Skip to main content

2025 ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT

Special Business Meeting 
Thursday, November 19, 2026
ReMerge
823 N. Villa
Oklahoma CIty, OK 73107

 

Save the Date | Friday, October 16, 2026 | Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Presentations Skirvin Hilton, 1 Park Ave. Downtown OKC.

Cocktail Reception      5:00 - 6:00 pm

Dinner and Program   6:30 - 8:30 pm 

      

2026 Inductees:  Anita Golden Arnold, Susan Bergen, The Honorable Judge Doris Fransein, Coach Patty Gasso, Sister Barbara Joseph, Ann Lowrance, Sharina Perry

 

Additional information for sponsorship and tickets  : Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame

 

 

 

 

 

Commissioners

The Commission is the voice of women to the legislature. Commissioners are appointed to identify and offer solutions for issues facing women in Oklahoma. There are 30 members who serve staggered five-year terms. The Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives appoint 10 members each. In making such appointments to the Commission, consideration is given to making the membership representative of the geographic areas of the state and the several racial, religious, and ethnic groups residing in the state.

Commissioners

Leslie Clingenpeel

LESLIE CLINGENPEEL

Chair

Leslie Clingenpeel was appointed to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women in 2023 by Governor Kevin Stitt. Currenly she serves as Chairwoan. In 2025 she was elected to serve as Advisory COuncil Chair. She is an activist and advocate for victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. Serving as the executive director at The Spring Shelter, in Sand Springs, OK, Leslie is responsible for leading the organization as well as training and capacity building of service providers across the state of Oklahoma.

Leslie is committed to establishing and expanding resources which offer victim-centered services and trauma-informed programs. Mrs. Clingenpeel has worked in collaboration with the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center through the Office for Victims of Crime to bring training and awareness across the state. She also built and launched a training catalogue and speakers bureau at The Spring and works as a consultant to outside agencies to help establish and develop Human Trafficking responses within their organizational setting.

Leslie serves in leadership as the co-chair for the Oklahoma Coalition Against Trafficking and passionately shares her voice in policy and legislation to better serve victim-survivors. Leslie is credentialed as a Certified Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Professional (CDSVRP) and is known for her work in community education, victim advocacy and community collaboration.

Leslie has a bachelor’s degree in ministry and leadership and a master’s degree in strategic leadership, specific to the non-profit organizational sector.

Julie Dermody

JULIE DERMODY

Vice Chair

Julie A. Dermody was appointed to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women in 2021 by Speaker of the House Charles McCall and currently serves as Vice Chair.

As Secretary of the Rogers County Election Board, she oversees the administration of federal, state, county, municipal, and school elections. She manages day-to-day operations, supervises and trains election staff, and recruits, trains, and coordinates approximately 180 precinct officials. She is committed to conducting elections with accuracy, transparency, security, and integrity while educating the public about Oklahoma’s election process.

In addition to her public service, Julie serves as Special Events Coordinator for Keystone Chevrolet, where she develops community outreach initiatives, coordinates special events, and supports the dealership’s public relations and communications efforts. Her professional background includes decades of experience in communications, marketing, promotions, photography, and community engagement.

Julie is also the creator of the Future Voters Club children’s book series, a nonpartisan civic education initiative that helps young readers understand the principles of citizenship, constitutional government, and civic responsibility through engaging stories. She is passionate about equipping the next generation with the knowledge and critical-thinking skills needed to become informed and engaged citizens.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications with a minor in Art from Rogers State University, an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Tulsa Community College, and an Associate of Applied Science in Travel and Tourism with a minor in Business from Oklahoma Junior College.

 

Erin Engelke

ERIN ENGELKE

Secretary

Ms. Erin Engelke was appointed to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women by Governor Kevin Stitt and currently serves as Secretary. She is the Chief Executive Officer for ReMerge  Oklahoma City’s pre-trial diversion program that serves hig-risk, high-needs mothers facing non-violent felony offenses in Oklahoma County. She has served the nonprofit community in leadership roles for over 20 years at  Calm Waters, Sunbeam Family Services, Feed the Children and World Neighbors.

Erin has traveled extensively around the world, including Guatemala, Albania and Peru and has a heart for seeing children and families thrive no matter where they live.  Erin serves as Vice Chair of the Criminal Justice Citizens Advisory Board, Past President and Advisory Council Chair for the Public Relations Society of America, Past President of the Association of Women in Communications.

