OCTOBER 2025

FLAVORFUL FALL FOODS WOMEN WHO MOVE THE CITY

HONORING, EMPOWERING AND RAISING UP REMARKABLE WOMEN IN THE 405

38 Women Who Move the City

These remarkable women all give of themselves to strengthen and improve our community. We’re pleased to honor them and share their stories.

Special advertising section: Exceptional leaders who inspire by example through their commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.

PUBLISHER

Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com

ART DIRECTOR

Jarred Schuetze jarred@405magazine.com

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Alexa Rodriguez alexa.rodriguez@405magazine.com

DIGITAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Emma Rowland

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Vanda Holland vanda.holland@405magazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Alexis LaMons alexis.lamons@405magazine.com

HOME SECTION EDITOR

Evie Klopp Holzer

COPY EDITOR

Steve Gill

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Shea Alan

Ely Fair

Kimberly Martin

Rachel Maucieri

Charlie Neuenschwander

Sara Stewart

Shevaun Williams

CONTRIBUTORS

Lavinia Creswa

Kristen Grace

Bennett Hill

Matt Kirouac

Linda Miller

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The Glimmer of October

Welcome to the 405 Magazine team’s favorite annual issue—as well as, in my opinion, the best month of the year!

October always hits all the right notes. The weather in Oklahoma is typically lovely with the fall foliage putting on a spectacularly colorful show; the dense heat has usually passed and the harsh, chilling winds have yet to arrive. Families have settled into the rhythms of school and everyone is enthusiastic about the approaching holidays but the stress of the packed schedules hasn’t yet hit. That leaves us in the most wonderful season of harvest.

I recently read about the concept of “glimmer,” essentially the opposite of “trigger.” Instead of prompting internal states of distress, it provides your nervous system with feelings of safety, wonder, joy, happiness, love and/ or hope—a small moment or experience that happens effortlessly in our day-to-day lives. October feels like one long off-and-on glimmer. I have been experiencing a lot of those wonderful and magical moments recently. Very few things we work on at 405 Magazine are more inspirational and important than our annual women’s issue, HER. The HER awards are for Honoring, Empowering and Raising up remarkable women. This is my fifth year going through the HER process of reading the hundreds of powerful community submissions, selecting the honorees, having a glamorous photoshoot and telling the women’s dynamic stories.

We held the shoot this year at what might be the most beautiful location in the state: The Baumberhof. The owner of the

BEHIND THE SCENES

European-inspired homestead turned wedding venue, Sharon Hahn, could not have been more accommodating, and I found myself never wanting to leave the lovely property. We knew attempting an outdoor HER shoot during the month of August would be risky, but photographer Shevaun Williams is always up for an adventure and a challenge. We are also so thankful to our partners at Bella Rose Bridal, BC Clark and MarloHaus for getting the women gorgeous and ready for their cover shots.

This year’s honorees will leave you speechless. They help make Oklahoma City what it is and life better for so many around them. I cried reading Evie Klopp Holzer and Kristen Grace’s writeups of each woman, and am so inspired and empowered by the strength and tenacity in their stories (pg. 24).

Thank you to all of the people who took the time to submit a woman for consideration. We read every single entry, and we are so thankful for you and join you in admiring the women in your life.

Also in this issue we have our powerhouse section Women Who Move the City. Read all about the hard-working women in the 405 who lead our community through their entrepreneurial spirit and vitality (pg. 38).

We are excited to introduce you to a team of sisters changing the pizza game (pg. 62), walk you through a dreamy design spread (pg. 20) and inspire your next cozy fall meal with loved ones (pg. 54).

I hope this issue finds you surrounded by falling golden leaves and moments of glimmer!

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

Life feels lighter when your mind is in balance. ExoMind is a next-generation transcrainial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy that uses gentle magnetic pulses to “reset” brain pathways—helping you feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself.

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Her Style, Her Way

Looks to complete with individual taste

BY BENNETT HILL

In the time of #OOTD’s, endless brand collabs, influencer hauls and the same shirt recycled across infinite feeds, it feels as though we have lost touch with individuality. So, where do we find the balance of self-expression and being on-trend? The answer lies within the question: SELF-expression. Those platform Mary Janes you love that are straight out of a ’90s flick? Throw them with a leather midi skirt and fuse your femininity with the grunge we all possess. Accessories are another way to add a personal touch to your fit. Think an arachnid brooch pinned on the faux fur coat in your closet (because mob-wife aesthetic isn’t leaving any time soon) or a one-of-a-kind bag hand-crafted from previously loved pieces by Sydnie Banks. Let your outfit represent you in all of your authenticity, because that is when your look is truly complete.

Dress for Success 10-Year Celebration

PHOTOS BY PHOEBE DAO-DOUGLAS

Dress for Success Oklahoma City had plenty to celebrate at its 10-year anniversary—the non-profit has served more than 2,500 OKC women over the decade. Haus Salon + Extension Bar, OKSEW, The Formal Niche Bridal & Formal, Macy’s and Walmart helped clients get stage-ready as they presented a fashion show. Guests were treated to a reception with silent auction, dinner and entertainment, and Caitlin Crosby of The Giving Keys delivered the evening’s keynote presentation.

The Design Studio by Mathis Home with Becki Owens

PHOTOS

BY

ELY FAIR

Oklahoma City welcomed a fresh dose of West Coast cool as The Design Studio by Mathis Home hosted an intimate evening with Southern California-based designer Becki Owens. The event, held at the brand’s flagship showroom, celebrated the recent rollout of Owens’ exclusive laid-back luxury furniture collection. Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, drinks, limited edition bags, major prizes and design inspiration throughout the showroom. Vendors included Trochtas, 34 Bar & Bistro, Justin Thompson Catering, Marianne’s Rentals, MVP Photo Booth and All Out DJ.

38th Annual Dean A. McGee Awards

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership honored four visionary leaders whose extraordinary contributions have helped shape the future of downtown: Mark Beffort, Chad Huntington, Richard McKown and Gene Rainbolt. The 38th annual Dean A. McGee Awards were held at The Skirvin Hilton Hotel. The black-tie event had a reception, dinner, awards program and after party. This year’s event co-chairs were Jim Couch and Deborah McAuliffe Senner. Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership President & CEO Jennifer Nakayama delivered the State of Downtown address.

DIRT

ERIC URBACH

Custom event company Refined Planning by Amber Gates hosted a Red Dirt Southern country-themed event as part of its Modern-day Speakeasy series. The hootenanny of a night was held at Twelve Oaks Ranch and included horses, planting and hat-making stations, line dancing and live music with Erin Michelle. The open bar was provided by The Wine Barrel & Urbach Wine, and the festivities were catered by Barbells & BBQ with dessert party favors from Millie’s Table.

The Scoop on Protein

How much is enough, and what kind?

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

aintaining a balanced diet can be challenging for everyone, and there is a lot of differing information available on what that means. One key part of every diet is protein. As you stroll the grocery store aisles, packaging boasts how many grams of protein are in each serving. Influencers are constantly promoting protein shakes and snacks, and the word just seems to be everywhere. But how do you know how much protein you should have in a day? We spoke with Tiffany Nicar, registered and licensed dietitian and owner of Balanced Nutrition Counseling, to get the scoop on protein.

“For most healthy adults, protein needs are not dramatically different for men versus women,” Nicar said. “The amount one needs is based on body weight, not gender.” So, to learn exactly how much protein you need, grab your calculator.

The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 0.8 gram per kilogram of body weight per day. Take your weight in pounds and divide by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms. Then, multiply that by 0.8 to find the total grams of protein you should be consuming daily. For example, a 150-pound person would weigh 68 kilograms and would only need 54 grams of protein by this standard.

As a dietitian for 18 years, Nicar disagrees with this model. “Many experts believe that this formula is too low, especially for adults over 50, because it may not be enough to maintain muscle mass and bone health,” she said. “I typically recommend that adults over the age of 50 aim for at least 1.2 grams per kilogram.” So that same 150-pound person would have the goal of 82 grams of protein a day.

Using the same equation, Nicar also had even more specific recommendations. For individuals trying to lose weight, or those using

a GLP-1 medication, have the goal of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram. To maintain your current weight, the goal would be 1 to 1.2 grams per kilogram. And to gain muscle, shoot for 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram.

“If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 30, use your adjusted body weight for these calculations rather than your actual weight,” Nicar said. There are several calculators available online to calculate both your BMI and adjusted body weight.

