Luncheon Tuesday, September 15, 2026 11:30 a.m.
Oxford Conference Center 102 Ed Perry Boulevard Oxford, MS 38655
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Luncheon Program Welcome................................................................................................... Natalie Getz Invocation ................................................. Girl Scouts from Troops 10290 & 13659 Presentation of the Flag and.................... Girl Scouts from Troops 10290 & 13659 Girl Scout Pledge Girl Scout Welcome..........................................................Venus Chaney, GSHS CEO Introduction............................................................................................. Natalie Getz Keynote Speaker....................................................................... Kristina Joy Carlson 2026 Nominees........................................................................................ Natalie Getz Closing......................................................................................................Lori Gilmore
2026 Women of Distinction Nominees Dr. Erica Avent .................................................................................................. page 2 Whitney Bolen .................................................................................................. page 2 Kristina Joy Carlson Keynote Speaker................................................................. page 7 Marlee Carpenter ............................................................................................. page 3 Laura Frazier..................................................................................................... page 3 Kathleen Hamilton ........................................................................................... page 4 Danielle King ..................................................................................................... page 4 Michelle Strauss Mason ................................................................................... page 5 Lee Pryor Mullen .............................................................................................. page 5 Dr. Shanika Ward ............................................................................................. page 6 Barbara Mathis Wortham................................................................................ page 6 1
dr. erica avent Dr. Erica Avent is a dedicated educator, mentor, researcher, and community leader whose influence reaches from the K–12 classroom to higher education and throughout the Lafayette/Oxford/University community. A graduate of the University of Mississippi, Dr. Avent began her career as a sixth-grade science teacher in Holly Springs, where her commitment to student success earned her multiple honors, including the district’s Outstanding Service Award and Teacher of the Year. She continued her education while teaching, earning master’s and specialist degrees before later completing her doctorate in Elementary Education with an emphasis on African American teacher recruitment and retention. Dr. Avent currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Mississippi, where she prepares future educators and coordinates undergraduate retention efforts and the EdSparks Initiative. Her research and presentations focus on removing barriers faced by African American students and teachers and helping diversify the teaching profession so that every child can see themselves represented in the classroom. Her work has been recognized through numerous awards, grants, professional presentations, and leadership opportunities at the university, state, national, and international levels. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Avent leads through service. She is deeply involved in women’s leadership initiatives at Ole Miss, serves in leadership roles with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is an active Girl Scout mom and volunteer. She is the parent who shows up, rallies others, offers encouragement, and finds a way to get things done. Dr. Avent’s commitment to education, mentorship, leadership, and service exemplifies the power of a woman who invests not only in her own success, but in the success of others.
whitney bolen Whitney Bolen serves her community as a community leader, mentor, volunteer, wife, mother, and longtime Oxford Floral Company professional whose greatest strength is her genuine love for people. For more than 12 years, Whitney has been part of Oxford Floral Company, first serving in management before becoming Bridal Consultant in 2024. She takes great pride in helping brides create beautiful beginnings, turning what starts as a client relationship into a lasting friendship. The Oxford Floral Bridal Registry has received the Best of Oxford award for several consecutive years, and Whitney is honored to contribute to that recognition. Her commitment to service extends throughout the Oxford community. Whitney has been deeply involved with Kappa Delta Sorority, serving as Chapter Advisory Board President and Finance Advisor, as well as on the Building Committee for the new Kappa Delta house. She currently serves as President of the House Corporation Board. At First Presbyterian Church, she has served as a Sunday School teacher and member of the Diaconate, currently serves as secretary of the Presbyterian Women Coordinating Council and as an Elder on Session. She has also served on Oxford School District PTOs and volunteered with More Than a Meal. Whitney believes leadership begins with listening. Whether comforting a bride, supporting a college student, helping a church member, or encouraging a colleague, she believes in understanding people before trying to solve a problem. Her philosophy is simple: lift others up, “straighten their crowns,” work together, and give credit to those who help along the way. A proud wife and mother, Whitney has also accomplished a personal milestone by completing the New York City Marathon. Through every role she embraces, Whitney demonstrates that meaningful leadership is not about being the fastest to the finish line—it is about making sure everyone gets there together.
