Shawnee Forward Podcasts

Julie Wicker has served at Vault Pressure Control, a manufacturing plant in Shawnee, OK, for the past 21 years. Through the intimidation of becoming a Plant Manager, Julie has stepped into her purpose by providing a dependable and welcoming presence.

Amy Jenkins is a process improvement consultant for an Oklahoman energy company where she makes workers' lives better by assuming leaders have the best intent while recognizing not everyone has the same experiences.

Come hear how Toni Padgett took a leap of faith in starting a new venture—balloons! Spoiler alert: she has successfully brought her balloon business to great heights. Toni doesn't shy away from the lengths she's gone and the sacrifices she's endured to make it happen. Here to tell you how her simple "yes" gave way to the most fulfilling purpose—bringing joy to her community of Shawnee via celebration. Find Toni Padgett—The Balloon Girl on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tdawnp86?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Suzie Campbell, Owner & Publisher of the Countywide News & Sun talks about the brave journey of buying the paper, the importance of taking your personal beliefs out of the news and her love for Shawnee and Pottwatomie County. She shares her bravery beyond her career and tells us her personal story of why advocating for domestic violence is so important and the local non-profits that can help. Support your local news! Countywide News & Sun https://www.countywidenews.com/ Suzie Campbell https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzie-campbell-64986863

Sandy Vanderburg, Executive Director of United Way Pottawatomie County joins us to discuss how love lead her to the area and the roots she has planted since arriving 8 years ago. Sandy has over 16 years of hospitality experience. Sandy has a strong passion for mentoring other women and builds strong relations in the community.

Loida Haffener is the executive director of American Red Cross for South Central Southeast Oklahoma where she oversees 28 counties in Oklahoma. Loida also is a co-founder of Le Monde International School, Public Charter of Norman, Oklahoma. She was charged with leading a team to create a language immersion school, one of the first of its kind in Oklahoma. South Central and Southeast Oklahoma American Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/local/oklahoma/about-us/locations/south-central-and-southeast-oklahoma.html 405-273-8800

Chris Paul Rettman Photography has been in business for 7 years. Chris opened his photography business because he loves to capture special moments, or show off the hard work people have done through photographs. Come here how a young man put down $2K to start his very own business and build it from the ground up. Chris Paul Rettman Photography: https://www.facebook.com/chris.rettmaniii https://www.chrispaulrettman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/chrispaulphotos/

Kayxandra Koonce is the Executive Director of the Child Advocacy Center. Throughout her professional career, She has had the honor of working in multiple roles within the child welfare system for OKDHS, Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services and now with the Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma. Working hands-on with front-line child welfare workers, tribes, community partners, biological parents, kinship families, traditional foster families, and executive leaders has given her the ability to build connections with a diverse population of individuals and gain a deeper understanding of unique challenges and adversities they have faced. Child Advocacy Center of Central Oklahoma: https://www.facebook.com/CACCentralOkla/ (405) 585-2133 Child Welfare Hotline: 1-800-522-3511 Ambassador program: shawneeforward.com/ambassadors/

Sarah Weeks is the Director of Business & Career Services at Gordon Cooper Technology Center. There, she helps every individual no matter their background or their different abilities find success in life. Come listen to how learning styles are changing and how everyone should be adaptable to the transforming world of careers and business. Gordon Cooper Technology Center: https://www.gctech.edu/ (405) 273-7493 Sarah's office: 405-273-7493 ext. 2213

Stacey Connelly is THE Captain that sees a need and addresses the need. Stacey has worked at the Shawnee Salvation Army since 2019. She loves what she does and wants to make a change in our community. Listen and hear her story! Shawnee Salvation Army: 200 E 9th St, Shawnee, OK 74801 (405) 275-2243 https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/arkansas-and-oklahoma/ Ambassador program: shawneeforward.com/ambassadors/

Come hear why Brandon Dyer loves Shawnee and the mission of Shawnee. Brandon launched Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County to help renew his hometown's commitment to caring for each other through intentional relationships. Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County: https://www.communityrenewal.org/ (405) 273-1035