She is a graduate of Oklahoma Christian University with a degree in Public Relations. In addition, she is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Oklahoma City. Erin’s greatest pride is her family – her husband, son and two daughters. In her spare time, she is a keynote speaker, blogger, runner and bakes the world's best chocolate chip cookies.

Lacee Sartors

LACEE SARTORS

Financial Officer

Mrs. Lacee Sartors was appointed Commissioner in 2024 by Speaker of the House, Charles McCall. and currently serves as Financial Officer. She serves as the Business Development Coordinator for Arbuckle Memorial Hospital in Sulphur, Oklahoma, where she plays a key role in the hospital’s strategic growth and community engagement efforts.

A committed community advocate, Sartors has served on various local boards, including the Davis Chamber of Commerce and Sulphur Chamber of Commerce, Sulphur Rotary Club and Leadership Murray County serving as president in all of these organizations as well as serving on the Oklahoma School for the Deaf Foundation and contributing to the United Way Recovery Task Force.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Mrs. Sartors is involved in her local church, Crossway First Baptist, where she serves on the praise team and assists with the children’s ministry. Her leadership and service to the community have earned her numerous accolades, including the Sulphur Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award in 2017, the Murray County Leader of the Year Award in 2018, and the Dee Lannom Citizen of the Year Award in 2020.

Mrs. Sartors is a proud graduate of Davis High School and East Central University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. She is married to Benji Sartors, and together they are raising a blended family of three children.

Jenifer Stevens

JENIFER STEVENS

Advisory Council Chair

Mrs. Jenifer Stevens was appointed to the Commission in 2025 by Governor Kevin Stitt and currently serves as Advisory Council Chair. She is recognized for her dedication as an activist and advocate, focused on raising awareness of critical issues such as illicit fentanyl and promoting the expansion of addiction treatment services. Following her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in 2003, Mrs. Stevens has served as an ambassador and advocate for the National MS Society, assisting individuals newly diagnosed with MS, providing patient advocacy within hospital settings, and contributing to legislative initiatives. Currently she is a member of the Executive Leadership team for Women in Tulsa, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Tulsa Republican Club. From October 2022 to March 2025, Mrs. Stevens held the position of Vice Chair for the Tulsa County Republican Party, where she actively participated in a range of local and state legislative projects. 

Emmalee Barresi

EMMALEE BARRESI

Commissioner

Ms Emmalee Barresi was appointed to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women by Senate President Pro Tempore, Greg Treat. She is a family law attorney with a keen interest in adoptions. Her passion for her own four children motivates her in advocating for her clients, fueling her drive to serve families across the State of Oklahoma. Her passion for the law is rooted in a desire to serve. Practicing in a professional field as an active mother is a balancing act, she wants to encourage all women is achievable. Emmalee was raised in Olathe, Kansas before moving to Edmond for undergraduate studies. She obtained her juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2016. Emmalee prizes time spent with her husband and four children and relishes any opportunity to bake or read a book.

Angela Beatty

ANGELA BEATTY

Commissioner

Angela Beatty was appointed to the Commission in 2024 by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. sh currently serves as the Vice President of Programs and Engagement at YWCA Oklahoma City. In this capacity, she provides leadership, management and oversight for all of the agency’s services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, as well as community and donor engagement efforts.

Angela earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 2023. She has over 16 years of social service experience working with diverse clients and has focused her work on addressing disproportionate rates of gender-based violence within marginalized communities. Angela has been given the opportunity to participate in several national initiatives and media opportunities and was recently named one of Oklahoma City Metro’s Most Powerful Young Professionals.

She is currently entering her fifth year of providing advocacy insight on the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board and her second year on the state’s Child Death Review Board.  Angela truly enjoys training within the community because she firmly believes that violence against women will only rise to a level that a community is willing to accept. 

Marci Bond

MARCI BOND

Commissioner

Ms. Marci Bond was appointed Commissioner in 2020 by Speaker of the House, Charles McCall. She is the Marketing Director for AmeriState Bank in Atoka, Oklahoma and the founder of MarciInTheMiddle.Com, a personal blog encouraging girls and women of all ages to live with purpose and passion.

She has served on the Atoka County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Alumni Association Board of Directors. In addition, she serves as a worship leader and teacher at Victory Life Church and serves on various civic and educational boards in her community.

Mrs. Bond graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications & Public Relations followed by a degree in Secondary Language Arts Education.

