We all know her...
THE WOMAN WHO ISN’T AFRAID TO LEAD,
WHO IS WILLING TO SPEAK UP,
AND WHO STEPS UP TO SERVE HER COMMUNITY…
AND NOW YOU CAN HONOR HER.
WHO IS WILLING TO SPEAK UP,
AND WHO STEPS UP TO SERVE HER COMMUNITY…
AND NOW YOU CAN HONOR HER.
2024 Honorees
Rhonda Bear
Founder, She Brews Coffee & Transition Program
Founder, She Brews Coffee & Transition Program
Rhonda Bear, formerly a drug addict, and Department of Corrections Inmate #377488. Today: A restored mom to 3 children whom she adores.
She is a grandmother to 7 grandchildren who will not know the drug addict she was.
She is married to Steve Bear, an amazing drug free man, a business owner and a pastor who supports her endeavors.
She is an advocate for those incarcerated with excessive sentences.
She is the Program Director for Stand in the Gap’s Women in Transition Program.
She has founded She Brews Coffee Roasters & Transitional Housing Program.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Department of Corrections and is recently appointed by Secretary of State Tricia Everest as part of the newly established Modern Justice Task Force.
In her free time, she continues her volunteer status in female prisons across the state where she hopes she serves as a role model. Her message continues, “change is possible and dreams come true but it starts with recovery.”
She is a grandmother to 7 grandchildren who will not know the drug addict she was.
She is married to Steve Bear, an amazing drug free man, a business owner and a pastor who supports her endeavors.
She is an advocate for those incarcerated with excessive sentences.
She is the Program Director for Stand in the Gap’s Women in Transition Program.
She has founded She Brews Coffee Roasters & Transitional Housing Program.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Department of Corrections and is recently appointed by Secretary of State Tricia Everest as part of the newly established Modern Justice Task Force.
In her free time, she continues her volunteer status in female prisons across the state where she hopes she serves as a role model. Her message continues, “change is possible and dreams come true but it starts with recovery.”
Alice Blue
Clinical Services Director, Take Control Initiative
Clinical Services Director, Take Control Initiative
Alice Blue has been a champion of the Tulsa community for decades. She currently serves as the Director of Clinical Services at the Take Control Initiative whose work has made a significant impact in Tulsa's unplanned pregnancy numbers through education and access to contraception. Prior to her current role, Alice has served with the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program, the Community Service Council of Tulsa, and the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. She has devoted her career to providing women with resources and support to make informed plans for their futures.
In addition to her professional work, Alice has served in volunteer leadership roles with the City of Tulsa Human Rights Coalition, the Holocaust Education Council, Iron Gate, the Oklahoma Million Mom March, Campfire USA, Tulsa Talks, and other organizations.
In addition to her professional work, Alice has served in volunteer leadership roles with the City of Tulsa Human Rights Coalition, the Holocaust Education Council, Iron Gate, the Oklahoma Million Mom March, Campfire USA, Tulsa Talks, and other organizations.
Shella Bowlin
Secretary of State, Cherokee Nation
Secretary of State, Cherokee Nation
Shella Bowlin was appointed to be Cherokee Nation Secretary of State in 2023 by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and was sworn in during the Cherokee National Holiday. Secretary Bowlin previously worked at Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) since 2004 and most recently serving as Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Analytics under company CEO Chuck Garrett.
Her deep understanding of the corporate landscape, coupled with her strong analytical skills, have enabled her to identify and seize valuable growth opportunities for CNB, while at the same time maintaining CNB’s ability to remain an economic engine for Cherokee Nation and for the surrounding communities in northeast Oklahoma. Secretary Bowlin’s strategic thinking, insightful decision-making, and ability to navigate complex business challenges have been instrumental in driving the success of the Cherokee Nation over the past decade.
In her role as Secretary of State she leads the tribe’s forward facing government services, while also overseeing the implementation of the Chief’s strategic goals for the tribe.
She has a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Currently serving on the Greenwood Cultural Center Board, and was a 2023 Finalist for Journal Record's Women of the Year.
