Rachel Cannon Champions Oklahoma’s Film Industry on a National Stage
September 2026Rachel Cannon Champions Oklahoma's Film Industry on a National StageIWF Oklahoma member Rachel Cannon is helping bring Oklahoma's film and television industry into a national conversation about the future of production in the United States. Cannon, founder and CEO of Rock Paper Cannon, was recently featured in The Hollywood Reporter after traveling to Washington, D. C.
Mautra Staley Jones Named to Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame
September 2026Mautra Staley Jones Named to Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of FameIWF Oklahoma member Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, president of Oklahoma City Community College, has been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society Hall of Fame. Mautra is one of 12 individuals selected for the 2026 class, recognizing distinguished service and contributions to higher education across Oklahoma.
Freda Deskin Lewis & ASTEC Celebrate a New Chapter
August 2026IWF Oklahoma member Dr. Freda Deskin Lewis, Founder and CEO of ASTEC Charter Schools, is celebrating an exciting milestone as the school she founded more than 25 years ago continues to grow. This fall, ASTEC will open a new secondary school on the Dr.
IWF Oklahoma Members Recognized Among Oklahoma's Most Influential Leaders
July 2026The 2026 OKC FRIDAY "Most Powerful Oklahomans" annual poll celebrates the individuals whose leadership, influence, and vision continue to shape the future of Oklahoma. This year's list highlights many of the state's most respected business, civic, and community leaders--including several outstanding members of IWF Oklahoma. We are proud to congratulate: Tricia Everest Recognized for her continued leadership and service to Oklahoma through her public safety initiatives and longstanding commitment to strengthening communities.
Tricia Everest Takes the Global Stage at IWF Cornerstone Conference
July 2026IWF Oklahoma member Tricia L. Everest represented Oklahoma on the global stage this spring as a featured speaker at the 2026 IWF Cornerstone Conference in London, United Kingdom. Nearly 750 women leaders from 41 countries gathered in London in May for the conference, themed "Tradition to Transformation.
Member Spotlight: Dr. Molly Tovar
July 2026IWF Oklahoma member Dr. Molly Tovar recently represented Oklahoma on the international stage, presenting her research at the Athens Institute for Education and Research Annual International Conference in Athens, Greece. Her presentation, The Importance of Training Teachers on Indigenous STEM Concepts in K12 Education, focused on the value of preparing educators to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into STEM learning.
Rachel Cannon Spotlighted for Expanding Oklahoma’s Entertainment Industry
May 2026Member in the News: Rachel CannonCongratulations to new IWF Oklahoma member Rachel Cannon, CEO of Rock Paper Cannon, who was recently featured in an article highlighting Oklahoma's growing role in television production and live-audience sitcom development. Rachel is leading an exciting new chapter in Oklahoma's entertainment industry through Rock Paper Cannon, the first full-service independent television studio dedicated exclusively to multi-camera sitcoms. Her vision and leadership have helped champion a proposed $5 million sitcom rebate pilot program currently awaiting approval by Governor Kevin Stitt.
Laura Kerr Shines at Kennedy Center Honors Celebrating George Strait
February 2026Laura Kerr attended one of the most prestigious nights in American entertainment -- the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, where country music icon George Strait was celebrated for his unparalleled contributions to the arts. Set against the grandeur of the Kennedy Center's halls, the annual Honors gala brings together luminaries from across music, film, theater, and dance. This year's celebration was particularly special as Strait is known affectionately as the King of Country, was recognized for a career that has shaped the sound and soul of American music.
IWF OK Celebrates Member Ann Felton Gilliland Named OKCityan of the Year
January 2026International Women's Forum Oklahoma (IWF OK) proudly congratulates Ann Felton Gilliland, esteemed IWF member and Chairman & CEO of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity, on being named OKCityan of the Year by OKC Friday. For more than 36 years, Felton Gilliland has been a transformative force in the Oklahoma City metro, leading efforts to expand access to safe, affordable homeownership and strengthen families across the region. Her visionary leadership has guided Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity to build more than 1,155 new, energy-efficient homes and deliver critical home repair services that have improved and weatherized homes forhundreds of low-income homeowners.