Connell Branan

CONNELL BRANAN

Commissioner

Rachel Brewer

RACHEL BREWER

Commissioner

Mrs. Rachel Brewer was appointed Commissioner in 2025 by Governor Kevin Stitt. She is a Vice President Business Development Executive with Marsh McLennan Private Client Services National Team. She has over 16 years of personal insurance experience in High-Net-Worth and Middle-Market Space. She is known for collaborating with financial advisors, accountants, attorneys, and other professional advisors to craft unique risk programs for clients. She recieved her Bachelor of Business Administration from Northeastern State University. She earned her LUTCF designation in 2015 from the American College of Financial Services,and her CPRIA desgination from Private Risk Management Association where she also serves on her local chapter's leadership team. Active in her community, she volunteers at her local church and serves on the Board of Directors of Shepherds Fold Ranch, a summer camp for youth in Avant, OK. Rachel and her husband are foster, now adoptive parents of four amazing boys who are all active in various sports. Her family resides in Tulsa with their two Bernedoodle puppies, Tucker and Chandler.

Glenna Hall-Craig

GLENNA HALL-CRAIG

Commissioner

Nancy Crosby

NANCY CROSBY

Commissioner

Mrs. Nancy Crosby was appointed commissioner in 2023 by Governor Kevin Stitt. She is the owner and founder of Like A Boss, LLC., a skincare consulting firm. Mrs. Crosby began her career as an entrepreneur in 2014 with a focus on helping women find greater self-confidence and economic opportunity.

On top of her work as a consultant, she is involved in her community by teaching 2nd grade Sunday School at her church, participating in a local women’s action group, Women Working for Tulsa< and through her volunteer work at several non-profits. Mrs. Crosby is a graduate from the University of Oklahoma with a major in Political Science. She now resides in Tulsa with her husband, three children and two dogs.

Emily Crouch

EMILY CROUCH

Commissioner

Ms. Emily Crouch was appointed Commissioner in 2022 by President Senate President Pro Tempore, Greg Treat. She serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for The State Chamber of Oklahoma, where she leads the government and political affairs advocacy operations on behalf of the business community.

Prior to joining The State Chamber in 2017, she spent two years as the Director of Government Relations for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. She also served as the Public Policy Coordinator for the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office and as a field representative for U.S. Senator Tom Coburn’s office in southwest Oklahoma.

Crouch graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

Dr. Lee Denney

DR. LEE DENNEY

Commissioner

Dr. Lee Denney was appointed Commissioner in 2015 by Speaker of the House Jeff Hickman and reappointed in 2020 by Speaker McCall. She is Co-owner of Veterinary Medical Associates, Inc. in Oklahoma and has been since 1979. She served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 2004-2016, representing HD-33 in Payne County.  While in the House, she served as the Speaker Pro Tempore working on educational issues and criminal justice.

Commissioner Denney served on the Cushing City Commission and filled the roles of Mayor and Vice Mayor. Currently she serves as President of the Federal Executive Board of Oklahoma and as the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association President. Lee received the New Legislator of the Year 2006 Honor, along with the 50 Women Making a Difference and the Leadership Oklahoma Class VII.

Dr. Denney earned her degree in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University, and then went on to receive her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University.

Jessica Grogis

JESSICA GROGIS

Commissioner

Ms. Jessica Grogis was appointed Commissioner in 2022 by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. She serves as deputy executive director for the Oklahoma Tax Commission where she has led development and execution of legislative strategy for the agency since 2020. Grogis previously spent five years as the director of communications and legislative liaison for the Oklahoma Commissioner of the Land Office. She was also the director of government relations and business affairs for Oklahoma Roofing & Sheet Metal.

Grogis served as a field representative for U.S. Representative Tom Cole’s office in southwest Oklahoma. Prior to that, she was the recipient of three Inspector General’s Awards for her work at the Office of the Inspector General Management & Planning Division in the United States Department of Justice.

Grogis graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics.  She received her Master of Science in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University.

Linda Haneborg

LINDA HANEBORG

Commissioner

Ms. Linda C. Haneborg, was appointed Commissioner in 2014 and reappointed in 2017 by Governor Mary Fallin.  She serves as chairman of Linda Haneborg Associates, a full-service communications and marketing firm. As a business owner, corporate executive, women’s and political activist and community leader, she has dedicated herself to empowering women in their careers.

