is currently accepting applications.  EWI of Tulsa will award five scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each.
 
The ASIST Scholarship is a non-discriminatory, educational scholarship program for the benefit of nontraditional students pursuing an associates, bachelor or master’s degree, or a technical/professional certificate.  These include persons who are:
  • Past high school age and who are entering a college, university, or trade school and/or the workforce for the first time
  • Non-traditional students already enrolled in a college, university, or trade school program
  • Re-training due to changes in the workplace
  • Otherwise, are not the traditional college, university, or trade school, recently finished with high school
  • This scholarship is open to all full and part-time students, regardless of gender
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • Clearly define career goals and objectives
  • Specify the educational requirements to attain the above goals and objectives
  • Utilize re-entry programs available through colleges/universities/ technology centers, community agencies and service groups or career professionals
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Applicant must reside within the EWI Tulsa Chapter boundaries:  Tulsa County, Osage County, Creek County, Rogers County, and Wagoner County
 
Applications must be completed online.
Deadline for submissions is Friday, March 18, 2022 at 4:00 AM CT.   
EWI of Tulsa winners will be notified in June and invited to attend the Scholarship Program Awards meeting scheduled for Thursday, July 14.
 
The link to the application is: 
https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarship/asist2022
 
If you have any questions, please contact:
          Janis Cohlmia, Tropical Plant Design, Inc.
          Email:  janis@tropicalplantdesign.com
 
 
Note:
Firm or Executive Representatives, Individual Members, and immediate family members of Firm Representatives, Member Firm Executives, Individual, Transitional, Student, Sustaining and Honorary Members will not be eligible to participate in the ASIST Scholarship Program.

In and Around Tulsa!

Top Left:  Gather together at the Gathering Place 

More than a decade in the making, this $465 million park by the Arkansas River has wowed Tulsa. Plan to spend hours exploring everything from the unique playgrounds to the world-class architecture of the Boat House and the Williams Lodge. Activities can be found at gatheringplace.org
 

Top Right:  Bowl, laser tag and more at Main Event

Main Event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is located off the Okmulgee Expressway, between South Union Avenue and West 80 Street South, just south of I-44. It’s part of the Tulsa metro area; near the cities of Broken Arrow and Sapulpa. It is located 15 minutes from downtown Tulsa and 10 minutes from I-44. Parking is free on-site. When you're seeking fun things to do in Tulsa, we've got you covered. You can kick back and relax at our bar, bowl, play video games, or watch sports on a giant screen

Top Left:  Go bouldering at Chandler Park

Chandler Park might not have the massive vertical faces you probably picture when thinking of rock climbing. But what it does offer is a trove of rock formations ideal for the subgenre of climbing known as bouldering. Bouldering, simply put, is taking the hardest line up a rock without the aid of ropes or harness. Instead, climbers free climb, typically with a crash pad below them in case of a fall. The various rocks in the park have all been named, as have the routes from the base to the top, called problems because solving them takes more than strength.

Top Right:  Be a trailblazer

Explore the peaceful urban trails at Zink Park, near 33rd Street and Peoria Avenue, or at the Linnaeus Garden in Woodward Park, 21st Street and Peoria Avenue.  

2021-2022 Officers & Directors

President
Lori Heerlyn, T.D. Williamson
lori.heerlyn@tdwilliamson.com
918-447-5085

Vice President/President-Elect
Tamara Conner, ONEOK, Inc.
tamara.conner@oneok.com
918-588-7902

Secretary
Crystal Black, OneDigital
cblack@onedigital.com
918-497-1170

Treasurer
Heather Stephen, Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
heather.stephen@hpinc.com
918-588-5709

Sergeant-at-Arms
Joni Whitehead, System One Oklahoma
joni.whitehead@systemone.com
918-922-7131

B/C/DP Director
Kelli Gernandt, Trust Company of Oklahoma
kgernandt@trustok.com
918-488-6901

Membership (Recruitment)
Tonya Solomon, ARC Document Solutions
tonya.solomon@e-arc.com
918-663-8100

Membership (Retention)
Gloria McQuade, Burnett Home Improvement
gmcquade@burnettinc.com
918-826-7600

Programs
Tamara Conner, ONEOK, Inc.
tamara.conner@oneok.com
918-588-7902

Communications
Liza Wenzel, Wenzel Creative
liza@wenzelcreative.com
918-270-0316

Advisors
Reta Jay, LDKerns Contractors
rhallam@ldkerns.com
918-299-9797

Trish Richey, Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
trish.richey@hpinc.com
918-588-5140

Kim Bowman, T.D. Wiliamson
kim.bowman@tdwilliamson.com
918-447-5044

Jody Davis, Accent Moving, Storage & Logistics/Mayflower
jodydavis@accentmoving.com
918-251-5594
Our Vision
To enhance professional growth and development within a diverse group of women while empowering them to make a difference as they inspire others.

 
Our Mission
EWI brings together key individuals from diverse businesses for the purpose of:
  • Promoting member firms;
  • Enhancing personal and professional development, and,
  • Encouraging community involvement
     
Our Values
Integrity | Excellence | Respect | Collaboration
SOCIAL MEDIA

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We also have a Facebook group where you can show us your photos from our last meeting, let us know what's going on in your life and with your companies, and if you have any big events coming up!  Share them here!

 

Executive Women International (EWI)


EWI of Tulsa is a chapter of Executive Women International ("EWI"). If you want to know more about EWI including the many development opportunities or connect with members in other chapters, please take the time to review the EWI Corporate website.
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