Her deep understanding of the corporate landscape, coupled with her strong analytical skills, have enabled her to identify and seize valuable growth opportunities for CNB, while at the same time maintaining CNB’s ability to remain an economic engine for Cherokee Nation and for the surrounding communities in northeast Oklahoma. Secretary Bowlin’s strategic thinking, insightful decision-making, and ability to navigate complex business challenges have been instrumental in driving the success of the Cherokee Nation over the past decade.
In her role as Secretary of State she leads the tribe’s forward facing government services, while also overseeing the implementation of the Chief’s strategic goals for the tribe.
She has a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Currently serving on the Greenwood Cultural Center Board, and was a 2023 Finalist for Journal Record's Women of the Year.
Eileen Bradshaw
President and CEO, Life Senior Services
President and CEO, Life Senior Services
Eileen Bradshaw is a Tulsa native and became the CEO of LIFE Senior Services in August of 2019. She began her non-profit career as Volunteer Coordinator at Emergency Infant Services , and moved into the Executive Director role. She also served as the CEO of the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma for 8 years before joining LIFE.
Eileen is a graduate of Bishop Kelley High School. She received her Bachelor's of Arts from Knox College, where she majored in philosophy. Eileen has 3 adult children, and shares her now –empty nest with her husband Steve and two rescue dogs, Ella and Fitzgerald.
Eileen is a graduate of Bishop Kelley High School. She received her Bachelor's of Arts from Knox College, where she majored in philosophy. Eileen has 3 adult children, and shares her now –empty nest with her husband Steve and two rescue dogs, Ella and Fitzgerald.
Susan Braselton
Women's Health and Animal Welfare Advocate
Women's Health and Animal Welfare Advocate
Susan is a Tulsa native who proudly attended Tulsa Public Schools including Barnard, Wilson, and the distinguished school that is Booker T. Washington.
She is a graduate of OU and TCC. Susan has been a travel agent since 1981 and is currently with World Travel since 1998.She married another Oklahoman, Steve Braselton in 1986 and went on to have two children who also attended TPS schools; Emma in 1992 and Jake in 1994.
Susan rarely refused a challenge so with such encouragement became President of Mayo and the Thoreau PTA. Her love for Booker T. can be seen in her previous BTW Foundation membership and the BTW Hall of Fame Foundation.
One of Susan’s greatest passions is the pursuit of bodily autonomy for all where she was able to help thousands of Oklahoman women as the Vice President of Roe Fund and the Tulsa Women’s Clinic Escort Coordinator. Susan has been a long time volunteer for the Food Bank of Eastern OK, Emergency Infant Services, Tulsa Animal Welfare, Tulsa Pride and various other Tulsa organizations. Susan has fostered 28 dogs through TAW and a few with Paws4Pause. Usually spending both Saturdays and Sundays doing hands on shelter work for the City of Tulsa animals.
She is a longtime financial supporter of the Food Bank, T-Town TNR, TAW, Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless, Planned Parenthood, Animal Aid, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, Mercy Sakes 2nd Chance, Outsiders Rescue and Sanctuary, the Oklahoma Project, Feeding the Pets of Tulsa Homeless, Spay OK, and various national organizations. She is a Master Gardener c/o 2018.
In her free time; you can find her on the Heller park Pickleball court, training her two gorgeous Pitties, and hosting many social engagements.
She is a graduate of OU and TCC. Susan has been a travel agent since 1981 and is currently with World Travel since 1998.She married another Oklahoman, Steve Braselton in 1986 and went on to have two children who also attended TPS schools; Emma in 1992 and Jake in 1994.
Susan rarely refused a challenge so with such encouragement became President of Mayo and the Thoreau PTA. Her love for Booker T. can be seen in her previous BTW Foundation membership and the BTW Hall of Fame Foundation.
One of Susan’s greatest passions is the pursuit of bodily autonomy for all where she was able to help thousands of Oklahoman women as the Vice President of Roe Fund and the Tulsa Women’s Clinic Escort Coordinator. Susan has been a long time volunteer for the Food Bank of Eastern OK, Emergency Infant Services, Tulsa Animal Welfare, Tulsa Pride and various other Tulsa organizations. Susan has fostered 28 dogs through TAW and a few with Paws4Pause. Usually spending both Saturdays and Sundays doing hands on shelter work for the City of Tulsa animals.