Now that we know how much protein we need, is there a specific type of protein that is better for us? Nicar explained, “Animal proteins tend to be more bioavailable, so they

are absorbed more efficiently by the body. That said, plant proteins are still important for overall health, and variety is key.”

But what about protein powders, shakes and bars? “These can be convenient, especially when you are on the go,” Nicar said. “Whey protein isolate is one of the most efficiently absorbed forms of protein. I usually suggest limiting these supplements to one a day so there’s still plenty of room for whole foods.”

As far as when you should eat protein, Nicar suggested spreading your protein intake evenly across all meals and snacks. “This will provide better satiety, more balanced blood sugar and steadier energy.”

THE PROTEIN EQUATION

It is actually not that difficult to get enough protein throughout the day: Nicar suggested Greek yogurt with berries for breakfast for about 20 grams of protein. A grain bowl with four ounces of chicken for lunch is 31 grams of protein. A mid-afternoon snack of string cheese is seven grams of protein and helps you avoid feeling overly hungry before dinner. Add a dinner of four ounces of salmon, vegetables and quinoa and you will total 83 grams of protein in one day.

Peripheral Neuropathy: The Game-Changer

You’ve Been Waiting

“MY FEET FEEL LIKE THEY’RE ON FIRE.”

For

“EACH STEP FEELS LIKE I’M WALKING THROUGH WET PAINT.”

“I LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR THAT I’LL FALL.”

“I CAN’T SLEEP, MY HANDS AND FEET TINGLE ALL NIGHT.”

What do all of these people have in common? They suffer from peripheral neuropathy. It’s estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy. Unfortunately this figure may be signficantly higher as the disease is often misdiagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms.

Toni Twitty of Be Well Acupuncture in Edmond, OK shares this belief. “I’ve been treating neuropathy, in all its various forms, for over a decade and so often my patients come to me because of the symptoms not because of a diagnosis. They saw one of my television specials, or read a testimonial of another patient and say to themselves, ‘Hey, I feel the same thing.”

Betty M. of Oklahoma City testified to this, “I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood. I was so envious- I kept thinking, ‘I would give anything just to walk again.’ My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription. I was so depressed.”

Fortunately, Betty would eventually see a review of Toni Twitty talking about similar symptoms and how she offers a real solution at Be Well Acupuncture. “I just knew I had to see her. She was my last hope.”

“Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Betty’s. They’ve been everywhere else. They’ve been told there is no hope. They’ve been told, ‘It’s just part of getting older,’” shares Brooke, a Patient Care Technician at Be Well Acupuncture. “It just breaks my heart but I know that we can help people like Betty so I’m always

so happy when they walk through our door.”

Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a grim reality; Western medicine declares there is no solution while costly alternative therapies carry huge price tags and offer little to no resolve. Which is why Toni Twitty and the staff at Be Well pride themselves on being, “the last resort with the best results.”

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves. This damage is commonly caused by low blood flow in the hands and feet. Low blood flow results in lack of nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitating. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate they will continue to do so until they completely expire, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues. “In this case the absence of pain is not a good thing,” shares Dr. Toni. “This usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread.”

So how exactly is Dr. Toni able to reverse the effects of this degenerative disease? “Acupuncture has been used to increase blood flow for thousands of years. It helps get the nutrients to the nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. This is tech that was orginally developed by NASA to expedite recovering and healing.”

“I just can’t say enough about Be Well,” Betty shared joyfully. “My husband and I moved here 3 years ago to be near our grandchildren. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. I couldn’t keep up. Yesterday I walked

around the park with him! Next week we’re taking the grandkids with us! I am truly living life these days.”

“According to Betty’s test results, she has seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients,” shares Paige. “But more important than those test results is the joy she’s expressed being here and hearing about all the amazing things she’s able to do because she feels great!”

By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions, Be Well Acupuncture has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the effects of neuropathy. She starts each patient with an initial consultation during which a sensory exam is performed. “This not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to define just how much nerve damage has occurred,” tells the doctor. “This is important because if a patient has suffered more than 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I’m familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine.”

When it somes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of full recovery.

If you or someone you love are suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or “pins and needles” or you’ve recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options. There is hope.

Call 405-697-5121 to schedule an initial consultation or visit bewellokc.com to read more incredible success stories.

Once a quiet tree farm, The Baumberhof has evolved into a captivating venue defined by ivy-covered stone, orchard breezes, and a peaceful swimming pool that becomes a mirrored wedding aisle. A starlit glass conservatory and a hidden wine cellar adds to its magic. As a family-owned and operated business every detail, every decision, is touched by the hands of someone who loves this place. When guests are here, time slows. Love lingers in the air, the soil, and the trees. It’s a kind of luxury that’s deeply personal –and entirely unforgettable.

Mediterranean Magnificence

This Nichols Hills home is a highlight of the Oct. 19 Alliance Kitchen Tour

BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

ven among the five spectacular homes featured on the Alliance Kitchen Tour on Oct. 19, the Bollenbach family residence is a standout, blending the best of modern and Mediterranean design. Brooke and Kurt Bollenbach were intentional about the design direction for their new Nichols Hills family home — and it shows.

“When Kurt and I initially started thinking about building, we went through all the different styles and possibilities,” Brooke Bollenbach said. “Growing up in Tulsa, there was a Mediterranean home in the neighborhood that was always my favorite home. That style has stuck with me since I was a little girl, and this is sort of our version — a more modern version — of that home.”

The Bollenbachs also have a Greek heritage, another reason Mediterranean design resonates with them. To achieve their vision, the couple enlisted Candelaria Design Build and interior designer Amber Matlack. They had worked with Matlack on their previous home, and that experience proved helpful when planning this project.

“I already knew the kinds of details that would make the clients happy — like a little touch of color or a patterned grasscloth wallpaper — and they knew they could trust me to bring ideas that respected their vision but elevated it in ways they might not have imagined,” Matlack said.

Matlack described the home as having a “Modern Classic Spanish” style: embracing

the curves of a Mediterranean villa, but with cleaner lines and a more neutral color palette. The home’s arches, ironwork and application of colors and textures make it feel “timeless, but not dated,” added Matlack.

“We wanted to capture the romance and timelessness of classic Spanish architecture — arched doorways, whitewashed stucco and beautiful tile — but reimagine it for modern living,” said Matlack. “Our goal was to blend tradition and modernity so seamlessly that it feels like the home could have been here for decades, yet it’s completely functional for a 21stcentury lifestyle.”

The home incorporates antique and modern furniture pieces with meaningful artwork and family memorabilia displayed

throughout. Matlack wanted interiors to feel collected and thoughtful, with the family’s personality represented as well. In the study, which is the Bollenbachs’ favorite room, a painting by friend and artist Chrissy Collins completes the colorful space. Another special painting from Heidelberg, Germany, reminds the Bollenbachs of the place and time they lived overseas.

All homes on the Alliance Kitchen Tour have exceptional kitchens; this one certainly qualifies. Those attending the Oct. 19 event (tickets and details at ocmsalliance.org) will be able to admire the Bollenbach kitchen’s finer details, like how the veining in the quartzite stone contrasts with the soft curves of the sculptural plaster hood.

“The kitchen is the heart of the home, so we wanted it to feel inviting and layered. We used warm oak cabinetry with a subtle grain, a soft green Cicala honed quartzite countertop and full height backsplash for durability. The perimeter cabinets were painted [with the] Farrow & Ball color Pigeon, which was a perfect mate to the stunning quartzite stone. The island is oversized for casual dining, and the range hood is plastered

to blend into the architecture,” Matlack said. “Functionally, everything is within easy reach. We wanted it to be a chef’s dream without losing its charm.”

Every room throughout the home is thoughtfully appointed — intentionally designed to be both beautiful and functional.

“I have to give credit to Amber, because she thought of every detail,” Brooke Bollenbach said. “I love her style, and she’s really easy to work with … I just love the way it all came together.”

About the Alliance Kitchen Tour

The Oklahoma County Medical Society Alliance will present its annual Kitchen Tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, throughout Nichols Hills. This year’s fundraiser benefits HALO Project, Health Alliance for the Uninsured and Alliance community service initiatives. Tickets are available at ocmsalliance.org and at Culinary Kitchen, located at 7222 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City.