In 2013, she was inducted into Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame. Haneborg is past chair of the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives and board member of the IFA Educational Foundation. A member of the International Franchise Association and the International Women’s Forum, she also served on the U.S Chamber of Commerce Labor Relations Board and the Wall Street Journal Opinion Leaders Research Panel.

Commissioner Haneborg is a graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology, she completed graduate studies at Southern Methodist University. Having served as an adjunct professor in OU’s School of Entrepreneurship in the MBA program, Haneborg is also a past member of the board of trustees at St. Gregory’s University.

Estela Hernandez

ESTELA HERNANDEZ

Commissioner

Ms. Estela Hernandez was appointed Commissioner in 2019 by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. She is a civic and community leader who has worked tirelessly to stress the importance of community involvement and direct participation in solving issues facing Oklahomans at the local, state, and federal levels.

She is a public speaker on the importance of women in business, faith, and family. Estela has been a small business owner for almost two decades, and she understands firsthand the hurdles Oklahoma businesses face. 

In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Stitt to the Oklahoma State Board of Education and Oklahoma Career and Technology Education.  Estela earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business. She has been married for 21 years and is the proud mother of three children.

Arnella Karges

ARNELLA KARGES

Commissioner

Ms. Arnella Karges was appointed to the Commission in 2024 by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat. In 2018, Arnella was hired by the President Pro Tempore to be the Chief Operating Officer for the Oklahoma Senate. In this role, she manages a staff of over 130 people and executes the day-to-day activities and operations of the Senate.

Prior to joining Senate staff, Arnella was a registered lobbyist for the Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association and previously the State Chamber of Oklahoma. In her role as an advocate for these statewide associations, Arnella specialized in energy, natural resources, aerospace, military affairs, technology, telecommunications, transportation and ethics compliance issues.

In previous state service, Arnella worked for the Oklahoma House of Representatives in various roles including Parliamentarian and Redistricting Director for 2009-2011.

Kelsey Lee

KELSEY LEE

Commissioner

Ms. Kelsey Lee, from Davis, Oklahoma, was appointed to the Commission in 2024 by Speaker of the House, Charles McCall. With an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Sooner Pharmacy of Davis, a family-owned business of over 40 years.

Beyond the realm of the pharmacy business, Lee is deeply ingrained in community betterment initatives.  A proud member of the Oklahoma Pharmacists Association, Lee actively champions advocacy and enhancement within the pharmacy sector, fostering improved healthcare outcomes for citizens across Oklahoma.

However, Lee's commitment extends far beyond her profession. As President of Sara's Project, a vital child advocacy center serving five counties in southern Oklahoma, she is dedicated to the well-being of the region's youth. Additionally, Lee is one of three Commissioners for the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitarion Services, where she works to enhance opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities across the state.

Lee also serves on various local boards including the Davis Chamber of Commerce, Murray County Development Authority and Leadership Murray County where she contributes to the strategic planning and execution of initatives aimed at enhancing the county's economic and social landscape. Moreover, Lee serves on the Board of Directors for Murray County Charitable Endeavors and the Davis Public School Foundarion furthering the missions of these imperative organizations.

In 2023 Lee was honored as Davis Citizen of the Year and Murray County Leader of the Year. In 2024 she was inducted into the Davis High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

Shiny Mathew

SHINY MATHEW

Commissioner

Ms. Shiny Mathew was appointed Commissioner in 2020 by Governor Kevin Stitt. She is Partner and Co-Owner of Polston Tax Resolution & Accounting, an Oklahoma-based Tax Law and Accounting firm. Rachel began her career as a tax accountant in 1999. After working as an accountant for many years, she was inspired to become a tax attorney to use her knowledge of complex tax law to help the public navigate the difficulties of tax issues.

On top of her work as a tax attorney, Rachel is incredibly involved in her community. She works with many organizations, including the Oklahoma Bar Foundation, Oklahoma City Charter Review, Oklahoma City Metropolitan Library Endowment Trust, and the Oklahoma City University School of Law Executive Board.

Her love for the people she helps each day has earned her numerous recognitions, including but not limited to: Oklahoma Bar Association Tax Section Chair, Best-Selling Author for “Get In the Game”, Monthly FOX 25 TV Tax Segment Host, Guest TV Commentator on News 9, OCU Law Outstanding Young Alumna Award, and “40 Under 40” Award. She received her Juris Doctor from the Oklahoma City University School of Law.