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marlee carpenter Marlee Carpenter is a passionate servant leader whose more than a decade of volunteerism, leadership, and community engagement has helped strengthen Oxford and Lafayette County. For nearly ten years, she has served the City of Oxford, beginning with the Oxford Park Commission before becoming Director of Stronger Together, the City’s Volunteer and Community Resource Hub. In this role, Marlee serves as a vital connector between volunteers, nonprofits, civic organizations, and the City, helping people find meaningful opportunities to serve while providing organizations with the resources and partnerships they need to succeed. Marlee’s impact can be seen throughout the community. She coordinates major events including the Oxford Christmas Parade, March of the Mayors, and annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, while also identifying opportunities to address emerging community needs. Her leadership of Oxford’s participation in the NAMI Mental Health Awareness Walk brought more than 20 City employees together in support of mental health awareness and resources. Behind the scenes, she manages an extraordinary number of community initiatives—at one point, 64 projects covered her office whiteboard. A lifelong volunteer, Marlee has also served with the University of Mississippi, AmeriCorps, Girl Scouts, America State Parks, and the American Camp Association. She leads with the same qualities she brings to every aspect of her life: positivity, humility, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in others. Marlee has a remarkable ability to bring people together and help them accomplish more than they imagined possible. She freely shares her knowledge, relationships, and resources, knowing that a stronger community is built through collaboration. Her infectious enthusiasm inspires people to get involved, while her thoughtful guidance helps them discover their own potential.
laura frazier Laura Frazier has built a life and career defined by service, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. After more than a decade in healthcare at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Laura brought her compassion, communication skills, and servant-leadership mindset to Mississippi. Today, as Director of Membership and Community Engagement for the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, she has found what she describes as her true calling: helping people and businesses find their place and thrive. Laura is a trusted advocate and connector for businesses of every size. She helps entrepreneurs launch new ventures, supports established businesses, welcomes new Chamber members, creates networking opportunities, and connects people with the relationships and resources they need to succeed. Her greatest gift may be making people feel that they belong. Having relocated several times herself, Laura understands the uncertainty of starting over and considers it a privilege to help newcomers build not just a business, but a home and a community. Her servant heart extends far beyond her professional role. Laura and her husband of more than 23 years are raising two sons with an emphasis on kindness, generosity, faith, and service. Their family business, Lollipop’s Cotton Candy, regularly supports schools, children’s organizations, charitable fundraisers, and community events. Their home also reflects Laura’s compassion through their care for rescued animals. Her family motto captures the philosophy she lives every day: “Be kind always and work with all of your heart for things that bring joy and for the greater good.” Laura Frazier embodies those words, making Oxford and Lafayette County a more welcoming, connected, and compassionate community.
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kathleen hamilton Kathleen Hamilton is a dedicated educator, mentor, Girl Scout leader, and community servant whose example demonstrates that meaningful leadership begins with showing up and serving others. A distinguished teacher in the Lafayette County School District, Kathleen is committed not only to the students in her classroom but also to helping her fellow educators grow and succeed. She generously shares her experience with new teachers and fellow Girl Scout leaders, serving as a trusted mentor and encouraging others to make a difference in the lives of young people. Kathleen’s commitment to youth extends well beyond the classroom. As a Girl Scout troop leader, she creates opportunities for girls to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a spirit of service. This year, she also took on the responsibility of leading the middle school youth group at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she serves as a role model for middle and high school students and works closely with families and fellow church members. Her commitment to service is evident in the way she turns good intentions into action. Earlier this year, Kathleen organized students and parents to host a Mardi Gras meal and fundraiser for the public. Through her involvement with the Army of Normal Folks, she recruited volunteers and participated in a project to build beds for foster children. She also organized Mission 38655, a summer day camp that engaged middle and high school students in serving older residents of the community by clearing ice storm debris and making small repairs. A mother of two daughters who look up to her, Kathleen is creating a legacy of service that extends to the next generation. She is a true witness for giving back and an inspiring example of how one person’s willingness to serve can inspire an entire community.
danielle king Danielle King is a respected CPA, community leader, wife, mother, and mentor whose life reflects integrity, determination, and a deep commitment to serving others. A partner at GranthamPoole PLLC, Danielle has built an impressive career grounded in accountability, ethics, and excellence. She joined the firm in 2017 as a CPA-Senior Manager, became Client Services Chief Financial Officer in 2023, and was named a partner in 2024. Her professional accomplishments are built upon a strong academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Mississippi State University. Danielle’s commitment to service began long before she moved to Oxford. In Meridian, she served as treasurer for the Friends of East Mississippi State Hospital and the Meridian Museum of Art and held leadership roles with the East Central Chapter of the Mississippi Society of CPAs. Since moving to Oxford, she has continued that tradition of giving back. She serves as treasurer of the Ole Miss Wesley Foundation and has been deeply involved with United Way of Oxford-Lafayette County, serving on numerous committees and in leadership roles before becoming President of the Board in January 2026. She also serves on the Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette. She and her husband, Tim, are parents to two daughters, Emmie and Brynnan, and Danielle leads her family with the same love, determination, and character she brings to everything else she does. Danielle exemplifies servant leadership by sharing her knowledge, resources, and encouragement while helping others achieve their own goals. Ethical, diligent, resilient, compassionate, and accountable, she is a role model who demonstrates that success is most meaningful when it is used to lift others up.