HER

There is one purpose behind 405Magazine’sHER Awards: to celebrate the remarkable and dynamic female leaders in the 405 who work tirelessly to affect positive change and enhance our community. The recipients of the 2025 HER Awards were nominated by their peers for making a profound impact on our city and others, and for leading the way.

405

Honoring, Empowering & Raising Up Remarkable Women in the

Debi Martin

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

by Evie Klopp Holzer

Humbly and happily working behind the scenes, Debi Martin has been a reliable public servant of the City of Oklahoma City for more than 50 years. As the City Council Chief of Staff, she provides anyone phoning her office with not only a listening ear, but also viable solutions. She is the ultimate connector, with a wealth of knowledge and a wide network that she doesn’t hesitate to use. She “literally keeps the City going,” said her friend Kim Funk.

Martin and Funk collaborated during the founding of Palomar Family Justice Center, and that connection makes sense when you consider how Martin began working for the City as a criminal justice planner. In 1987, her path veered when City Manager Terry Childers selected her to establish the first-ever City Council office. Martin rose to the challenge—and soared. To date, Martin has worked with 45 council members and seven mayors.

“I realized that this was God’s plan; it was my calling,” Martin said. “There is no higher calling than public service for our community, to make our community better and to serve the residents and our elected officials.”

Martin is driven by what she calls a “servant’s heart,” a philosophy of caring, showing compassion and making a difference in people’s lives.

In 2001, she launched the Youth Council of Oklahoma City to engage high school students in local government. The program has proven to be a remarkable success, with nearly 450 students participating and several alumni now working in city government, including current council member Kamal Pennington.

Martin’s other career highlights include assisting in the relocation of the OKC Museum of Art from the fairgrounds to the Centre Theater. She also brought the First Tee youth development program to OKC in 2003, and she served as the City’s liaison for the USS Oklahoma City submarine for about 28 years. Martin’s husband of 46 years was a Marine, so military service has always resonated with her.

“I’ve been very engaged with all the commanders that served on our submarine. They are still close friends, and presently we are working on building a memorial park to the USS Oklahoma City and the Navy in the Scissortail Park area,” Martin said. “I’m excited about that project, because it certainly honors those who served our country on our namesake sub— but beyond that, it shows respect and admiration for those who served on behalf of our country and the defense of our country.”

Martin received the highest award given to a civilian by the US Navy: the Meritorious Service Award. She was also honored with the Stanley Draper Award in 2022, although you will never hear her bragging about it. Awards and achievements are almost an afterthought; she finds the most value within the people—residents, co-workers and especially her late husband and their children and grandchildren—who have touched her life.

“God has allowed me to be part of so many stories and continues to allow me to connect in our community,” Martin said. “Every day is an opportunity to learn and engage. I am so blessed.”

“There is no higher calling than public service for our community, to make our community better and to serve the residents and our elected officials.”

Phi Nguyen

COMMUNITY VISIONARY

by Evie Klopp Holzer

When Phi Nguyen embarked on her career in public accounting, she knew where she wanted to end up: anywhere but Oklahoma. She was so confident about this direction that on her first day in the Leadership Oklahoma LOYAL Program, when she was asked where she envisioned herself in a year, she proudly proclaimed, “In one year, I won’t be living here anymore.” And then, just as the LOYAL (Linking Oklahoma’s Young Adult Leaders) program is designed to do for its participants, she realized Oklahoma City could offer a fulfilling future.

“LOYAL reminded me how incredible OKC is,” Nguyen said. “Something triggered in me that I wanted to contribute to my home, my place. I think I've been able to really set myself on that path … I’m really proud of my community involvement and what I’m able to provide back to a city that has treated me so well.”

From that year forward, Nguyen has dedicated her time and talents to building up Oklahoma City. Not only has she remained involved with Leadership Oklahoma (she currently serves on its Board of Directors), she is also the Chief Operating Officer for the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership. In this role, she collaborates with the city and downtown business owners, and oversees all financial, administrative and street-level operations that contribute to a safe and vibrant downtown. Since she joined the nonprofit 10 years ago, the Downtown Oklahoma City Partnership’s budget has doubled from $2.5 million to $5 million.

“Our organization has evolved so much. Just think back, the past decade: how much downtown has grown, how much more dense it’s become, and that’s obviously spurred more needs and more services. It’s been really incredible to have my finger on the pulse of what’s happening in our community in that way,” said Nguyen.

She is definitely a downtown enthusiast, which is evident in all the downtown events she plans and attends, and amplified by her job and volunteer work. In addition to Leadership Oklahoma, she serves on the boards of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and Arts Council Oklahoma City. She previously served seven years on the Regional Food Bank board. Her hobby — the local-food-laden Instagram page @TakeABiteOK — also promotes the OKC community.

“If I were to sum up my story, what I would want to share is how important it is to be a part of your community,” she said, adding that she loves to help others find meaningful ways to connect.

It turns out that all the big-city things Nguyen was envisioning for her future self — a thriving community, personal connections, exciting opportunities — were available for her right here all along. Her desire to move away has long passed.

“Now, a decade later, I wouldn’t give this up for anything. My investment is too high, and Oklahoma City has just become a core part of who I am,” said Nguyen. “We’ve only been on the up and up, and it’s been so incredible to be a part of it.”

“LOYAL reminded me how incredible OKC is. Something triggered in me that I wanted to contribute to my home, my place. I think I've been able to really set myself on that path … I’m really proud of my community involvement and what I’m able to provide back to a city that has treated me so well.”

Rachael Gannon

INDUSTRY LEADER

by Kristen Grace

Rachael Gannon has faced extraordinary odds: navigating single motherhood while building a career in an industry where she’s notably in the minority. Women hold only 14% of executive positions in STEM, according to Statista. In August of this year, she was promoted from Executive Vice President of Product and Development to Chief Automation Officer of Paycom, a publicly traded OKC-based company with thousands of employees that is projected to reach $2 billion in revenue this year.

Gannon is a single mom raised by a single mom in Oklahoma, and she lovingly attributed her work ethic to her family background. During her childhood, her mother worked several jobs, including payroll for OU Health Sciences Center, and Gannon began working early for her grandparents’ business. She said, “A lot of people may not believe this, but when I was in 7th grade I started helping with payroll for my grandparents. I remember working with my grandpa while listening to Britney Spears and learning how to calculate Medicare and Social Security.”

When Gannon began working at Paycom in 2013, it was an entry-level position. “It was customer service, and my job solely focused on working with clients. I loved building those relationships,” she said. “I had such empathy for them—it took me back to those long nights that I watched my mother doing payroll. I wanted to make a difference. When I moved up to leadership, I was able to visit with some of our clients on site and hear their feedback. I wanted to make an impact with every client at Paycom using all the things I had learned, saving them from those same long nights that my mother and grandparents had spent.”

Gannon is passionate about supporting women in STEM and paving the way for future generations. As an advocate for empowering young women to

pursue careers in tech, she actively champions causes that align with her personal mission. In 2024 and 2025, she was involved in efforts that resulted in donations totaling $100,000 to local STEM-focused organizations, including $50,000 to the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation for STEM programs and $50,000 to Oklahoma Women in Technology (OKWIT) to advance opportunities for women in science and tech fields. These efforts are also close to her heart because her own daughter is interested in STEM.

As a strong supporter of Paycom’s Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG), Gannon champions visibility and support for women in the industry. “There are 11 different resource groups,” she said. “Having people who are going through the same things that you are is so important. Because I’m in a leadership role, sometimes people look to me for advice, but when I’m there, I’m just learning from everyone else. Together, we’re building community.”

In her new position at Paycom as Chief Automation Officer, a role over the software department driving overall product strategy, she will have a chance to lead the company with her innovation. She said, “This is the biggest accomplishment in my career to date, and I don’t say that lightly. It is because of women like my mother that I have the ability to achieve the things that I have achieved. I think about the way I went through a divorce and had to take care of my kids and show up every day at work while I was putting myself through college. I remember at the end of an impossible day, thinking, ‘Rachael, this will be worth it, keep showing up for yourself. You are showing your kids that you can do the hard things.’ I am so proud for my daughter to know that it is possible for her, just like my mom worked so hard to let me know that it was possible for me.”

“A lot of people may not believe this, but when I was in 7th grade I started helping with payroll for my grandparents. I remember working with my grandpa while listening to Britney Spears and learning how to calculate Medicare and Social Security.”

