May 2021
 

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In This Issue
  1. President's Letter
  2. May 13 Monthly Meeting
  3. April Meeting Highlights
  4. Meeting Feedback
  5. Announcements
  6. Calendar of Events
  7. Happy Mother's Day!
  8. May Birthdays and Firm Anniversaries
  9. EWI Professional Development Webinar
  10. Pandemic Cookbook Highlight
  11. Members' Corner 
  12. Teach Me One Good Thing About
  13. Board Members/Contact Information
Greetings Tulsa Chapter!

“April Showers” is about to end… or is it?  Well, we can certainly say “Hello” to May flowers! Everything is blooming and it is just a gorgeous time of the year with plenty of outdoor things to do!

At the April Chapter Meeting, we talked about aging healthy, living healthy, staying active and staying connected! What a great Firm Night with Alzheimer’s Association, we heard from Debbie Burton and Erin Powell with Alzheimer’s Association and I really enjoyed Dr. Garrett’s energy and positive options for a much healthier lifestyle!  Don’t forget the 2021 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is September 18th.  You can go here to register:
https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/OK-Oklahoma?fr_id=14720&pg=entry
 
May’s Chapter Meeting topic is “Respect in the Workplace”. This professional development program features Billie Callahan with T.D. Williamson as our guest speaker. Please join us on May 13th via Zoom for this informative session!

It’s that time again!! The 2021 Nominating Committee consisting of Trish Richey, Chair, Lori Heerlyn, Vice President/President Elect, and Jody Davis, Past President, sent the 2021-2022 Straw Ballot and Nomination Form via email. Additionally, a 2021 Cross Representative Listing and a document describing each board position’s responsibility was provided. PLEASE take the time to review and propose those who you think would be good candidates to serve in leadership positions within our Chapter. In fact, if you are interested, nominate yourself!  The submission deadline is Friday, May 21st!

EWI's Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting (LCAM) is our annual professional development conference where members from all Chapters gather to connect, network, and grow professionally through keynote speakers, workshops, seminars, group discussions, and more. Registration is open, this event is September 16 – 18 in Albuquerque, NM.

The Programs Committee is diligently working on the June Chapter Meeting and the BCDP Banquet is being planned in July!

As always, I hope you are all staying connected and I hope to see you on our call, on May 13th!

Sunflower Wishes,
 
Reta
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May Monthly Meeting

When
Thursday, May 13, 2021
5:55pm - Join Meeting
6:00pm - Meeting Begins

Dress - Business Casual

Cost - No charge
 
RSVP
RSVP by Friday, May 7 by clicking the RSVP to our May Meeting below.
If unable to attend, please let us know why.
Where

Connect remotely on Zoom via this link:
EWI of Tulsa Zoom Meeting Link.


Join by Telephone (Audio Only)

        888 475 4499 US Toll-free -or- 877 853 5257 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 201 831 0093
Password: 796343 

 

RSVP to our May Meeting!
 
OUR FEATURED GUEST
 
Topic: Respect in the Workplace

Billie Fisher Callahan.
H.R. Director at T.D. Williamson. Billie has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources Management and Accounting from the University of Arkansas. Billie is an energetic and passionate human resources leader experienced in driving change, supporting growth and innovation while delivering exceptional results that impact long term business solutions.
MEETING ID NUMBER and Connection Information if you are new to Zoom
Please click this link and you will be taken directly into the Zoom meeting without entering a meeting ID or password:  EWI of Tulsa Zoom Meeting Link.
How to connect on a laptop:  Go to  https://zoom.us/join and type in the Personal Meeting ID 201 831 0093 and the password is 796343.  Follow the prompts to either download the Zoom laptop application or join through your browser.  A prompt should pop up to connect you to audio.
How to connect on an iPhone:  Download the Zoom App, open the app, click join meeting and type in the Personal Meeting ID 201 831 0093 and the password is 796343. A prompt should pop up to connect you to audio.
How to connect on an Android/Samsung Phone: Download the Zoom App, open the app, click join meeting and type in the Personal Meeting ID 201 831 0093 and the password is 796343. A prompt should pop up to connect you to audio.

April Meeting Highlights

Firm Night - Alzheimer's Association
Great presentation by Debbie Burton, representing the Alzheimer's Association. Debbie has provided the following information if you are interested in joining her for the EWI Memory Makers Walk Team.

