In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Jenks Chamber interviewed board members about their experiences and inspiration for their careers and goals. The below graphics and Q&As were featured throughout the month of March, 2021.
“My parents have always been my greatest inspiration. From a very young age, they instilled in me the importance of education, pursuing my interests and dreams, serving those less fortunate, and giving back to the community. They also taught me to use my voice, and learn to take a seat at the table of dialogue as an equal. They grew up during the Great Depression in poor families in the Midwest, yet overcame all odds to achieve their master’s degrees and pursue careers of their choice, with my father becoming a Seminary professor, and my mother becoming a music teacher and choir director. They were married 50 years and raised four children, and left a legacy of unconditional love for their three daughters and son.”
What’s the best advice you have received?
“My Dad told me to enjoy every moment of the lives of my children, when I became a Mom. On the career side of my life, an early mentor who was the first female VP of my company’s parent company, told me to not pay attention to the organizational chart or the titles.”
Why are you a Chamber Board member?
“The Chamber serves as a catalyst to improve the quality of life for all in our community. It brings together all sectors of the community, including government, education, nonprofit, private business and individual community leaders, to collaborate, innovate and address challenges and opportunities so Jenks can continue to be a vanguard community. The Chamber embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all of its endeavors, and helps ensure that our community is a place where all voices are heard, and all may thrive. The beliefs and priorities of my company, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, as well as my own, align with the vision and goals of the Chamber.”
Thank you for all you do, Carole!
“I have always been inspired by teachers. I had several influential teachers growing up who encouraged me and pushed me to challenge myself. I have worked for TTCU now for 18 year and we were founded by teachers. They started this credit union to support each other. I have assisted so many teachers and education support staff in my time here and each one is an inspiration. Their dedication to education and supporting our children is amazing.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“Everything happens for a reason. You may not have gotten the result you were hoping for, but maybe it wasn’t the right opportunity. Keep trying and the right opportunity will present itself.”
Why are you a chamber board member?
“I became Branch Manager of our TTCU Jenks branch in 2010. The Jenks Chamber helped me get more involved in the Jenks community. I fell in love with Jenks and ended up moving here in 2011. So when Josh asked me to join Chamber Board it was an easy decision. I wanted to give back to my community. I’m very honored to be a part of this Board and all the great work the Chamber is doing for Jenks America.”
Thank you for all you do, Cindy!
My parents have been my greatest inspiration. They taught me at a young age to work hard and to never take anything for granted.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Stick with it and never give up. There are always times when giving up is easier but working hard and achieving your goals makes it worth it.
Why are you a chamber board member?
I love the Jenks community and am proud of our community. Being able to volunteer my time for the chamber by working at luncheons, after hours events, being an ambassador to welcome new members to the chamber has allowed me to meet new people and introduce them to Jenks and all our city has to offer.
“My greatest inspiration comes from seeing folks face their fears and courageously pursue greatness. I think it takes courage to see yourself for who you are becoming and then act in accordance to that vision. Any person who does that, gives others permission to do the same. I’ve seen that in family members like my sister Heidi Williams as she’s grown in her career, and in students who step onto stages with sweaty palms and shaky knees to courageously pursue their dreams. They inspire me every single day.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“The best advice I’ve ever received probably came from my mom. She said to focus on the best qualities in other people, not on their flaws, and you’ll build long lasting, beautiful relationships. I’d say that advice has served me well.”
Why are you a chamber board member?
“I said “yes” to serving on the Jenks Chamber board because the Chamber has served our business and community well. I believe investing time back into an organization who’s goal is to help businesses thrive, is a valuable and important use of my time. Serving in this way has given me great insight to the heartbeat of Jenks and how we can add value to it’s businesses and residents. Beyond that, it’s just a great way to make friends with some incredible folks!”
Thank you for all you do, Heather!
“My greatest inspiration has been my grandma. Her and my grandpa ran their own small business and I find myself often thinking about her and all of the tasks for which she was responsible are now the same things I do. She was really good at running a business and taking care of her family. I’m so thankful for the 33 years that I got to shadow her.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“The best advice I received was not to spend too much time working and not making memories. I am always planning the next trip.”
Why are you a chamber board member?
“I am happy to be a Chamber Board Member because I enjoy getting to know the other members and planning things to continue making Jenks the best. We have a high standard of excellence in Jenks which I love promoting.”
Thank you for all you do, JayCee!
“My greatest inspiration has been my husband, Greg. Throughout our almost 25 years of marriage, I’ve told him several times, he brings out the best in me. He is such a good, hard working Christian man, that I strive to be just like him.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“The best advice I ever received was when I went to college. My dad told me that “the hardest path is always the best”. That was his way of letting me know it was worth studying hard. Education was very important to him. He would say our education was the biggest inheritance he would leave us, and nobody could ever take that away from us.”
Why are you a chamber board member?
“I am a Chamber Board member because I care about our community and our local businesses succeeding.”
Thank you for all you do, Muriel!
“The clients we serve at Speech and Beyond. No matter what, the parents and kiddos keep showing up and putting in the WORK to overcome the challenges they face. They are all so resilient and inspire me to do my best.”
2. What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“Make a horseshoe, not a circle. There’s always room for more to join.”
3. Why are you a chamber board member?
“I love working and living in Jenks and want to be part of its growth. It is an honor to be asked and I’ve enjoyed serving.”
Thank you for all you do, Sarah!