Y Y

Dr. Tabatha Carr

CATALYST

by Evie Klopp Holzer

Naturopath doctor Tabatha Carr prepared her first batch of chocolate on her kitchen stove. While she knew it was delicious, she never imagined she would one day be selling it in 20 states at 150 Whole Foods Market stores. Carr’s Good Girl Chocolate is certainly “good” in many aspects—as it is tasty, bean-to-bar, certified organic chocolate, free from dairy, gluten, soy and preservatives. It is also a product of Carr’s amazing health journey and passion to serve others.

At 16, Carr was prescribed a blood pressure medication following concerns about stroke risks. By her early 30s, she was on three blood pressure pills, prediabetic and facing hormonal issues. Many women in her family had undergone hysterectomies by age 40, and Carr was determined to avoid surgery.

So Carr drastically changed her diet and began taking supplements. After 30 days of incorporating these changes, her health stabilized. Eventually, she lost 80 pounds and was able to come off the medications. This experience inspired her to study naturopathic medicine at Oklahoma City University so she could help others. However, it was her nutritious, delicious chocolate that would determine the shape of her career.

Good Girl Chocolate is rooted in Carr’s time on the raw food diet. To satisfy her sweet cravings and keep within the diet’s guidelines, she began making her own chocolate. She would carefully select the purest ingredients and melt them to no more than 112 degrees.

“My mom tasted my chocolate and said, ‘This is some darn good chocolate,’” Carr recalled. That maternal seal of approval encouraged Carr to pitch her product to QVC at the Texas Women’s Conference.

“Out of the hundreds of people that applied, they only chose 30 companies, and I was one of the 30,” said Carr. “The food buyer said, ‘This is the best dairy-free chocolate I have ever tasted,’ and that was confirmation for me that I have something.”

However, Carr lacked experience and product development. So, she diligently perfected her process and product, and five years after her initial pitch, she became the first dairy-free chocolate to go live on QVC. Her star power continued: She received a grant from Beyonce’s BeyGOOD Foundation, and her chocolate was included in the Grammy Awards gift bags twice. Then, in 2022, she won the regional Whole Foods Pitch Competition.

“I feel so grateful because I stepped out on faith, and everything that we’ve been able to accomplish and the milestones, I just consider it such a blessing,” she said.

Carr’s influence extends beyond tasty treats. Her wellness company, Living and Loving Life, offers free online courses on metabolic syndrome, weight management and stress reduction. She wanted to make the content readily available to everyone, reflecting her value of serving others.

“I believe that this is what we were put on Earth to do,” said Carr. “One of the things that my dad, who is a pastor, always told me is, ‘You can't take it with you, so leave a legacy of love and compassion.’”

Carr generously gives her time, mentoring and volunteering, as well as her Good Girl Chocolate. To date, she has donated more than 1,000 pounds of chocolate to charitable causes.

“Out of the hundreds of people that applied, they only chose 30 companies, and I was one of the 30. The food buyer said, ‘This is the best dairy-free chocolate I have ever tasted,’ and that was confirmation for me that I have something.”

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Madison MélonMcLawhorn

RISING STAR

by Kristen Grace

When Madison Melon-McLawhorn graduated in 2015 and left Oklahoma for Georgetown Law in Washington, D.C., she wasn’t sure that she would come back to her home state. But in law school, she participated in an alternative track that focused on the criminal justice system. As she learned about the injustices that those in systemic poverty face, she became inspired to come back to Oklahoma after law school and serve the community where she grew up.

Ten years later, Melon-McLawhorn has become a visionary legal advocate whose work has reshaped the way Oklahoma County addresses addiction, mental health and incarceration. She works from the Public Defender’s Office, where she has spent nearly a decade championing diversion over detention.

Melon-McLawhorn began by representing clients in Mental Health Court, many of whom were facing serious charges alongside untreated mental illness. She was quickly recognized for her leadership and expanded her caseload to include Drug Court. Within three years, she was promoted to Team Leader for all Treatment Courts, overseeing mental health, drug and DUI dockets.

She emphasized that she considers her work an honor. “It is a joy that I get to give people an opportunity to get off the ramp to prison and out of the revolving door to the justice system, because that is where many of my clients have lived, sometimes for decades of their lives.”

She serves as the attorney for women at ReMerge, a diversion program for mothers with behavioral health needs. She also worked with Judge Sara Bondurant to create CO-OP (Court Ordered-Outpatient), a fasttrack mental health referral initiative. Her efforts helped Oklahoma County become one of the top 1% in the nation for prison diversion size and scope.

Melon-McLawhorn said she is most proud of helping to develop a program called Recovery Navigator, which provides social services to those at risk of arrest due to unmet behavioral health needs. She said, “Every Recovery Navigator is a graduate from one of our programs. I’ve worked with most of them as their lawyer. Many of them went through tough times. They put my skills to the test to help them not go to prison—but they all ended up being successful! Now they help other people navigate the program and find recovery.”

One of those Recovery Navigators has a long history with Melon-McLawhorn. She recalls driving him to treatment programs like First Step and Erase the Hate, and witnessing him struggle to keep consistent sobriety. She wasn’t able to keep him out of prison, but instead of being resentful, he would occasionally call from prison to let her know how his recovery work was going. She is proud to report that he is out of prison now and has been sober for two years. He now works as a Peer Recovery Support Specialist at Red Rock and recently completed plumbing work for her family. He would not allow her to pay him for the work. “I still owe you,” he told her.

Melon-McLawhorn takes on overwhelming challenges every day; clients who struggle with addiction, untreated mental illness and the weight of systemic poverty. Her success is measurable. She has helped thousands access treatment instead of incarceration and reduced recidivism far below state and national averages. Where traditional systems fail, she has secured millions in funding for systemic change. Melon-McLawhorn is not just a public defender, she is a catalyst for change in Oklahoma County. She knows justice is not only courtroom outcomes, but community transformation. She has devoted her entire career to helping others reclaim their futures.

“It is a joy that I get to give people an opportunity to get off the ramp to prison and out of the revolving door to the justice system, because that is where many of my clients have lived, sometimes for decades of their lives.”

Gio Green

HUMANITARIAN

by Evie Klopp Holzer

Eighteen months. That’s all the time Gio Green was granted with her baby Jack before he passed away in April 2024. However, through her, his legacy lives on. Green is the founder of Jack’s Friends Foundation and Little Lighthouse Oklahoma City—both organizations prompted by Green’s journey into motherhood and navigating care for a child with special needs.

Green remembers preparing for Jack’s arrival after learning he had a serious heart condition and a high probability of being born with Down syndrome.

“I just thought, ‘This is the little boy that I've been dreaming of having, and just because something is changing, it doesn’t mean that I can’t adapt,’” she said.

Her adaptation manifested in a pinboard overflowing with research, ideas, blog posts and other resources, which she hung in her office (she was a highly successful business consultant servicing clients worldwide at the time). She began building a network to learn from other families’ experiences, which led her to Little Lighthouse Tulsa, an amazing tuitionfree school serving children with special needs. After Jack was born, he joined the program, attending Little Lighthouse Tulsa once a week for a year.

“It just boggled my mind that we had this opportunity in Tulsa, but not in Oklahoma City,” said Green, adding that she repeatedly shared thoughts on bringing Little Lighthouse to OKC with her husband Carter. “I guess I was annoying him with the idea, because he said, ‘Why don't you just open it?’ … I don’t think he realized what that propelled in my brain; it was a light bulb going off.”

With her husband’s encouragement, Green stepped away from consulting to pursue opening Little

Lighthouse Oklahoma City. After many meetings and piles of paperwork, plans for the new school were well underway—and then, the Green family suddenly and tragically lost baby Jack. The community was heartbroken for them. At the time, many encouraged Green to cancel the upcoming Little Lighthouse fundraiser, which was sold out.

“I still felt like this was my calling, and I felt like I not only owed it to Jack, but also to myself to see this through,” said Green. “Although I had lost Jack, I couldn’t imagine quitting on all the other children, all the other little boys and little girls.”

She used the event to reassure everyone that she was even more committed to championing the school’s opening. Since then, Green has raised more than $1 million for Little Lighthouse Oklahoma City—and fundraising continues as it purchases the necessary property, furniture and supplies to open in January 2026.

“Sometimes I don’t even feel like I have to sell the mission,” Green said. “I show pictures of the beautiful kids we get to serve, and sometimes videos, and I say, ‘This child was not able to walk just a couple months ago, and because they’ve been able to receive our education and curriculum in Tulsa, we know it’s working.’”

