Oklahoma Parent Leadership Awards
The Oklahoma Parent Leadership Award Program is a distinguished initiative designed to celebrate exceptional parent leaders who leverage their diverse skills and talents to fortify communities and create lasting positive changes in the lives of children and families across the state. These leaders demonstrate excellence in various areas, including effective communication, community collaboration, fostering inclusive environments, advocating for children, disseminating resources, and empowering families towards collective success. Winners of these awards embody the essence of parental or caregiving roles, extending their contributions beyond professional duties to enhance family and community well-being.
The selection process for honorees is rigorous, overseen by a panel comprising members of the OCCY Parent Partnership Board, Oklahoma State Department of Health staff, and partner agencies. Recipients are exclusively chosen through nominations, with up to three exceptional parent leaders recognized annually for their remarkable dedication and impact.
Award Winners
Marquess Dennis
Nominated by Chad Long
Marquess Dennis is the founder of Birthright Living Legacy (BRLL), a non-profit dedicated to supporting and celebrating fathers. Over two years of volunteering, Marquess has organized and led more than 50 events, ranging from Courageous meetings to an annual Love Lottery Sweepstakes. Partnering with the Dream Center in Tulsa, Marquess initiated monthly Father and Me events, as well as quarterly park crawls for families. Notably, Marquess spearheaded the Oklahoma Fatherhood Summit in 2023 and 2024, with the Governor of Oklahoma as a keynote speaker. Through BRLL, Marquess has aided over 400 fathers in Oklahoma, providing mental health counseling, financial assistance, legal support, and transportation to events. BRLL's impact extends through collaborations with entities like Tulsa Educare, fostering diverse community engagement. Local businesses such as Andolini’s and Jay David Jewelry have joined BRLL to honor fathers through the Love Lottery Sweepstakes.
Lynda Steele
Nominated by Darrell Dougherty
Ms. Steele's dedication to children and families shines through her work with A CHILD'S WORTH and Furnishing Fatherhood. From providing essential items to supporting caregivers, she exemplifies a commitment to strengthening family bonds. Through her advocacy, she has inspired others to join the cause, creating a ripple effect of community support. Over the past decade, Ms. Steele has tirelessly connected businesses and leaders to opportunities benefiting Oklahoma's children, while also serving as a Warr Acres Council Member, spearheading after-school programs for at-risk youth. Her numerous speaking engagements and media appearances further amplify her impact. With her multifaceted contributions, Ms. Steele is a deserving candidate for recognition by the OCCY, embodying the spirit of service and leadership.
Deshonna Henry
Nominated by Krystal Claxton
Deshonna Henry's journey exemplifies resilience and commitment, making her a standout candidate for the Oklahoma Parent Leadership Award. Through the Parents as Teachers program, she not only navigated personal challenges but also emerged with valuable skills to foster well-being within her family. As a volunteer parent leader, Deshonna's proactive approach and dedication have positively impacted others, from her involvement in the Parent Committee to her contributions during Group Connections. Beyond the program, she extends her impact by spearheading initiatives like the food pantry at her mother's workplace and participating in community clubs addressing homelessness. Deshonna's involvement in fraternal organizations further underscores her commitment to community service. Despite cultural barriers to seeking assistance, she champions the benefits of programs like Parents as Teachers, embodying leadership and advocacy in empowering families.