Shondra McCage

SHONDRA MCCAGE

Commissioner

 

 

Jill Shero McDaniel

JILL SHERO MCDANIEL

Commissioner

MS. Jill Shero McDaniel was reappointed commissioner in November 2025 by President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton. In 2020 she was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt to serve a five-year term. She is co-founder and COO of Indigenous Class, a self-discovery streaming platform highlighting the most successful leaders working in Indian Country today. Her passion is preventing violence against vurnerable tribal communities by organizing and moderating panels on trafficking education in schools across Oklahoma. She has previous involement with international nonprofit organizations, and the US Department of Treasury in D.C. Additionally, she served as field representative for Congressman Frank Lucus (OK-03) covering the northeast portion of Oklahoma consisting of 8 counties. Shero is an eastern Oklahoma native and Oklahoma State University graduate with a degree in international business.  

 

Cyndi Munson

CYNDI MUNSON

Commissioner

The Honorable Representative Cyndi Munson was appointed Commissioner in 2017 by Speaker of the House Charles McCall. She was elected to represent HD- 85 in September of 2015. Upon her election, she became the first Asian-American woman elected to the Oklahoma Legislature.

Commissioner Munson has spent a decade working and volunteering in Oklahoma City’s non-profit community, including Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma City, Infant Crisis Services. She is an alumni member of Leadership Oklahoma City’s LOYAL Class VIII.

A first-generation college student, Munson graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, where she served in student government at the University of Central Oklahoma. She earned a Master of Science in Leadership Education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. In addition, Munson is a 2006 graduate of the National Education for Women's (N.E.W.) Leadership program through the University of Oklahoma, a program for undergraduate women interested in public service.

Melissa Myers

MELISSA MYERS

Commissioner

Briana Ramos

BRIANA RAMOS

Commissioner

Ms. Briana Ramos was appointed Commissioner in 2022 by Governor Kevin Stitt. She is a passionate business owner with a life mission to influence others through various platforms by helping them discover their identity and share it with the world.

She is the Founder of The Buzz Brand, a creative agency based out of Oklahoma City and Las Vegas. She is head of Brand at Clevyr, the host of “Figured It Out Podcast and Co” and Owner of Downing Designs, an up-and-coming bridal invitation company. 

Prior to starting her first company in 2014, she played a strong role in the non-profit world and public school system developing initiatives and organizations dedicated to helping youth live into their full potential through hands on learning, leadership development and entrepreneurship. 

In 2011, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Oklahoma. Currently she resides in Oklahoma City, with her spouse Londell Taylor, their 3-year-old daughter Camilla, and two dogs Pennie and Pearl. She is expecting a son in 2022. 

Brenda Stanley

BRENDA STANLEY

Commissioner

The Honorable Senator Brenda Stanley was appointed commissioner in 2021 by President Pro Tem Greg Treat. In 2018, she was elected to represent Senate District 42. In 2022, she was re-elected to serve another four years.

Stanley was raised in Duluth, Georgia. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education from Georgia College, a Bachelor of Science in administration from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Education from the University of Georgia.

Prior to her election, she worked as a teacher and school principal for over 40 years until retiring in 2016. In addition, she worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Central Oklahoma and a project manager at Rose State College.

Currently she is the chair of the Oklahoma Senate's Veteran’s and Military Affairs Committee. In addition to this position, she serves on the Health and Human Services, Finance, Rules, Aeronautics and Transportation committees, as well as the Education Appropriations Subcommittee.

She has been a member of Meadowood Baptist Church for over 30 years. She is a member of the Midwest City Chamber, the Del City Chamber, Leadership Midwest City and Choctaw/Nicoma Park Schools Foundation.

In 2024 she recieved the Commission's Guardian Award.

Tammy West

TAMMY WEST

Commissioner

The Honorable Representative Tammy West was appointed Commissioner in 2017 by Speaker of the House, Charles McCall.  She represents HD – 84 and is serving as the majority whip during her third term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

West is a strong supporter of local control of schools. She was elected to the Putnam City School Board of Education in 2009 and reelected in 2014, both times unopposed. She served as president of the Board in 2013. In addition, she was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the State Regents for Higher Education during the 2017 legislative session.

In 2024 she recieved the Commissions Guardian Award.