Green also founded Jack’s Friends Foundation to share the Down syndrome research and resources she gathered with other moms. As Green thinks about the children who will thrive through Jack’s Friends Foundation and Little Lighthouse Oklahoma City, she smiles. Jack Green made this possible. His legacy lives on.

“I still felt like this was my calling, and I felt like I not only owed it to Jack, but also to myself to see this through. Although I had lost Jack, I couldn’t imagine quitting on all the other children, all the other little boys and little girls.”

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Meet the hardworking women in the 405 who imbue the community with entrepreneurial spirit, thoughtful growth and vitality.

Align Interventional Pain

In a field where roughly 85% of practitioners are men, being a woman in pain medicine comes with its unique challenges—and opportunities. As an interventional pain physician, Dr. Emily Morgan Pollard has seen firsthand how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and improve patient care. Dr. Pollard’s journey began at Baylor University, where she balanced the rigors of premed coursework with the demands of being on the women’s golf team. That experience taught her resilience and the importance of precision— both crucial in her practice today. After medical school at the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Pollard specialized in anesthesiology, a choice that naturally led her to pursue an Interventional Pain fellowship at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

In 2020, Dr. Pollard founded Align Interventional Pain, with a vision of providing personalized, patient-centered care. Now, with two thriving clinic locations, Dr. Pollard is proud to be a part of the change she wants to see in the medical field. Her practice is grounded in the belief that pain management should be as diverse as the patients they serve.

Outside the clinic, Dr. Pollard is a wife, mother of two, golfer, and Peloton enthusiast. These roles fuel her passion for helping others live pain-free, active lives. Traveling also keeps her grounded and reminds her of the beauty in balance— something she strives to bring to her personal life and practice. While the road to success in pain medicine might be more challenging for women, it is also incredibly rewarding. Dr. Pollard’s hope is to inspire more women to enter this field, bringing their unique perspectives and strengths to help shape the future of pain management.

Oklahoma City Office

1810 E. Memorial Road

Phone: 405-906-4020

www.alignpain.com

Enid Office

102. South Van Buren

Phone: 580-242-7030

Radiance Medical Aesthetics

Multi-award-winning Radiance Medical Aesthetics is proud to bring Beauty by the Best!® to Oklahoma City—not only as the premier destination for aesthetic treatments, but also as a partner in empowering women and strengthening our community. With over 70 years of combined experience, the professionals at RMA are dedicated to helping patients look and feel their very best, inside and out. At Radiance, beauty is more than skin deep — it’s about safety, expertise and empowering others.

Founded in 2020 by Kasey L. Swayden, PA-C, Radiance was built on a dream: to create a medical spa centered on skin health, led by a professional team, and committed to delivering advanced cosmetic treatments in a beautiful, spa-like atmosphere. Today, that dream has grown into a communitywide impact, with patients traveling from across the region to experience the Radiance difference.

Under the supervision of a Board-Certified Dermatologist, RMA continues to deliver industry-leading treatments—from advanced injectables and state-of-the-art Sciton lasers to

rejuvenating facials and customized skincare—helping patients achieve their goals while staying true to Radiance’s mission of care, confidence, and community.

Radiance Medical Aesthetics is trusted by some of the most beautiful faces in the state. As the official medical spa of Miss Oklahoma and Miss Oklahoma’s Teen, Radiance is proud to support an organization that champions women through service, scholarship, success, and sisterhood. Beyond beauty, the Miss Oklahoma Organization and Radiance share a commitment to empowering women to lead, serve, and inspire.

Radiance’s commitment to community shines through their continued support of numerous Oklahoma organizations, including the Redbud Classic, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics Oklahoma, and Infant Crisis Center. Each partnership reflects Radiance’s belief that true beauty shines brightest when lifting others up.

To learn more about their services or schedule a consultation, visit www.RMAOK.com.

BeeNeat WHERE ORGANIZATION MEETS

At BeeNeat, organizing isn’t just about tidying up. It is about transforming homes into spaces of clarity, beauty, and ease. Founded more than a decade ago by Becky Neterer, lovingly nicknamed “Becky Bee” for her constant drive and energy, BeeNeat began with one woman’s passion for helping families simplify their lives. Today, it has grown into Oklahoma City’s premier organizing business.

BeeNeat is proud to be an exclusive Contained Home Organizer and Designer partner for The Container Store. This partnership allows them to bring curated systems and elevated design to every project, ensuring their clients receive the highest quality of service. The team has specialized training in supporting clients navigating ADD/ADHD, OCD, depression and chronic disorganization, ensuring each project is approached with empathy as well as expertise.

Behind every transformation is a team of experts. Project Manager Gretchen Chalfant leads client consultations, while Lead Organizers Allison Dempsey, Katie Jones, Melissa Tribuzi and Amy Lawson execute each project with meticulous care. They source supplies at the best prices, turning pantries, closets and even garages into spaces that function as beautifully as they look.

BeeNeat’s journey has been one of rapid growth and continuous improvement. With eyes on the future, the team envisions expanding into new cities. Yet the mission remains the same: to give families a fresh start, whether through everyday home organization or stress-free relocation services.

At BeeNeat, they don’t just organize spaces; they transform homes and businesses with the belief that a well-organized space can bring clarity, beauty and ease to your life.

Phone: 405.509.5375 @beeneat_and_organized www.beeneat.com

Bajaj Plastic Surgery –Anureet Bajaj, MD

EXCLUSIVELY AESTHETIC EXPERTLY YOU

Confident. Refreshed. Youthful.

That’s how patients describe how they feel after visiting Dr. Anureet Bajaj at Bajaj Plastic Surgery.

Focused. Thoughtful. Driven. Experienced.

That’s how friends and colleagues describe this board-certified plastic surgeon.

For more than a decade, Dr. Bajaj was nationally recognized for her complex breast reconstruction work, mastering advanced techniques like the DIEP flap and transforming outcomes for women after cancer. That chapter of her career—demanding precision, artistry, and a deep understanding of form—now informs and elevates her aesthetic expertise.

Today, Dr. Bajaj’s practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery and nonsurgical rejuvenation. She specializes in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and aesthetic breast surgery, offering natural, refined results through skillful surgical and minimally invasive techniques.

“My work in reconstruction taught me that every person’s journey is unique,” she says. “In aesthetics, that same philosophy guides every step—from listening to your goals to creating results that feel authentically you.”

From your first consultation to your final followup, Dr. Bajaj’s mission is simple: help you feel confident, beautiful and ready to move forward in your world.

8106 North May Avenue, Suite B Oklahoma City, Ok 73120

Phone:405.810.8448

www.bajajplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Sherisa Warren TRANSFORMING VASCULAR CARE IN OKLAHOMA CITY

Dr. Sherisa Warren, at CardioVascular Health Clinic in Oklahoma City, is revolutionizing vascular care. Her unique approach, centered on pioneering, minimally invasive treatments, is reshaping patient outcomes and restoring quality of life for those who previously saw open surgery as their sole recourse.

From the beginning of her career, Dr. Warren has been fascinated by the intersection of vascular surgery and technology. That curiosity led her to vascular surgery, where she now specializes in treating conditions such as peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, and varicose veins. She also specializes in aortic and carotid disease and is an internationally recognized expert in the work up and treatment of vascular compressions. By using state-of-the-art techniques, she helps patients find solutions that ease pain, shorten recovery, and restore independence.

Beyond her clinical expertise, Dr. Warren is passionate about raising awareness of vascular health. She reminds patients that symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or leg pain can signal serious conditions if left untreated. Education, she believes, is just as important as treatment: informed patients make better choices and achieve better results.

Dr. Warren’s dedication to diversity and mentorship in vascular surgery is equally commendable. As a woman excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field, she recognizes the power of representation. Actively mentoring aspiring medical professionals, she encourages women and minorities to consider careers in vascular surgery.

Dr. Warren’s forward-thinking approach is evident in her efforts to expand access to minimally invasive care and stay at the forefront of medical innovation. Her unwavering commitment to patients and her drive to advance the field make her a true leader in modern vascular surgery.