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michelle strauss mason Michelle Strauss Mason is a respected banking and mortgage professional, mentor, and community advocate whose leadership is defined by integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Wellknown throughout the Oxford mortgage and banking community, Michelle consistently goes beyond her professional responsibilities to invest in the people around her and strengthen the community she serves. One of Michelle’s greatest strengths is her dedication to mentoring women and girls. Within her organization, she is a trusted mentor to young women, generously sharing her knowledge and experience while encouraging them to pursue opportunities for personal and professional growth. She leads by example, demonstrating that success is not simply about individual achievement, but about creating opportunities for others to grow alongside you. Her approachable nature and positive attitude make her someone others feel comfortable turning to for guidance and encouragement. Michelle’s leadership also extends through financial education. As a member of her mortgage team, she provides financial literacy training designed to help individuals and families better understand their finances and make informed decisions. Her ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear and accessible way helps build confidence and empowers people to take greater ownership of their financial futures. Whether mentoring a colleague, educating a family, or encouraging a young woman to believe in her own potential, Michelle approaches each opportunity with patience, enthusiasm, and compassion. She fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within her organization, encouraging colleagues to support one another and serve clients with integrity and excellence.
lee pryor mullen Lee Pryor Mullen is a lifelong educator, mentor, learner, and advocate for children whose influence has reached thousands of students across the nation. A National Board Certified Teacher in English Language Arts, Lee has spent more than three decades teaching and leading in Texas, California, and Mississippi. She earned degrees in English and journalism from the University of Mississippi and has built a career defined not only by exceptional teaching, but by her commitment to helping students and fellow educators discover their potential. Since returning to Mississippi and planting roots in Oxford in 2013, Lee has become a beloved member of the Oxford School District. She has taught English Language Arts across multiple grade levels and courses while serving as a Professional Learning Community leader, instructional coach, mentor teacher, teacher advisor, and Broadcast team advisor. Her dedication to her colleagues and students earned her the 2021–2022 Oxford High School Teacher of the Year honor. In Fall 2026, she will be teaching sixth-grade English Language Arts at Oxford Intermediate School. Lee’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout her career, she has advised newspaper, yearbook, Challenge Bowl, and broadcast programs, intentionally giving students opportunities to develop leadership skills and prepare for their futures. Since 2017, she has also served as a Teacher Consultant with the University of Mississippi Writing Project, contributing to literacy leadership and programs for young journalists. A former Girl Scout herself, Lee understands the power of mentorship and service. She helped establish a Girl Scout troop for her daughters when one was not available, ensuring other girls could experience the same opportunities she valued growing up.
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dr. shanika ward Dr. Shanika Ward is a passionate advocate, educator, nonprofit leader, and community servant whose work is centered on strengthening families, expanding access to resources, and creating opportunities for people who are too often overlooked. In 2025, she founded Empower Advocacy Oxford, a nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, education, mentorship, resource navigation, and community support for individuals with special needs, vulnerable residents, underserved families, and others facing barriers to assistance. As Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Ward transforms knowledge into practical resources and opportunities. Her initiatives address educational transitions, neurodiversity, emergency assistance, scholarships, workforce readiness, civic education, reentry support, food insecurity, financial empowerment, and family resource navigation. Through Setting Up Success, she helps students and families navigate important educational transitions while building skills in organization, self-advocacy, and confidence. Her EmpowerED scholarship programming helps families understand financial aid and college-readiness opportunities, while her reentry efforts provide practical support to individuals rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Dr. Ward’s leadership extends throughout the Oxford community. She has served as Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Oxford–North Mississippi, promoting voter education, youth civic engagement, voter registration, candidate forums, and naturalization ceremonies. She also serves on numerous community boards and committees, including the Lafayette County Literacy Council, Doors of Hope Transition Ministry, Leadership Lafayette, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council of North Mississippi. She made history as the first African American president of the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford. Her commitment to service was especially visible during Winter Storm Fern, when she helped coordinate volunteers, churches, and community organizations across more than 20 distribution sites, including historically Black churches, to aid families in crisis.