She is a longtime financial supporter of the Food Bank, T-Town TNR, TAW, Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless, Planned Parenthood, Animal Aid, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, Mercy Sakes 2nd Chance, Outsiders Rescue and Sanctuary, the Oklahoma Project, Feeding the Pets of Tulsa Homeless, Spay OK, and various national organizations. She is a Master Gardener c/o 2018.
In her free time; you can find her on the Heller park Pickleball court, training her two gorgeous Pitties, and hosting many social engagements.
Dr. Angela Hawkins
Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SSM Health
Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SSM Health
Dr. Angela Hawkins is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Oklahoma City and a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She graduated high school from the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics and completed her undergraduate degree with honors from Oklahoma City University. Dr. Hawkins finished medical school and residency at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Hawkins is the founder and president of the Oklahoma Black Physicians Alliance, Chair of the Oklahoma section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Co-Chair of the Oklahoma Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Dr. Hawkins recently completed work in Washington, DC as the 2024 ACOG McCain Policy Fellow.
Dr. Hawkins is passionate about women’s health, maternal mortality, health equity and changing the landscape of legislative policy in Oklahoma. Dr. Hawkins has 1 son, Elijah, who is an Advertising Executive in Chicago. She loves to travel, go to music concerts and festivals, read and take naps.
Dr. Hawkins is passionate about women’s health, maternal mortality, health equity and changing the landscape of legislative policy in Oklahoma. Dr. Hawkins has 1 son, Elijah, who is an Advertising Executive in Chicago. She loves to travel, go to music concerts and festivals, read and take naps.
Jennifer Jezek
VP Division Manager, VSC Fire and Security Inc.
VP Division Manager, VSC Fire and Security Inc.
A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Jennifer is a graduate of Tulsa Community College with an Associate Degree in Business Administration and of Langston University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She was a member of the TCC Foundation Board of Trustees from 2019 until her appointment to the TCC Regents in 2022.
In addition to her work with the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Jennifer is the Native American Resource Group Leader for the Associated Builders and Contractors National Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Committee, as well as a past board chair for the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation. She is also a past chair for Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma.
Jennifer has been recognized as one of the “Best of TCC” Distinguished Alumni, Security Systems News “Top 20 Under 40,” and as a Tulsa Regional Chamber Small Business Connection Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Jennifer currently serves as the 2024 Chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber!
In addition to her work with the Tulsa Regional Chamber, Jennifer is the Native American Resource Group Leader for the Associated Builders and Contractors National Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity Committee, as well as a past board chair for the Broken Arrow Economic Development Corporation. She is also a past chair for Associated Builders and Contractors of Oklahoma.
Jennifer has been recognized as one of the “Best of TCC” Distinguished Alumni, Security Systems News “Top 20 Under 40,” and as a Tulsa Regional Chamber Small Business Connection Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
Jennifer currently serves as the 2024 Chair of the Tulsa Regional Chamber!
Carolina Morris
Director of Business Relations, Utica Park Clinic
Director of Business Relations, Utica Park Clinic
Carolina Morris is the Director of Government Relations for Hillcrest HealthCare System and the Director of Business Relations for the Utica Park Clinic provider group. Carolina also serves as the Committee Chair for Hillcrest's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.
Carolina is passionate about serving her community. She uses her platform to be a role model and provide opportunities for youth through healthcare career exposure. She serves on the board for Youth Medical Mentorship, dedicated to recruiting, mentoring, and retaining a talented and diverse workforce to pursue careers in the medical field. Carolina also serves on the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on providing field trips to underserved communities. She has most recently served as President of the Board, and due to her dedication and support of the non-profit since 2017, she has been named a Trustee of the aquarium's governing body, the Jenks Aquarium Authority.
Born and raised in Palmdale, California, she earned her master's degree in health education from the University of New Mexico. Carolina and her family relocated to Oklahoma from Albuquerque 10 years ago, and she lives in Jenks with her husband, Shelton, and their three daughters.
Carolina is passionate about serving her community. She uses her platform to be a role model and provide opportunities for youth through healthcare career exposure. She serves on the board for Youth Medical Mentorship, dedicated to recruiting, mentoring, and retaining a talented and diverse workforce to pursue careers in the medical field. Carolina also serves on the Oklahoma Aquarium Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on providing field trips to underserved communities. She has most recently served as President of the Board, and due to her dedication and support of the non-profit since 2017, she has been named a Trustee of the aquarium's governing body, the Jenks Aquarium Authority.