3200 Quail Springs Pkwy #200, Oklahoma City, OK 73134

Phone:405.701.9880

www.cvhealthclinic.com

Barre3 OKC MOVEMENT THAT

EMPOWERS

When Lindsay Parks first stepped into a Barre3 class in 2010, she was searching for something different — something that went beyond the relentless cycle of extreme workouts and burnouts. What she found was a method that blended strength, cardio and mindfulness in a way that not only reshaped her body but transformed her mindset. Today, as owner of Barre3 Oklahoma City, Lindsay leads a thriving studio that has been helping Oklahomans find balance and strength for 15 years.

Barre3 OKC’s new state-of-the-art studio is designed with purpose. Featuring 16-foot windows, two specialized studio rooms, and premium amenities, it reflects the evolution of a fitness method that is as much about community as it is about movement. Each class weaves together strength training, functional cardio, and mobility, encouraging participants to listen to their bodies and choose options that serve them best. This approach has redefined fitness for thousands across Oklahoma City, proving that wellness can be sustainable, deeply empowering, and most importantly, inclusive to all.

The studio’s team of seasoned instructors upholds one of Barre3’s core values — a love of learning. They are continually evolving, bringing the latest research in fitness and wellness to every class, ensuring you’re always at the forefront of the industry.

For Lindsay, the heart of Barre3 OKC lies in connection. From supporting local causes to cultivating a welcoming environment where everybody belongs, the studio is more than a place to work out. It’s a place to grow stronger, inside and out, and to be part of something bigger than yourself.

1036 NW 68th St Suite 2, Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Phone: 405.463.3343

@barre3okc

Express Employment Professionals

As Regional Director of Express Employment Professionals’ Specialized Recruiting Group, Bettye Taylor knows what it takes to connect the right person with the right position—especially at the professional and executive levels. With over two decades of experience, including extensive C-suite placements across a range of industries, she’s become a trusted leader in the recruiting space.

This year, Bettye celebrated her 21st anniversary with Express Employment Professionals. In that time, she’s developed a deep understanding of not just the job market, but the people navigating it—many of whom are in a vulnerable place when they walk through her door. Her compassionate, people-first approach reflects the core values that have guided Express and SRG for over 40 years.

That commitment to service stems from the vision of co-founder Bob Funk, Sr., who often said, “I believe you’re only as successful as the last person you help in life.” Bettye and her team live by that philosophy every day. “If we can make someone feel better when they leave our office than when they came in—give them hope—then we’ve had a good day,” she says.

In addition to her success with SRG, Bettye and fellow Regional Director Pam Dunbar have launched Express Healthcare Staffing, another division of Express Employment Professionals. “We’re excited to be in this growing field by building a network of licensed and credentialed professionals,” says Bettye. The division serves both medical facilities and job seekers, filling roles in long-term care, hospitals, specialty hospitals, clinics, urgent care, and behavioral health.

For whatever your recruiting, consulting, or staffing needs, she can help.

6301 Waterford Blvd Suite 210, Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Phone: 405-272-9797

www.expresspros.com/OKCsrg

Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma

DR. VICTORIA BALL

If a root canal sounds like your worst nightmare, you don’t know Dr. Victoria Ball.

At Contemporary Endodontics of Oklahoma, Dr. Ball specializes in caring for the inside of the tooth when it becomes inflamed or infected. She diagnoses and treats complex causes of tooth pain caused by decay, cracks, fractures, inflammation or infection.

In the past, root canal procedures had become synonymous with pain and dread. But modern methods have made patient anguish over root canals a thing of the past.

“A lot of patients who need a root canal are in pain and fear seeking treatment,” says Dr. Victoria Ball, an Endodontist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of cracked or fractured teeth, inflamed or infected nerves, abscess, initial root canal treatment as well as retreatments of failed prior root canals.

“Thanks to modern technology, a root canal procedure takes less time and has a higher success rate than ever before. The majority of patients leave feeling better than when they came in.”

Patients appreciate the attention they receive from Dr. Ball and her staff, especially since anxiety can be high when it comes to root canal procedures. “I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Ball and her staff for my root canal,” said one patient. “They have a way of ensuring that you are comfortable, that everything is explained to you – and are very empathetic, which shows that they truly do care about you as a person, not just another patient. I highly recommend their practice.”

Finally, while she said the anatomy of each tooth presents a unique challenge as all teeth are different, Dr. Ball said her goal is singular: to provide the highest level of endodontic care and achieve the best results for her patients.

“Unfortunately, some teeth are past the point of saving, and in those situations, we use 3-D imaging, microscope examination and experience to make the proper diagnosis,” she says. “That said, I believe that no tooth should ever be pulled if it can be saved! There’s nothing more satisfying to me than taking a patient’s pain away and helping them to save their natural teeth.”

Lakeside Women’s Hospital

As Oklahoma City’s first standalone hospital dedicated exclusively to women, Lakeside was built with the belief that women deserve care tailored to every stage of life, from adolescence through menopause and beyond.

What sets Lakeside apart is not just its mission but its people. With 99 percent of physicians and staff being female, the hospital embodies collaboration and empathy born of shared experiences. Many of the nurses have been with Lakeside for more than 20 years, some even delivering their own children here. Generations of families continue to return.

The hospital’s unwavering commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. For five consecutive years, Lakeside has earned “Press Ganey’s Guardian of Excellence Award for Outstanding Patient Experience,” placing it among the top one percent of

hospitals nationwide. Physician offices are located just steps away from the hospital, ensuring that in emergencies, help is never more than two minutes away.

Twenty-five percent of the hospital is owned by physicians, ensuring that those who provide care also help shape policy and vision. The facility is committed to not only providing excellent healthcare but also to being an active and supportive member of the community.

From its beginnings as Oklahoma City’s first hospital built exclusively for women to its role today as a leader in advocacy and care, Lakeside Women’s Hospital remains steadfast in its mission to provide every woman with trusted, compassionate healthcare at every stage of life.

Dental Boutique

DENTISTRY WITH HEART AND HIGH-TECH PRECISION

For many, a trip to the dentist can feel daunting. At Dental Boutique, that worry is replaced with comfort and genuine care. Dr. Kami Chervilov and our professional team are dedicated to making every visit calm, clear, and personalized, so you always feel looked after.

We believe the best dentistry starts with prevention and a conservative approach. That means listening first, crafting thoughtful treatment plans, and preserving healthy tooth structure whenever possible.

To keep care precise and less intimidating, we pair this philosophy with advanced technology, including high-definition digital scanners, dental lasers, 3D printing, and CBCT imaging system. These tools help us diagnose accurately, treat gently, shorten chair time, and deliver great results.

Dental Boutique offers a full range of services, from routine preventive care to conservative cosmetic options, whitening, solutions for complex cases, crowns, implants and bridges. From the front desk to the clinical team, you’ll meet professionals who lead with compassion, communicate clearly, and respect your time.

At Dental Boutique, you’re never just a patient, you’re part of our family. Here, technology serves compassion, and every smile is met with warmth, precision, and integrity.

3621 NW 63rd St STE C, Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Phone:405.848.8838

www.dentalboutiqueokc.com

Katherine Mazaheri

ELEGANCE, GRIT AND FORTITUDE IN LAW

In the legal profession, some names carry more than a reputation — they take on a legacy. For nearly two decades, Katherine Mazaheri has been a force in Oklahoma’s legal community, known not only for her unflappable instinct, but because she leads from a place of grace and resilience.

As managing partner and founder of Mazaheri Law Firm, Katherine has not only built a successful practice but also cultivated an environment where young attorneys thrive, clients feel seen and justice is pursued with integrity. She has successfully balanced the demands of running a firm, raising children, and dedicating countless hours to civic and philanthropic efforts, demonstrating that determination and empathy can indeed coexist.

Colleagues describe her as meticulous, compassionate and unwavering when the stakes are high. Whether advocating in emotionally charged cases or educating through publications in bar journals, she is respected for her ability to listen deeply, stand firmly by principles, and navigate even the most complex disputes with a steady hand. She provides a sense of reassurance in challenging situations.

Katherine’s leadership extends beyond her firm. As Chair of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Section, she brought together attorneys from both sides of the aisle, fostering unity in a profession too often divided. As Chair of Oklahoma City University School of Law’s Alumni Association she focuses her time on service in support and mentorship with new lawyers. Her peers not only recognize her professional achievements, but also her inspiring ability to elevate the community around her.

With elegance, grit and fortitude, Katherine Mazaheri continues to inspire — an advocate, mentor, and leader whose influence will be felt in Oklahoma’s legal landscape for years to come.