barbara mathis wortham Barbara Mathis Wortham is a lifelong educator, mentor, artist, mother, and community servant whose story is one of resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. For more than 30 years, Barbara has dedicated her career to teaching in alternative education settings, drawn to these environments because of her ability to understand and connect with students who have faced significant obstacles. Her teaching experience has also included adult education and working with incarcerated individuals, always with the goal of helping people recognize their potential and create new possibilities for their futures. At the Oxford Learning Center, Barbara now serves as Director, a role she assumed during the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year. Through social-emotional learning discussions, she openly shares experiences from her own childhood and challenges to teach students about resilience, accountability, perseverance, and the importance of putting in the work necessary to achieve their goals. She demonstrates that leadership is not simply a position—it is the ability to inspire others through your actions. Barbara’s own commitment to lifelong learning is a powerful example. During the COVID-19 lockdown, she pursued an Educational Specialist degree in leadership simply to prove to herself that she could do it. Her determination has earned her numerous teaching and community service honors, including Teacher of the Year, multiple Teacher of the Month recognitions, and a service award from the Lafayette County Literacy Council’s ABLE program. Outside education, Barbara brings the same courage and creativity to the arts. A member of the Lafayette County Theatre program, she has performed in numerous productions to rave reviews and recently directed her first play—demonstrating once again her willingness to embrace a new challenge and discover what she can accomplish. A devoted member of Oxford First United Methodist Church, Barbara worships, sings in the choir, and works with youth. As a mother and grandmother, she brings the same commitment to family and community into every aspect of her life.
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kristina joy carlson
Keynote Speaker
Kristina Joy Carlson is an entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, mentor, and community leader whose life reflects resilience, purpose, and an extraordinary commitment to helping others thrive. With more than 30 years of experience in fundraising consulting, Kristina has built a distinguished career helping philanthropic organizations raise resources, strengthen their boards, and advance their missions. She has held leadership roles with Ketchum, Fundraising INFO.com, and Carter Global and Associates, where she ultimately generated 60% of the firm’s business. She also co-founded Transformational Development Counsel with her late husband, Douglass Alexander, and co-authored a respected book on fundraising. In January 2024, Kristina and her partner launched Outrageous Kindness, a company and movement that combines kindness, innovation, and data to imagine a better future. Through her book Outrageous Kindness, she shares a practical philosophy for living intentionally and pursuing meaningful goals. Kristina’s leadership has been shaped not only by professional success, but by profound personal challenges. After facing cancer and the illness and death of her husband, she rebuilt her physical and mental strength while continuing to care for her family and encourage others. After moving to Oxford, she became certified in Pilates, Gyrotonic, and barre and founded Ice Core Fitness, creating a community that encouraged women and girls to prioritize strength, wellness, and confidence. Her commitment to Oxford extends to the arts and nonprofit community. As president of the Oxford Film Festival board, she helped expand community involvement, sponsorships, and the festival’s reach. She has also shared her Outrageous Kindness philosophy through workshops and nonprofit fundraising mentorship. Kristina’s KIND Method captures her approach to leadership: Know More, Impact, Navigate, Deliver. She seeks knowledge, acts with purpose, finds a path forward, and follows through. Creative, courageous, determined, positive, and adventurous, Kristina demonstrates that true leadership is not simply about achievement—it is about using what you have learned to help others believe in what is possible.
natalie getz Master of Ceremonies Natalie is a 7th grade student at Oxford Middle School. She participates in theater, softball, and student council, and plays the viola in the orchestra. Natalie has been a Girl Scout for 7 years. Her favorite things about Girl Scouts are getting together with her troop, going on camping trips, and taking a babysitting class. Natalie has attended Camp Tik-A-Witha Girl Scout camp for the last 4 summers and her favorite sessions have been horse camp and cooking camp. She loves camp so much that she aspires to be a camp counselor one day. In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, crafting, and jewelry making.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Julia & Robert Aubrey
Grantham Poole, PLLC congratulates
Danielle King
Vicki & Harry Sneed
Oxford First UMC congratulates
Barbara Wortham
NEW redeem points in the app for dollars off groceries or save on fuel at the pump.
Proud to serve as Ambassador Sponsor of the 2026 Women of Distinction Luncheon
As a Mississippi company serving many of the world’s largest financial institutions, mTrade’s success has come from values similar to those of the Girl Scouts: courage, confidence, character, leadership, and entrepreneurship. We thank you for your efforts to help young ladies in Mississippi recognize their full potential. mTrade.com
Inspirer Level Sponsors Anonymous Guaranty Bank and Trust Stronger Together Oxford
Thank you to Oxford Floral for graciously providing today’s lovely centerpieces.
The research is in:
The conditions today’s girls are navigating are no longer exceptions. They are the new baseline.
For more information, see Girl Scouts of the USA’s 2026 State of the Girl Report. Snap the QR or visit http://bit.ly/4csxqCt
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! www.girlscoutshs.org
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