2025 LOU WOD_Luncheon Program by Girl Scouts Heart of the South

Luncheon

Tuesday

September 23, 2025 11:30 a.m.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

113 S. 9th Street

Oxford, MS

marilyn barnes

Marilyn Barnes is a dedicated and inspiring advocate for the Oxford community, known for her unwavering commitment to education, equity, and collaborative progress. As the AVID Director and Gifted Coordinator for the Oxford School District, she leads with both heart and strategy—helping students and colleagues alike reach their fullest potential. Her leadership in education has been recognized through numerous honors, including Mississippi’s Gifted Coordinator of the Year and the Oxford School District’s Elevating Excellence Award. Marilyn’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. She serves on the United Way Board, is a Commissioner for Affordable Homes, and contributes her voice to the Dropout Prevention Committee. A past president of MAE and a CHAMPS participant, she also remains active in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, where she was honored with the Rising Star Award. Her commitment to mentorship and service has earned her the AKA Community Service Award, a testament to her dedication to lifting others as she leads. Marilyn’s leadership style is defined by collaboration, empathy, and inclusion. She believes in sharing knowledge and resources to drive collective success, mentoring new educators, supporting families, and partnering with local organizations to expand opportunity and access. Whether uniting diverse teams, guiding students, or advocating for affordable housing, Marilyn leads with integrity and purpose. Her solution-oriented mindset, paired with a deep sense of responsibility, makes her a trusted figure within both the school district and the broader Oxford community. Marilyn Barnes is not only a remarkable leader—she is a catalyst for meaningful change, building a brighter future for everyone she serves.

reatha clark

Reatha Clark has built a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in public accounting and healthcare consulting, serving clients from global corporations to rural health systems. As a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, she held key leadership roles in the Healthcare Regulatory Group, Global Innovation and New Product Development, and Health Industries Advisor-Provider Operations. Her expertise in strategic planning, operational improvement, and financial sustainability has contributed to transformative results in healthcare systems worldwide. Reatha’s work has been shared through 23 speaking engagements and published in seven industry publications, reflecting her deep knowledge and passion for healthcare equity. A proud alumna of the University of Mississippi, Reatha earned the Taylor Medal and served in leadership roles across multiple honor societies. Her early academic success laid the groundwork for a career defined by innovation, service, and mentorship. She has also contributed as a board member for nonprofits such as Volunteers of America Health Services and INROADS, Inc., supporting diversity and professional development for underrepresented students. At the heart of her lifelong commitment is her role in Girl Scouts. From her start as one of the first girls to attend Camp Tik-A-Witha, to now co-leading her granddaughter’s troop in Oxford, Reatha has remained a dedicated volunteer. As Service Unit Cookie and Fall Product Manager, she oversees training, inventory, and logistics and has received the Rookie of the Year, Distinguished Leader and Appreciation Pin for her dedication. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Reatha embodies the Girl Scout Law in everything she does. Her legacy continues to inspire both the healthcare field and the Girl Scout community across Lafayette County and beyond.

mary martha crowe

Mary Martha Crowe is a lifelong educator, dedicated public servant, and deeply engaged community leader whose career and character exemplify the very best of collaborative leadership. A proud Oxford native, Mary Martha has spent more than 25 years lifting others through education, mentorship, and public service—all while raising five children alongside her husband, Brad. With a background that spans classroom teaching, school leadership, and district-level innovation, Mary Martha now serves as the Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education for the Oxford School District. In this role, she connects students to real-world learning opportunities and future career paths, ensuring education is relevant, equitable, and impactful. Her efforts have earned her statewide recognition and positioned Oxford as a leader in workforce development. Mary Martha’s leadership extends beyond education. As Oxford’s Alderman At-Large, she takes a collaborative, people-first approach to city governance—building consensus, supporting local families, and advocating for inclusive policies that help the community thrive. Whether working on infrastructure, affordable housing, or youth-focused initiatives, she leads with humility, empathy, and results. She is also a mentor to aspiring educators and young women, serving on the Kappa Delta Council Advisory Board and speaking regularly to cohorts of future school leaders. Her mentorship is marked by generosity, wisdom, and a genuine desire to help others grow. Through every role—educator, administrator, elected official, volunteer, mother—Mary Martha Crowe brings calm leadership, deep integrity, and a tireless commitment to bettering the lives of those around her. She lifts others as she leads, and her impact continues to ripple across Oxford and beyond.