3000 W Memorial Rd Suite 230, Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Phone: 405.645.6022

www.mazaherilawfirm.com

Stride Mortgage, a Division of Stride Bank, N.A. EXPERIENCE, HEART, AND TRUSTED GUIDANCE

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones, and having the right lending partner can make all the difference. At Stride Mortgage, a team of seasoned mortgage professionals brings not only decades of experience but also a passion for guiding clients through every step of the journey. Their extensive industry backgrounds and commitment to transparency ensure you’re in safe hands.

Sheryl Semore brings more than 27 years of mortgage expertise, backed by her time as both a lender and realtor. She calls herself a “concierge lender,” available to clients and partners whenever they need her. With her dedicated team and a strong belief in excellence, Sheryl has earned a reputation for service that continues long after the loan closes.

For Lindsey Scott Tilley, the mortgage business began unexpectedly in her twenties. Seventeen years later, her commitment to sitting down with buyers face-to-face and crafting personalized financial game plans sets her apart.

Known for her work ethic and drive, Lindsey builds lifelong relationships. This dedication to building lasting connections with clients is a cornerstone of the team’s approach.

Amy Moon, with 23 years in the mortgage industry, is passionate about guiding individuals and families through one of life’s most significant milestones. Inspired by her own first home purchase, she takes pride in educating clients and helping them feel confident in their decisions. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Amy provides tailored solutions and ensures on-time closings.

All three of these women were recognized as top loan originators by the Scotsman Guide, the benchmark in the mortgage industry.

Together, these top three women lenders and its larger team embodies Stride Mortgage’s promise: a collective commitment to expertise, dedication, and trusted guidance for every season of homeownership.

DINING

Wine in the Sky

Creative collaborations and pairings soar

BY MATT KIROUAC

Like the bottles on its wine list, Vast just gets better with age. Since its opening in 2012, offering panoramic city views from its perch on the 49th and 50th floors of the Devon Tower, the highflying restaurant has constantly raised the bar on destination dining that caters to visitors and Oklahomans alike. Its wine program, in particular, was an early pioneer in OKC’s now-booming wine scene, and through Vast’s ongoing wine dinner series, the restaurant continues to reach new heights.

Wine dinners in OKC are not an inherent novelty nowadays, but the intentionality that Vast pours into its collaborations and themes is on another level. Held quarterly, if not more often, dinners are thoughtfully timed to highlight the seasons and showcase new pairings, and on the occasions that special winemakers or owners are in Oklahoma, the restaurant adds extra events.

“For us, the focus is always on quality over quantity, ensuring we highlight the very best wineries and create experiences worth remembering,” explained General Manager Evan Askey, describing the dinners as a “true communal experience,” with guests gathered at shared

tables. “Each evening, our chefs showcase their creativity by experimenting with new techniques and unique flavor pairings, while our winery partners elevate the experience with selections rarely found in the market, ranging from unreleased wines to treasured library vintages.”

By tapping its established network within the wine industry, and working with suppliers to determine which winemakers are visiting Oklahoma, Vast is able to create dinners that connect guests directly with the people behind the wines. “We always strive to partner with wineries that have an Oklahoma connection, whether through local ownership, winemakers with Oklahoma roots, or suppliers who focus on building their presence here,” said Askey, noting wineries like Titus Vineyards, Nickel & Nickel, Stoller and Argot. “While Oklahoma isn’t traditionally known as a wine country, you’ll find Oklahomans at the heart of some of the world’s most celebrated regions, from Willamette to Napa, Sonoma to Paso Robles—working as winemakers, owners and vineyard managers. Our wine dinners are a way to honor that story while bringing the best of the wine world home to Oklahoma.”

In addition to traditional wine dinners, Vast has begun incorporating more themed affairs, to make wine and spirits more approachable to new audiences. Like an NBA Finals dinner in June, in partnership with Jackson Family Wines, that featured meet-and-greets with former Norman North and OU star Trae Young and NBA writer Marc Spears. In September, it collaborated with Flowers Winery on a playful pairing of wine and bouquetmaking. The recent vodka-infused “Girl Dinner” event sold out so quickly two more evenings were added. Askey said, “By adding these unexpected twists, we aim to make wine more fun, engaging and memorable for all. These evenings are about connection, discovery and celebrating the joy of wine and food together.”

As Vast continues to bring fresh ideas to the table after more than a decade, it is currently putting the finishing touches on its holiday menu and events. Chef Danh Do said, “Our goal for the rest of the year is to display dishes that reflect the combined culinary talents of our team; a menu that will reflect our unique combination of knowledge and continued curiosity of the culinary world. As we grow, so will our menu.”

Drink Your Desserts

Perfect post-prandial cocktails around OKC

BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI

Cocktails can do it all. They can kick off happy hour, toast to a party or harken to a bygone era. They can be an aperitif before dinner, or double as dessert at meal’s end. In the long lexicon of mixology classics, dessert cocktails run the gamut from ice cream-infused libations to caramel-kissed espresso martinis and boozy after-dinner coffee. Across OKC, bars and restaurants put their own stamp on dessert drinks. From odes to classics to potable novelties, here are OKC’s must-drink dessert cocktails, and where to find them.

The Hamilton Supperette & Lounge

Perhaps the best dessert cocktail destination in town, The Hamilton Supperette & Lounge features one of the most robust after-dinner drink lists in OKC. Along with a bevy of classic cocktails (e.g., Vespers, Sazeracs), you’ll find an array of dessert drinks, including a vanilla-scented Espresso Martini drizzled with caramel; a Brandy Alexander with creme de cacao and half & half; and a rum-based

Chocolate Old Fashioned splashed with chocolate bitters. Don’t miss the Grasshopper, a Kermit-green blend of creme de menthe, chocolate and cream.

Cheever’s Cafe

A dining icon, Cheever’s Cafe is known for its show-stopping desserts, like its six-layer Giant Carrot Cake and its Roasted Pecan Ice Cream Ball. The dessert cocktails, though, are just as striking. The bar makes an exceptional Brandy Ice, a quasi-milkshake often found in steakhouses and supper clubs in Oklahoma. In this case, it’s a blend of brandy, creme de cacao and vanilla ice cream, all frozen just enough to ensure a silken, rich consistency. Then there’s the All-Nighter, an original creation of coffeeinfused bourbon, cinnamon-vanilla syrup, black walnut bitters and cream.

R&J Lounge and Supper Club

Dessert-worthy drinks come in a kaleidoscope of color at Midtown’s beloved

R&J Lounge and Supper Club. Leaning into the mid-century kitsch of cocktail culture, you’ll find sweeter drinks that are rare to come by in most bars, including pineapple-splashed Blue Hawaiians and Harvey Wallbangers, made with vodka, Galliano and orange juice. The standout is the Grasshopper, a boozy mint chocolate milkshake that perfectly matches the nostalgic atmosphere.

Junior’s

Another classic supper club, Junior’s has been slinging shrimp cocktail, escargot and filet mignon since 1973. It’s also been making its own Brandy Ice since the beginning. Rather than freeze the drink in a machine, the recipe is a hand-blended concoction of vanilla ice cream, cacao liquor and brandy, which gets placed in the freezer after lunch service to let it set. Before it’s served, it gets a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Stock & Bond

Dessert options are not in short supply at Stock & Bond, a ritzy new(er) steakhouse in the First National Center downtown. There’s cheesecake draped with blueberry sauce; blackberry and peach cobbler with a cinnamon cookie crust; and a whopping 16-layer chocolate cake gilded with edible gold leaf. The cocktails, though, hold their own. There’s a housemade Brandy Ice, a Chocolate Martini and a Carajillo, a kind of Spanish-style Espresso Martini variation made with citrusy Licor 43.

Good For A Few

While most spots on this list skew oldschool, or at least harken to classics, one Plaza District bar is putting a distinctly modern spin on after-dinner cocktails. Good For A Few, which was recently named one of the best bars in the country by USA Today, offers its own decadent version of a Carajillo, made with tequila, Licor 43, coffee brandy, banana liqueur, coffee and tres leches cold foam. The Mr. Rogers is another dessert-worthy original: Made with rum that’s infused with Pie Junkie key lime pie, along with lime, macadamia nut liqueur and Caribbean pineapple, it tastes like vacation in a glass.