Everyone is encouraged to go to http://act.alz.org/goto/EWIMemoryMakers where you can register to join our EWI Memory Makers Walk Team and/or make a donation toward our team. This year's Tulsa Walk will be in person on September 18th, and I would love to be surrounded by my EWI sisters during this Walk, which is good social exercise, too! I now walk in memory of my Aunt Ronda who passed away last September from dementia. Who will you walk for?

EVERY 65 SECONDS, someone develops the disease.  Alzheimer’s disease is relentless. So are we. Support our team for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.
Erin Powell with the Alzheimer's Association discussing current research.
Dr. Laura Garrett provided excellent information about what we can do individually to help ourselves as we age. 
Not one, not two, but three EWI Corporate board members attended our April meeting. We see you Kristi Emmons Jones, Kathy Scott, and Christine Healy!

Meeting Feedback

Alzheimer's Association
  • This presentation gave a wealth of information.
  • Very informative for us as individuals and as we care for family and friends dealing with this.
  • I appreciated the factual presentation. Felt this was a great firm night employer for a disease that affects so many of us.
  • It was excellent, and I loved all of their input even if it ran longer than usual. Such great information and they are so knowledgeable about such a very impactful topic. Do you know the name of the book that they referred to about the nuns?
  • Erin Powell and Dr. Laura Garrett are an incredible source of information, passion, resources, and ongoing support for those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, their caregivers, and families who are affected.
  • Well informed and great information.    
 General
  • Continue with the informative programs.
  • Excellent programming - keep up the good work!
  • Love our Programs team! You are doing an amazing job of inviting meaningful themes and discussions to our group.

Announcements

Registration is now open, this event is September 16 – 18 in Albuquerque, NM
 
We encourage all EWI Members to register as soon as possible for our conference and annual meeting. This year, members can register for themselves and Chapters should contact the EWI Corporate Office to register for Leadership Caucus training. 

Conference Rates: 
  • Early Bird Conference Registration - $650. - ends June 30, 2021.
  • Regular Conference Registration - $750. - begins July 1 through September 10, 2021.
Leadership Caucus Registration Rates:
  • One Registration - $200.
  • Two Registrations - $150 each.
  • Three or More Registrations - $125 each.
All Chapter Members are welcome and encouraged to attend Leadership Caucus training.

In addition, we will be offering a special purchase opportunity for a commemorative LCAM 2021 T-shirt, which will be available during registration at the conference for pick up by those that purchase one. You may add this item to your registration as you complete the form. 

Be sure to check it out here:  https://ewiconnect.com/page/lcam2021 and visit with your executive about attending.
 

The Tulsa Chapter is proud to participate in a $500.00 LCAM sponsorship! We love supporting our organization!
Tulsa Garden Club - 70th Annual Garden Tour
Saturday, May 1

 
The community's longest-running educational garden tour returns, Saturday, May 1, 2021! Since 1929, Club members have opened their own gardens and arranged public tours to help visitors learn more about ornamental, vegetable and herb gardening, natural and functional hardscape, water management, and lighting. The Tour offers the public's greatest opportunity to enjoy Tulsa's private residential gardens in full spring splendor. Behind-the-scenes or sneak previews of public gardens have been featured. For more information visit the Tulsa Garden Website here
Calling All Volunteers!
 
Ironman Tulsa needs volunteers for the first ever Ironman in Tulsa on Sunday, May 23, 2021. If you have never participated in an Ironman or watched one, you are in for a treat. It is amazing how many people like you and me participate in this event. It is inspiring! Volunteers are a critical part of a successful race and you will be an ambassador for Tulsa demonstrating our hospitality to people from all over the United States and the world. If you are interested in volunteering - link to volunteer.
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 Elizabeth Bugay by emailing her at elizabethbugay@gmail.com.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS

 

  • May1 - Kentucky Derby
  • May 3 - National Pet Week through May 8
  • May 4 - EWI Professional Development Webinar, Leadership with Panache
  • May 4 - National Teacher Day
  • May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
  • May 6 - National Day of Prayer
  • May 9 - Mother's Day
  • May 13 - EWI of Tulsa Monthly Chapter Meeting
  • May 19 - EWI of Tulsa Programs Committee Meeting
  • May 21-  EWI of Tulsa Recruitment & Retention Committee Meeting
  • May 21 - Deadline to submit Straw Ballot & Nomination Form
  • May 23 - Tulsa Ironman
  • May 26 - EWI of Tulsa Monthly Board Meeting
  • May 28 - EWI Corporate Chapter Leadership Call





Happy Mother's Day!