diana richardson

Diana Richardson serves as the Senior Principal of Technical Product Management and Product Engineering Practice Leader at Cotality (formerly CoreLogic and FNC). A renowned professional with a distinguished record of achievement, Diana’s influence extends well beyond her technical leadership. She plays a pivotal role in guiding Cotality’s philanthropic efforts, embodying what it means to be a servant leader—giving selflessly without seeking recognition, simply because she cares deeply about making a meaningful difference. In addition to her work at Cotality, Diana serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County. In 2023, she was honored as the organization’s Board Member of the Year, a testament to her extraordinary leadership and commitment to service. Diana is often the first to offer her time, expertise, and wisdom to others, always seeking to lift up those around her. While her professional success is impressive, her humanity is even more remarkable. She is a beacon of positivity and compassion in a world that often feels divided and dark. Her leadership, teamwork, and service are consistent across both her professional and personal life. Diana is a phenomenal leader, co-worker, volunteer, mother, wife, and friend— setting a powerful example for women and girls aspiring to succeed in every aspect of life. With a servant’s heart and a passion for uplifting others, Diana is a bright light whose presence enriches every environment she’s part of. Her humility, empathy, and drive to help others grow define her as one of the most inspiring individuals you could hope to meet.

sarah siebert

Sarah Siebert is a passionate educator, advocate, and leader whose life’s work is rooted in empowering others through education and service. A double graduate of the University of Mississippi, Sarah holds both a B.A. and M.A. in Elementary Education, earning numerous academic honors including the Outstanding Master’s Degree Student in Elementary Education and memberships in Phi Kappa Delta and Gamma Beta Phi. Sarah’s career has been shaped by her dedication to literacy. She has held impactful roles such as Co-Coordinator of the Center for Excellence in Literacy Instruction summer camp, Co-Director of the Literacy for Life Intervention Program, and Regional Coordinator for America ReadsMississippi. Currently, she serves as a 3K and 4K teacher at the Willie Price Lab School, where she nurtures early learners and models best practices in Early Childhood Education. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom. Sarah has served as a Reading Instructor and Adjunct Professor at Ole Miss, and has presented her work nationally and internationally, including at the Mississippi Early Childhood Association and the World Organization of Childhood Education in Prague. In the community, Sarah is a Board Member for the Lafayette County Literacy Council and a key volunteer for organizations such as More Than a Meal and the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford. Her commitment to service also shines through her 15-year involvement as an advisor for Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, where she has helped raise over $10,000 annually for philanthropic causes and supported scholarship efforts honoring beloved chapter sisters. Known affectionately as “Miss Sarah,” she is a constant presence in the lives of Oxford’s children and families. Her leadership, warmth, and tireless service continue to inspire the next generation of learners and leaders.

erin smith

Erin Smith has devoted her life and career to building a stronger, brighter future for Mississippi. With degrees in Political Science from the University of Mississippi and Nonprofit Administration from Louisiana State University, Erin is both passionate and expertly equipped to lead meaningful change. She is best known as the Founding Executive Director of CASA of North Mississippi, where she works to ensure that abused and neglected children in youth court receive the advocacy they deserve. Her journey with CASA began through her involvement in Kappa Alpha Theta, whose national philanthropy is CASA. After volunteering with CASA of Memphis, Erin recognized the need for such advocacy in Lafayette County and helped launch and expand CASA of North Mississippi, now serving children in Lafayette, Yalobusha, and Lee counties. Under her leadership, the organization hosts numerous events and trains volunteers year-round, providing vital support to vulnerable youth. Erin’s impact, however, extends far beyond CASA. She currently serves as the Ward 1 Alderman on the Oxford Board of Aldermen and holds leadership roles on the Oxford-Lafayette Chamber of Commerce Board, Stonewater Council for Youth, and the Cadence Bank Oxford Community Advisory Council. Nationally, she serves on the National CASA/GAL Board of Trustees and co-chairs its Rural Leadership Council. Her leadership and service have earned her numerous accolades, including Oxford’s Top 20 under 40 (twice), the Chamber’s Outstanding Service Award, and Kappa Alpha Theta’s 35 under 35. Whether she’s mentoring young women through her sorority or leading local government initiatives, Erin leads by example—always with purpose, compassion, and heart. Her selfless dedication is shaping not only policies but lives, making her a role model and force for good in every corner of her community.

mayor robyn tannehill

Keynote Speaker

Mayor Robyn Tannehill is serving her second term as Mayor of the City of Oxford, Mississippi. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Robyn began her career serving as the Assistant Director of Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation. She then had the pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of the Oxford Tourism Council before establishing a marketing, advertising and public relations firm. Being the mayor of one of the fastest growing communities in the state has its challenges but Robyn has embraced these issues as opportunities focusing on proactive planning for the future, development of affordable workforce housing, supporting local businesses and investing in infrastructure.