CULTURE

Fresh Perspectives

Southern Plains Productions celebrates its fifth season

BY LAVINIA CRESWA

hile the pandemic had abruptly shut the world down in 2020, Jackson Gifford was bringing the idea of a new theatre company to life. Gifford, a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and student of Otterbein University in Ohio, returned home to Oklahoma City with plenty of time on his hands and a quest to keep his artistic juices flowing. In a series of conversations and informal interviews with friends he had made from around the world, Gifford started to identify trends and elements young performers felt were lacking in theatre.

“We kept coming back to these ideas of representation, sustainability, belonging and inclusion; who is theatre for and who gets left out,” Gifford said. “The culmination of these conversations led to the beginning of a theatre company. At the time, it was designed to be a creative playground for early career artists.”

And so, Southern Plains Productions was born. Its mission is to reimagine live theatre with innovative artistic experiences that spark conversations and bring the Oklahoma City community together, a process its members have continued to improve upon each season.

“Our first season was just Small Mouth Sounds by Bess Wohl in May of 2021,” Gifford explained. “We figured that we would try our best and see what happened. It was an epic fail, but in the best way possible.”

What may have seemed like a failure at the time has turned into a professional theatre company, with exciting productions of work not typically performed in Oklahoma. “Since our inception we have gone through several transitions,” Gifford said. “We began as a creative playground and then moved into a summer stock company. We have now grown into a year-round, nationally recognized, equity regional theatre.”

This season begins with Dead as a Dodo, written and directed by Gwendolyn Warnock and Kirjan Waage. From Oct. 23 to 25, Southern Plains has brought the off-Broadway production of this musical to the Te Ata Theatre at Oklahoma Contemporary in partnership with Wakka Wakka Theatre Company. Described by Gifford as “a Pixar film brought to life on stage,” Dead as a Dodo tells the story of a young boy and his dodo bird best friend, who are both dead and living in the underworld. The dodo begins to sprout feathers and the duo sets out on a journey to reunite with the world of the living. “It is a beautiful way of explaining death to audience 7 and up. It is visually stunning, with gorgeous projections and award-winning puppetry.”

Next Spring, Southern Plains, in partnership with Arts Council Oklahoma City’s Art Moves initiative, is launching its Storypop program, designed to bring theatre into new spaces and eliminate costs for one

show a season. Where Did We Sit on the Bus? by Brian Quijada, going on tour to local middle schools, high schools and community centers next March and April, will be completely free for audiences. Where Did We Sit on the Bus? features one performer who uses audio looping as a tool to tell the real-life story of Quijada and what it means to grow up as a Latinx immigrant in America.

The season closes May 28 to June 6 with Jason Robert Brown’s heartbreaking musical The Last Five Years starring Oklahoma City native and Broadway star Erin Elizabeth Clemons. “It will be a departure from the traditional version, but the elements that fans love about the show will still be there” Gifford said.

“Our shows feature strong storytelling through high-quality performances,” Gifford concluded. “We’re building something new; a fresh kind of theater experience made for this community, with room for more voices and perspectives than ever before.”

The Story of the Stones

OKC’s organic pizza powerhouses

BY LAVINIA CRESWA PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

After its appearance on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Stone Sisters Pizza Bar became a staple of OKC’s Uptown District for many years. But in 2022, sisters Sheli, Traci and Tami stepped away from the restaurant industry to focus on perfecting their superior pizza product. We caught up with Sheli Stone Stenseth to learn more about the Stone Sisters today.

Tell me about the present-day Stone Sisters business.

Sheli: We are operating both Stone Sisters Manufacturing and Stone Sisters Organics. The manufacturing company works with the restaurant food distributor Sysco and we have accounts throughout the state that purchase products. Stone Sisters Organics is responsible for getting Happie Pizza, our signature sprouted spelt crust pizza, to retail locations. Happie Crust and Pizza is produced by our manufacturing company, so both businesses are very interconnected.

How did you create the sprouted spelt crust pizza?

Sheli: My sister Tami and I hosted a party where we made healthy options of meals that are traditionally not very healthy. I had just been certified in traditional nutrition and was learning about my own gluten intolerance, and wanted to try to make a sprouted spelt crust. Tami made an organic healthy sauce to go with it and everyone loved it. Our business started by making sprouted spelt dough balls and sauce to sell, but we eventually moved into producing our frozen pizza.

What exactly is sprouted spelt?

Sheli: Oh, let me give you my spelt spiel! Spelt is an ancient grain. To sprout a grain, you soak it for eight hours in warm water. This opens the grain, making it a lot easier to digest and for your body to absorb all the good nutrients, more so than white or wheat flour. Sprouted spelt is not gluten-free, but the gluten is more easily digestible. Plus, it tastes great! We have the only organic sprouted spelt pizza crust on the market.

Where can people find your product?

Sheli: We are in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City Whole Foods, most Crest Foods, Uptown Grocery and Pruitt’s, and have online ordering available. We sell our frozen cheese pizza and a two-pack of frozen sprouted spelt pizza crust, which allows people with dietary preferences to make their own pizza. But there are so many other ways you can use it.

How else would you use a pizza crust?

Sheli: It is a bread alternative. Personally, I like to cut it in half, fill it with just about anything, and then fold it over to make a panini. The possibilities are endless, and our website has lots of recipes for people to try out.

What is next on the horizon?

Sheli: Stone Sisters Manufacturing received a federal grant which will allow us to purchase larger freezers and a dough divider, so we can

Local Energy Attorneys

increase the amount of product we can make for our Sysco accounts and hopefully allow us to take on more. We are also a co-packing manufacturer, and we would love to help more local dough and pizza companies with their food ventures.

What makes the Stone Sisters brand stand out?

Sheli: We are an Oklahoma certified female-owned company and we are all over the age of 55. Some people think that growing older means retiring and slowing down, but the key to longevity is eating healthy and staying active with your mind and body. I really don’t know that I will ever retire, because my job is so rewarding and I really believe in our product.

→ To learn more about the Stone Sisters or order their pizza products online, visit stonesistersorganics.com.

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Hail to the Chief

The exceptional rise of Wilma

Mankiller

BY LINDA MILLER PHOTO PROVIDED BY OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Wilma Mankiller experienced many firsts during her life, including being the first woman elected principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. She also received national recognition and honors, and was an inspiration not only to young Cherokee women but to women everywhere.

She was born in Tahlequah in 1945 and grew up in Mankiller Flats. The name Mankiller was adopted by a family ancestor, and often refers to a traditional Cherokee military rank.

At age 11, her family moved to San Francisco as part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs relocation plan; her father was told his family would have a better life in California. The family boarded a train in Stilwell in the fall of 1957. As it rolled down the tracks, they could only imagine what

was waiting, and how different it would be from their rural community with unpaved roads, and no indoor plumbing or electricity. Two days later they arrived in the Tenderloin District, an area known for prostitution, gambling and burlesque houses. The family settled into a tough urban housing project.

It was Mankiller’s introduction to a large city. She had never heard sirens, and thought they were sounds from an animal. She had never seen or been in an elevator. But she finished high school, got a job as a clerk, married and had two daughters.

In 1969, her life started moving in another direction when Native Americans of different tribes occupied an abandoned prison on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay.

Their goal was to bring attention to the U.S. government’s injustice. Mankiller and her family helped deliver supplies on the island, but she wanted to do more.

That’s when she realized that the rest of the world needed to know that Native Americans had rights too. She was changing in many ways. She took community college courses, turned her attention to social work and became more independent, which caused marital issues. She divorced her husband in 1974, and as a single mother turned her attention to social work.

Soon after, she returned to Oklahoma and became community development director for the Cherokee Nation. It was the beginning of a storied career.

In 1983, she was elected the first female deputy chief of the Cherokee Nation and president of the tribal council. Two years later when chief Ross Swimmer resigned, she became the first female Cherokee chief and in 1987 was elected the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. During her decade-long leadership, tribal enrollment tripled to 170,000 and employment doubled. Infant mortality declined and educational achievement increased. She focused on new housing, health centers and children’s programs.

She became a national role model even after she left office in 1995 as she continued to be vocal worldwide for Native people, women and social injustice. In 1993, she and writer Michael Wallis told her story in the book Mankiller: A Chief and Her People.

She was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in New York, the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton. On June 6, 2022, the Wilma Mankiller Quarter was introduced at a public event in Tahlequah. It was the third entry in the American Women Quarters Program.

She died on April 6, 2010, of pancreatic cancer. Throughout her life, she exemplified her last name—which also refers to strength and leadership, a keeper of the village or one who oversees the well-being of the community.

That was Wilma Mankiller.