Oklahoma CareerTech state director chosen for Leadership Oklahoma
Oklahoma CareerTech State Director Brent Haken will participate in Leadership Oklahoma Class 39.
Haken will join 51 other leaders from across the state who underwent a competitive selection process. They represent business, education, health care, agriculture, government and nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma.
“Leadership Oklahoma is honored to welcome the exceptional individuals selected for Class 39,” said Jodi Lewis, president and CEO of Leadership Oklahoma. “These leaders bring a remarkable breadth of experience, expertise and passion for Oklahoma. Over the next 10 months, they will engage in meaningful dialogue, explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state and build lasting relationships that will help shape Oklahoma’s future for generations to come.”
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Oklahoma SkillsUSA wins 54 medals, celebrates national officer at competition
Oklahoma SkillsUSA students won 54 medals and saw one of their own elected to national office at the 2026 National Leadership and Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rachel Worthen, a welding student at Autry Technology Center, was elected as a SkillsUSA postsecondary national officer for 2026-27. This is the second year in a row that Oklahoma has had a national postsecondary officer.
The Oklahoma delegation included 402 people, with 257 students competing in 153 contests. They earned 17 gold medals, 29 silver medals and eight bronze medals. More than 16 Oklahoma teams and individuals entered leadership contests, and 71 Oklahoma teams and individuals entered skilled trades competitions.
Read more on the Oklahoma CareerTech website.
Register for the 59th annual Oklahoma Summit
There’s still time to lock in the early bird rate for Oklahoma Summit.
The 59th annual conference will be Aug. 2-4 at Arvest Convention Center in Tulsa. The early bird registration deadline is July 17.
The conference will feature former NFL coach Daron Roberts as the keynote speaker. Roberts is the author of “Microwins: Go Small, Build Momentum and Tackle the Goals that Actually Matter in Life,” “Call an Audible: Let My Pivot from Harvard Law to NFL Coach Inspire Your Transition” and “A Kids Book About Empathy.”
Oklahoma Summit is the annual conference for CareerTech professionals in Oklahoma. Find more information on the OkACTE website.
CareerTech staffer named to TSA Hall of Fame
Tonja Norwood, work-based learning liaison at Oklahoma CareerTech, was inducted into the Technology Student Association Hall of Fame during the Oklahoma TSA State Leadership Conference earlier this year.
She received the honor for her years of service and leadership supporting TSA programs across Oklahoma. Until September 2025, when she moved into her current position, Norwood served as manager of CareerTech’s STEM division. During her tenure, TSA became the largest CareerTech student organization in Oklahoma.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the incredible work of our STEM team, students, teachers, state adviser Tami Redus, chapter advisers and supporters across Oklahoma who are passionate about STEM education and student success,” Norwood said. “This honor belongs to everyone who helped create opportunities for students to discover their potential and pursue careers in STEM fields.”
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