I feel most proud when I witness my older children expressing their love for people. They already have a heart to help others and are so empathetic towards those they see hurting it amazes me all the time. 

I received a note from an employee that said “I didn’t know this type of work environment existed, I’m grateful.” That makes me proud. When I read reviews on Google of how people love our ice cream. When I hear my husband talk about Boom Town to other people. When my kids do chores on their own, without nagging. 

I grew up in foster care, so with that I’ve had a lot of experience “blending in” to keep the peace of my surroundings at the cost of my personal peace. I think each phase of life has pushed me to have a little more courage to honor who I truly am and find my voice.

I am proud that I’ve built a career amidst always putting my kids and family first. I realize that work, energy and motivation flows up and down in different seasons, but I feel good that I have changed direction in the right timing, continued to grow my communications expertise and pursued what I’m most passionate about.

A mentor in college told me I would never be able to repay him or thank him for what he’s done for me except by paying it forward and mentoring others. That’s how you truly thank someone and make sure the good act continues to live on is by investing in others. 

I feel most proud when my team succeeds. There is no bigger compliment as a leader when your people are growing, overcoming challenges and achieving their goals. I’m also really proud of how I’ve been able to build a successful career while protecting my mental health.

My children are the biggest influence because nothing sparks a widened plain of view better than considering them. Anytime a moment feels too heavy, too hard or too insurmountable, I think of them and instantly find a better way forward.

My children are the biggest influence because nothing sparks a widened plain of view better than considering them. Anytime a moment feels too heavy, too hard or too insurmountable, I think of them and instantly find a better way forward.

Trust folks and they will trust you, lift people along with you, always remember who helped you get there and never forget why you started it all.

Pregnant with her first child, Stephanie became a widow at just 22 years old when she lost her husband in an accident. Not wanting that trauma to define her, she uses her own experience to remind others they’re never alone.

The name of her morning alarm is “time to walk in your purpose,” which says a lot about Maurianna. Whether she’s at home or at work, every day is about solving problems with ingenuity.

In the midst of an isolated and disconnected culture, Vilona goes against the grain by seeking out opportunities to connect with strangers and make fast friends with those who are different from her.

Although too modest to say it herself, Valerie's nominator said she is a doer with incredible vision who never takes “no” for an answer and uses every area of her life to shine a light on others.

Traci believes the most important work of life happens within the four walls of home, but that certainly hasn’t stopped her from radically contributing to Oklahoma City’s business community, as well.

Somewhere between running kids to activities and being a dedicated spouse, Vanessa finds time to be an advocate for all the women in her field and does what she can to leave the world better than she found it.

Although she says her transition from Taiwan to America was difficult, you wouldn’t know it now considering how deeply rooted into the community Veronica is.

Her mission is to be inclusive, collaborative, poised and engaging with everyone she comes across, even the most challenging personalities. And those who know Veleecia would say she’s succeeding.

Viviana often sees what others cannot. That combined with keen listening skills and a respect for individuality and boundaries has helped her solve problems for countless local business owners.

A first generation Asian American, Tiffany knew she was straying from her parents’ plan for her to take a more traditional career path in pursuing opening a bridal shop. But she chose the unconventional and is determined to make them proud anyway.

Taylor lives according to this driving principle: to whom much is given, much is required. It’s the maxim that’s guided her into being completely invested in the success of others in her community.