Favorite Memory or a Funny Story to Share 

  • When we dedicated my youngest son before the church and my 8 yr old step-son asked "Why are we donating my baby brother?"! Reta Hallam-Jay
  • When I purchased my first house as a young, single woman, my mother gave me money to purchase a washer and dryer. She knew that I had no money left over after making the down payment. She had been putting away cash every month from her monthly household allowance and gave me the money rolled up in a rubber band when my step-dad wasn't looking. Elizabeth Bugay
  • My mom’s laughter and giggles at the drop of a hat . . . many times laughing uncontrollably with tears rolling down her face. Roberta Montgomery
  • When my youngest daughter was around 3 I was turning 40 that year. When her dad told her we were going to celebrate my 40th birthday she argued with him that "her mom is only 30". I had convinced my child I was still in my 20's for years.... she was so mad at my husband and told him he was lying to her and that her mom was only 30. :) Crystal Black
  • I would often call my mother about something I would consider serious and by the time we would end our conversation, she had the ability to have me laughing about it. Trish Richey
  • My son was about 5 years old. He runs down the stairs on Thanksgiving and says “Momma I love you, you killed a turkey & cooked it all in the same day!!! Colleen Farris
  • One of my favorite memories of my mom was when she was in assisted living. She would ask my husband if I could spend the night. It was so sweet! Joni Whitehead
  • My favorite memory of my mom was she was a police officer and sometimes had to take us to traffic court. When were were small, she would let us sit with the judge away from the eyes of the public. She always made sure we were always safe. Osha Thompson
  • My favorite funny memory of my very poised mother was on a trip home from the lake after a long weekend. My BFF & I (age about 10/11) were in the “hatch back” of the car, the 2 moms were in the front. My mom driving, her mom passenger, our siblings in the back seat. I was doing something that irritated my mom, I would not stop after her warning. She pulled over on the side of the highway, popped open the hatch and went to swatting the leg of who she thought was me.... The rear view mirror caused us to be reversed in reality and she was letting my BFF have it. Of course she was horrified & mortified and I got it double for not stopping her plus my punishment! The other mom was so chill & forgiving, said her daughter deserved it! We all still laugh about it today! Jody Davis
  • We tried going out on a lake in a canoe when I was little at Girl Scout Camp (my mom was our troop leader). We couldn't figure out how to cooperate together to steer so we ended up going in circles out in the middle of the lake. The camp life guard had to take a kayak out to tow us back to shore. We only go kayaking now so we have our own boats to steer. Samantha Schultz
  • When my son was about 5 or so he was at the front of the church Sunday morning for the children's moment with pastor. My little angel leaned over to the microphone and asked if we could just pay now and go home. Oh, and our church service was aired on local public access television. Susan Miller

What is Something That Your Mother Said That You Now Repeat to Your Child(ren)?

  • There is nothing in this world that you could do that would make me ever stop loving you, BUT I reserve the right to scream, spank or ground you! Janis Cohlmia
  • Are you going to sleep all day????? Crystal 
  • I wouldn't worry about that today! Trish 
  • We do our best with the tools we have been given!  Reta 
  • You can't eat the whole elephant at once. Osha
  • Have you prayed about it?  Jody
  • If you want to have friends, you have to be a friend. Susan
  • Don’t frown like that your face will stay that way. Colleen
  • Because I said so and never say never! Roberta

What is the One Piece of Advice You Would Give a Mother-to-be?