West is an accomplished community and business leader. She completed the Southern Leadership Conference’s Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills program, the premier professional development program for elected and appointed Southern state officials, in 2017. She received the 2018 Rising Star Award by the State Chamber of Oklahoma for her role as a legislative leader in the business community. She was awarded the AARP Legislative Leadership Award and named the Legislator of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Realtors® in 2019.

She was one of 11 select legislators chosen within the Southern region to attend the Center for the Advancement of Leadership Skills (CALS), and she was appointed to the Southern Leadership Conference Education Committee.

Nominated by the Speaker of the House, West attended the 16th annual State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF) conference at the prestigious Darden School of Business. In addition, the Speaker also appointed her as a GOPAC member.

West currently serves on the Board of Directors for RISE, Re-entry Investment in
Student Education and is a Prison Fellowship member. She has been effective in enacting legislation that provides for a victim-centered, restorative justice deferred prosecution program, while still promoting public safety and protecting victims. In 2021, Tammy received the “Bulldog Award” from the District Attorney’s Council for her “fight to improve criminal justice” in Oklahoma. West has lived for 40 years in the state house district she represents.

A graduate of Central State University (now UCO) with a degree in business management, she has owned and operated a successful small business, Wellness Plus, for more than 20 years.

Tammy and her husband, Jon, are active members of Council Road Baptist Church and have three grown children and two grandchildren.

Executive Director

Kitti Asberry

KITTI ASBERRY

Executive Director

Ms. Kitti Asberry has served as Executive Director since 2015. She is the President of the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW.) Prior to that, she served as Office Administrator. From her experience as a longtime community leader, activist and volunteer in Oklahoma, she brings demonstrated leadership in advancing women's issues in our state and beyond. She is responsible for working with the Commission towards improving outcomes and expanding opportunities for women, girls and families in Oklahoma.

As Executive Director, she oversees programming, marketing, events, social media and daily operations of the Commission. She is the founder and CEO of Women Involved N Change (WINC) a network of women dedicated to improving the status of women in civic, economic, social, and leadership representation. She serves as Vice President on the board of Directors for Sister Cities International of Oklahoma, an organization devoted to creating and strengthening relations around the globe. In 2026 she was recognized as one of 50 women to know in Oklahoma. In 2025, she was named one of the 55 Over 55 making a diffenence.  In 2019 she was appointed by OKC Mayor David Holt to serve on the Board of Adjustments, where she served as Co-chair. In addition, she was named Public Servant of the year by The Women of Color Expo Board members. 

Asberry earned her Bachelor of Science in Business /Management, and her Master of Business Administration / Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. She has completed work towards her Doctor of Business Administration. In addition, she is a 1986 graduate of the George Meany School of Political Science and Labor Studies, in Washington, D.C. She is a graduate of Leadership OKC, Class XXX

Advisory Council

Get involved, click on the three links below for information

Process for Joining Nomination Form and Interest Form

The Advisory Council was created and approved by the Commission as a body January 26, 1995. The Advisory Council serves to help the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women meet its requirements. 

Membership includes four categories of prospective members, both men and women:

  • High visibility community leaders who have shown significant support for women and their issues.
  • Resource people who have or could provide significant information and resources to support the activities and duties of the Commission.
  • Representatives from the various women's groups and organizations across the state who work to support women's issues.
  • Any member of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women who wishes to serve on the Advisory Council after her term on the Commission.

Members shall be required to attend at least three (3) activities annually

  • Scheduled Business Meetings
  • Annual Business Meeting and Retreat
  • Commission Special Events
  • Solutions, Initiatives, Strategies (SIS) Women's Summit
  • Women's Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony
  • Assist in developing policies that will improve the quality of life for Oklahoma's women, children and families

Advisory Council Members

Rita Aragon

Jadien Balthrop-Russell

Kathy Banks-Monroe

Melinda Brewer

Melissa Eick

Stephen Haynes

Carol Hefner

Debbie Hogue-Downing

Mike Hoskins

Dr. Nyla Khan

Erica Kiely

Annette Klosoky

Rachel Lane

Mary Larson

Heather Lawrence

Jean Lehr

Emily Longfellow

Pat Martin

Tamar Mazor

Erin Moore

Amy Palumbo

Delores Runnels

Aisha Shah

Dr. Brusha Siddique

Pooja Singhal

Ginger Sloan

Karen Sneary

Leslie Stewart

Matt Varney

DeAnna Williams

Victoria Woods

Adeline Yerkes

Last Modified on Sep 16, 2026