Mayor Tannehill has been recognized for her service and leadership by numerous organizations including her selection as a NewDEAL Leader – a national group of progrowth elected officials championing ideas to grow the economy, expand opportunity for all and make government work better. Robyn has been named Mississippi Businesswoman of the Year and University of Mississippi’s Young Alumnus of the Year. She was honored by Girl Scouts Heart of the South as a Woman of Distinction in 2013. Her greatest honor was being appointed to the Commission to redesign the Mississippi State Flag which was overwhelmingly approved by the voters of Mississippi in 2021. Robyn and her husband of over 30 years, Rhea, have recently become empty nesters as their children Maggie (24), Jack (21) and Molly Catherine (19) are pursuing college and careers.

katie naron

Master of Ceremonies

Katie Naron is a career educator with 20 years’ experience serving both students and teachers. She is Lecturer of Teacher Education in the School of Education at the University of Mississippi. Before her time at UM, she was a fourth-grade teacher with Water Valley School District. She has co-authored two textbooks on literacy instruction and assessment, and has received multiple honors, including Water Valley School District Teacher of the Year for 2012 and was named 2019 Oxford Eagle Best Professor. In 2022 and 2024, she received the U of M School of Education Outstanding Teacher Award. In addition, she was named the 2021 Sorority Advisor of the Year and the 2022 Faculty Member of the Year by the U of M Department of Fraternity & Sorority Life. She also serves on the board of directors for the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program. Having received her bachelor’s and masters’ degrees from the University, Katie is proud to be on the faculty at UM, where she and her colleagues prepare Mississippi’s next generation of teachers. Mrs. Naron teaches various courses, including education foundations, curriculum development, and literacy instruction. Her professional career has led her to present at national, regional, and state level conferences. For the past 12 years, Katie has taught etiquette classes throughout the state. She is passionate about sharing skills that will assist others as they navigate social situations throughout life. She has volunteered her time as the former board president of Leap Frog, former member of the Girl Scouts WOD committee, served as finance chair for the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford, led a major fundraising campaign for the Boys and Girls Club of North Mississippi, and served on the Tri Delta Chapter Advisory Board for 15 years. She and her husband, David, share three children who attend Oxford Public Schools, where Katie serves as vice-president of the PTO. Last school year, she was selected as Della Davidson Elementary’s Parent of the Year.

Event Sponsors

Kappa Delta Sorority

ambassador level sponsors mTrade LLC

Alpha Mu Chapter

cadette level sponsors

CASA of North Mississippi

Charter Road Hospitality, Inc. Cotality Abi Rayburn

junior level sponsors

Anonymous

Julia & Robert Aubrey

Mary & Sam Haskell

Vicki & Harry Sneed

The Isom Place

brownie level sponsor

Holcomb Law Group Neighborhood Realty

daisy level sponsors

Camille Bianco

Susan Sadler Hayman

Suzanne Helveston

Kylie Scott

floral arrangements by

Katherine Thornton & Nancy Muller

Kelly Weems & Gloria Kellum

Guaranty Bank and Trust

Oxford Lafayette Inc.

Oxford Floral Company luncheon sponsor

Elizabeth Heiskell Catering

Girl Scouts Heart of the South wishes to thank our dedicated 2025 Women of Distinction Committee Members: Julia Aubrey, Allyson Best, Laurie Beth Ellis, Suzanne Helveston, Abi Rayburn, Kylie Scott, Rachel West, and Ashley Wilkinson.

Without you, this extraordinary event would not be possible. Thank you for investing your time and talents to help recognize and honor Women of Distinction in the Lafayette-Oxford-University community and to promoting Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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f i n a n c i a l i n s t i t u t i o n s , m T r a d e ’ s s u c c e s s h a s c o m e f r o m v a l u e s s i m i l a r t o t h o s e o f t h e G i r l S c o u t s c o u r a g e , c o n f i d e n c e , c h a r a c t e r , l e a d e r s h i p a n d e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p W e t h a n k y o u f o r y o u r e f f o r t s t o h e l p y o u n g l a d i e s i n M i s s i s s i p p i r e c o g n i z e t h e i r f u l l p o t e n t i a l . mTrade.com

The

Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

The Girl Scout Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try: to serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Girl Scouts create the world they want to live in and strive to make it better every single day. They explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and can always be themselves, regardless of background or ability.

Supported by adult volunteers and mentors right here in our community, as well as millions of alums around the globe, Girl Scouts lead the way as they discover who they are and how they can make the future a brighter place.

Girl Scouts Heart of the South brings the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls in 59 counties, including those in the Lafayette-Oxford-University area. With your support, GSHS can improve access to impactful programs in Life Skills, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), and Entrepreneurship, and provide unique Outdoor Experiences that empower thousands of girls across our region to become leaders for today and tomorrow.

Snap the QR code to donate to Girl Scouts Heart of the South today. Thank you!