  • Pray a lot and develop your own family traditions. Joni 
  • Enjoy each phase of their childhood as it truly goes by quickly. Trish 
  • Take a breath, choose your battles wisely, and don't be so hard on yourself. And they only stay babies for a short time, enjoy every moment of it!  Crystal 
  • Cherish every moment, it goes by way too fast!  Reta
  • Be patient with yourself, enjoy the ride.  Osha
  • Give your children chores, it teaches them responsibility. Janis
  • Learn to be patient. Roberta
  • The days are long but the years are short! Jody
  • Show your children the way to be kind and giving to others. Set the example - they are always watching. Susan
  • When my children would be vomiting & couldn’t keep anything down. I would dissolve Jello and  not let it set. I would give it to them in liquid form for them to keep something on their tummy. Colleen
May EWI Birthdays

Representatives
May 3 - Susan Miller - Warren Professional Building Corp.
May 11 - Joni Whitehead - System One 
May 12 - Felicia Senter - Tulsa Tech
May 17 - Jamie Harrell - TCBlair & Associates

 Executives
May 2 - Terry Spencer - ONEOK, Inc.
May 15 - Terrie Burton - Mrs. DeHaven's Flower Shop
May 30 - Thomas Cooper - The William K. Warren Foundation

May Firm Anniversaries

Firm Anniversaries
T.D. Williamson...............1975
Tulsa Tech......................1998
Tropical Plant Design.....2008
 

EWI FIRM ANNIVERSARIES
Tropical Plant Design - 13 Years

Janis Cohlmia, Representative
 
In April of 2008, Mark (my executive/husband) asked me to join this organization for women…Executive Women International. I thought it sounded rather boring and I didn’t think it was the right organization for me, but that I would go and keep an open mind.  He made reservations to attend the May meeting. That night member after member mentioned the same phrase; “you get out of EWI what you put in.” They all talked about the importance of finding a committee in which to serve.  It wasn’t until I attended the July ASIST Scholarship Banquet that I heard what I needed to hear about EWI. I WAS HOOKED!  I signed up the next day to serve on the committees of BCDP (loved hearing about the scholarships helping better the students lives), Membership (because I wanted to tell others about the best kept secret in Tulsa) and Programs (who doesn’t love to plan parties).  In case you don’t know me I’m a go big or go home kinda girl ;)

Serving on a committee is the best way to reap the benefits of membership. The friendships you make become a bonus for life.  Please send an email today to volunteer on a committee if you haven’t already. You never know, you might want to serve as Chapter President one day, I did. I promise you won’t regret it, I haven’t. Still growing and serving after thirteen years!

Celebrating 37 years - Come see me at the shop!

Tropical Plant Design (TPD) is a nationally recognized design, build and maintenance firm for interior landscapes. Our professional services are available to malls, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, offices and building lobbies as well as plant consultation services for the homeowner. At TPD, we strive to provide professional quality interior plantscape services to bring all of the benefits of healthy indoor plants to your home or workplace.

In addition to our interior landscape services, Christmas decorating and design services are also available. Everything from single wreaths and garlands to fully designed and decorated Christmas trees 3’ to 20’ tall. Each design is unique and designed specifically to fit the needs of the individual client's style and decor.

Established in 1984, TPD takes pride in providing personalized and responsive service. Please call us today to make an appointment with one of our landscape design consultants. 

EWI PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBINAR
 

Leadership with Panache: Inspire, Motivate, and Influence

Diana Hoyt, Presenter

 
May 4, 2021 at 1:00-2:00pm (CST)
Register here: https://ewiconnect.com/event/MayWebinar
 
How do you as business leaders and as volunteer leaders become the best you can be and inspire, motivate and influence co-workers, vendors, and colleagues? How can you truly make an impactful difference? Three leadership concepts, not new, but woven together can indeed inspire, motivate, and influence – whether you are leading a team of hundreds or being a solopreneur. Embracing these three ideas can shift your perspective and awaken a sense of determination and well-being.  
You will learn her three secrets for success:
  1. Understand the role of "why" they do what they do
  2. Create Strategies for being a thought leader
  3. Identify how to be a transformational leader

Pandemic Cookbook Highlights

 The Breakfast Spaghetti recipe came to me via my wedding shower in 1991. I hate being the center of attention and a wedding shower is the epitome of being the center of attention. The thing that saved the shower experience for me was the love of my friends, my mother-in-law to be holding my hand, and the breakfast spaghetti that was served. It's easy to make, is delicious, and it pairs nicely with champagne, coffee, iced tea, and beer! 