Born and raised in Palmdale, California, she earned her master's degree in health education from the University of New Mexico. Carolina and her family relocated to Oklahoma from Albuquerque 10 years ago, and she lives in Jenks with her husband, Shelton, and their three daughters.
Kari Shults
VP of Advancement and President, TCC Foundation
VP of Advancement and President, TCC Foundation
Kari Shults serves as vice president of advancement and president of the Tulsa Community College Foundation. In her daily work she raises money to make the dream of education an affordable reality for TCC students. She is going on 11 years at TCC and is a proud product of the institution as her parents met in TJC’s second class in 1971.
Shults previously worked at Schnake Turnbo Frank for seven years. She has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America for almost 20 years and previously served as board secretary, treasurer and chapter president. In addition, she served as co-chair for the Sutton Avian Research Center’s Wild Brew, Tulsa CARES board member, secretary, and president, and Oklahoma College Public Relations Association board secretary.
She also served on the public relations committee for the statewide OklaX Branding Project, led by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell in 2019. She is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa Class 55.
Shults previously worked at Schnake Turnbo Frank for seven years. She has been a member of the Public Relations Society of America for almost 20 years and previously served as board secretary, treasurer and chapter president. In addition, she served as co-chair for the Sutton Avian Research Center’s Wild Brew, Tulsa CARES board member, secretary, and president, and Oklahoma College Public Relations Association board secretary.
She also served on the public relations committee for the statewide OklaX Branding Project, led by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell in 2019. She is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa Class 55.
Karen Tilkin
Executive Director, CAP Tulsa
Executive Director, CAP Tulsa
Karen Tilkin joined CAP Tulsa in 2008 and was named chief operating officer in 2009. In October 2019, Karen became Executive Director/CEO. Under Karen’s leadership, CAP Tulsa was named “Best Non Profit to Work For” by the Non-Profit Times for seven consecutive years, earning the top spot in 2021. CAP Tulsa continues to receive an annual MOSAIC Award for Top Inclusive Workplace Culture from the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Karen was named a Woman of Distinction by Tulsa Business & Legal News in 2016 and nominated for Oklahoma’s Most Admired CEO by The Journal Record in 2021.
Prior to joining CAP, Karen spent seventeen years at The Bama Companies, Inc., in a variety of leadership roles in both the U.S. and Beijing, China. Early in her tenure at Bama, she launched Beijing Bama Food Manufacturing Co., producing apple pies for the first McDonald’s that opened in China in 1992. Before joining Bama, Karen spent five years in international banking with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company in New York, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Kiely holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University and a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational and Community Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.
Karen serves as Treasurer on the Board of Housing Solutions, Inc. She is a member of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s MOSAIC Advisory Council, the Healthy Brain and Child Development Community Advisory Board, and the Tulsa Area United Way’s Women United. Karen is a frequent guest columnist for the Tulsa World, writing about issues related to early childhood education. Her free time is spent reading, traveling, exercising at the Tandy Y, and enjoying Tulsa’s rich cultural life.
Prior to joining CAP, Karen spent seventeen years at The Bama Companies, Inc., in a variety of leadership roles in both the U.S. and Beijing, China. Early in her tenure at Bama, she launched Beijing Bama Food Manufacturing Co., producing apple pies for the first McDonald’s that opened in China in 1992. Before joining Bama, Karen spent five years in international banking with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company in New York, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Kiely holds an MBA from Oklahoma State University and a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Organizational and Community Leadership from the University of Oklahoma.
Karen serves as Treasurer on the Board of Housing Solutions, Inc. She is a member of the Tulsa Regional Chamber’s MOSAIC Advisory Council, the Healthy Brain and Child Development Community Advisory Board, and the Tulsa Area United Way’s Women United. Karen is a frequent guest columnist for the Tulsa World, writing about issues related to early childhood education. Her free time is spent reading, traveling, exercising at the Tandy Y, and enjoying Tulsa’s rich cultural life.