The Overnight Cherry Tomatoes was a recipe I picked up from a chef and co-worker at a non-profit in Denver. So easy and delicious and a great way to use up cherry tomatoes since they grow so well in Tulsa. Chef Brandon passed away suddenly last year at the age of 40. Now, whenever I prepare these tomatoes, I think of him and how food ties us all together in love. Elizabeth Bugay
.

Arvest Bank Makes Forbes Worlds Best List for the Third Year in a Row!


The honor is based on customer feedback. Link to Tulsa World Article. Congratulations, Arvest Bank!

Teach Me One Good Thing About...

Ways to Communicate With Your Boss When You're Not Working in the Same Space



This Fast Company article was recently published in the Tulsa World regarding strategic communications with your boss when you're working remotely. Some excellent communications advice. Link to Fast Company article: here.
  1. Be your own publicist
  2. Tailor your communications to your boss's workstyle preferences
  3. Assume and grant honorable intent
Working from Home - Courtesy of Health Magazine

Although many of us have returned to work in the office, many are still working from home or are planning for a hybrid situation in the future. Here are some tips courtesy of Health Magazine and its Every Day Health website. Click link for infographic. 10 Expert Tips for Working From Home

  1. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule

  2. Put on some pants (yoga pants count!)

  3. Create a home-to-work commute

  4. Carve out a designated workspace

  5. Build breaks into your schedule

  6. Eat and hydrate mindfully

  7. Set a time to work out

  8. Join an online exercise class

  9. If your children are at home, get them involved

  10. Set and stick to your clock-out time

2020-2021 Officers & Directors

President
Reta Hallam, LDKerns Contractors
rhallam@ldkerns.com
918-299-9797

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

Secretary
Kelli Gernandt, Arvest Bank
kgernandt@arvest.com
918-631-1054

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

Sergeant-at-Arms
Joni Whitehead, System One Oklahoma
joni@systemone.com
918-836-1900, x125

B/C/DP
Samantha Schultz, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
seschultz19@gmail.com
414-587-2205

Membership (Recruitment)
Tinesa Siebert, Montereau 
tsiebert@montereau.net
918-491-5229

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

Programs
Susan Miller, Warren Professional Building Corp
slmiller2@saintfrancis.com
918-481-7953

Communications
Elizabeth Bugay, Transitional
elizabethbugay@gmail.com
970-305-0279

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

Dana Nichols, Cimarex Energy
dnichols@cimarex.com
918-585-1100

Judy Russell, ONEOK, Inc.
jrussell@oneok.com
918-588-7931

Felicia Senter, Tulsa Tech
felicia.senter@tulsatech.edu
918-
828-5007
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
2020-2021 Board Members + Advisors
 
Sitting:
Samantha Schultz, JP Morgan Chase & Co., B/C/DP, Trish Richey, Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Advisor, Felicia Senter, Tulsa Tech, Advisor, Dana Nichols, Cimarex Energy Co., Advisor, Joni Whitehead, System One Oklahoma, Sergeant-at-Arms, Kelli Gernandt, Arvest Bank, Secretary


Standing:
Reta Hallam, LDKerns Contractors, President, Tinesa Siebert, Montereau, Membership Recruitment, Lori Heerlyn, T.D. Williamson, Vice President/President-Elect, Susan Miller, Warren Professional Building Corp, Programs, Elizabeth Bugay, Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, Communications, Gloria McQuade Burnett Home Improvement, Membership Retention, and Judy Russell, ONEOK, Inc., Advisor

Not Pictured:
Tamara Conner, ONEOK, Inc., Treasurer
2020-2021 Board Members
 
Front row:
Elizabeth Bugay, Meals on Wheels of Metro Tulsa, Communications, Gloria McQuade, Burnett Home Improvement, Membership Retention, Reta Hallam, LDKerns Contractors, President, Susan Miller, Warren Professional Building Corp., Programs, and Tinesa Siebert, Montereau, Membership Recruitment

Back Row:
Trish Richey, Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Advisor, Kelli Gernandt, Arvest Bank, Secretary, Joni Whitehead, System One Oklahoma, Sergeant-at-Arms, Lori Heerlyn, T.D. Williamson, Vice President/President-Elect, and Tamara Conner, ONEOK, Inc., Treasurer

Not pictured:
Samantha Schultz, B/C/DP, JP Morgan Chase & Co.
SOCIAL MEDIA

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Be sure to give it a "like" to see updates on your Facebook news feed!


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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