Cama Watts is the Business and Entrepreneurial Services Coordinator at Gordon Cooper Technology Center. She is actively involved within the GCTC district to provide quality training to help individuals grow and succeed. She is passionate about helping others be their best self. In addition to helping small businesses, Cama has partnered with First United Bank to bring a quarterly Women's Leadership Luncheon to the Shawnee area. She serves on several committees to promote well-being in the workplace. She has been the recipient of the Shawnee Forward Forward 15 award, the Pierre F. Taron Leadership Award, and The Journal Record Achievers Under 40 award. Cama is an active member of The Junior Service League of Shawnee and committees through the Department of CareerTech. Come listen to her story of how support systems of good women can be life-changing. Business and Entrepreneurial Services Business Development: https://www.gctech.edu/apps/pages/business-entrepreneurialservices (405) 214-3256

"Be Prepared to work more and sleep less." Hear Chirs Odneal's story of becoming an entrepreneur. GO Consulting Services is a full-service MSP, Specializing in Network Instillation, support, and maintenance. GO Consulting Services: https://goconsultingservices.com/ (405) 214-6090 Ambassador program: shawneeforward.com/ambassadors/

Tiffany Walker is the Executive Director for Shawnee Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative. She works with individuals and families living in poverty. Shawnee Bridges is dedicated to facilitating educational programs intended for individuals and families in poverty seeking to create stability in their lives. Learn all about it in this episode. Shawnee Bridges out of Poverty: https://shawneebridges.com/ (405) 432- 2430 Luau on the Links: October 4th at Shawnee Country Club marketing@shawneeforward.com

Dr. Johnie Fredman, PsyD is the owner of Focus Mental Health Services, LLC here in Shawnee. Learn how mental health is important and how mental health services can better your life and the life here in Shawnee. Focus Mental Health Services, LLC: https://focusmhs.com/ 405-214-0116 Ambassador program: shawneeforward.com/ambassadors/

In this episode Katie Goodson shares how to gain respect by sharing your knowledge. Katie Goodson is the CEO and Owner of Affinity Corporation and Daylight Donuts in Techumseh. Learn how being willing to fail and learn from your mistakes will make you more successful in life. Affinity Corporation: (405) 6695-8700 http://www.buildwithaffinity.com/ Ambassador program: shawneeforward.com/ambassadors/

Come hear how Tina Hanna has found her passion and her people in Shawnee. Tina Hanna is the excutive director at South Central Industries. She also serves on many boards such as, Avedis Foundation, Shawnee Forward, SF Finance Committee, SSM Hospital Authority, Oklahoma Care Providers Past President, Oklahoma State Use Committee representative, Rotary Past President and Rookie of the Year, and United Way representative. South Central Industries: https://southcentralindustriesinc.com/ (405) 275-3851 Ambassador program: https://shawneeforward.com/ambassadors/

Tyler Huebert started the Surf bar in 2018 as a senior in high school, now at the age 21 he is expanding and becoming even more successful. AJ Howard, the VPO at The Surf Bar shares his story of operating and trusting in your business partners. Listen to how these young professionals have the drive to shake up Shawnee! @Camiengles The Surf Bar: (405) 481-3881 https://www.surfbar.com/ Pottawatomie County Young Professionals: shawneeforward.com/pcyp/

Leah Daughhetee is a female leader who started Daughhetee Insurance Sales less than a year ago. Listen to how Leah has felt open arms in Shawnee and how her life in rodeo relates to her life in her business. Daughhetee Insurance Sales: https://agents.allstate.com/daughhetee-insurance-sales-shawnee-ok.html?utm_source=GMB&utm_medium=Website (405) 275-5520 Pottawatomie County Young Professionals: shawneeforward.com/pcyp/ @ShandaMcDonald @CarrieLauderdale @JasonDaughhetee

When you don't have what you want in Shawnee, you open your own business. That is exactly what Kimberly Jorgensen did with her business, Mainstream Boutique. Hear why Shawnee is unique and amazing and why we should all wish big for Shawnee. Mainstream Boutique of Shawnee: https://mainstreamboutique.com/pages/shawnee (405) 395-4372 Pottawatomie County Young Professionals: shawneeforward.com/pcyp/ @DebbieScott @CamiEngles @NickiSherman @JillThomas @HeathTomas @MichelleO'Bright

What do you want to be when you grow up? That is a question we often do not ask ourselves because we are grown up in our eyes. Learn from Marissa Lightsey on how to never stop dreaming and know all your options. Be prepared to laugh and ponder about life while listening to this episode! Oklahoma State Department of Education: https://www.okedge.com/ The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma and Adversity https://www.amazon.com/Deepest-Well-Long-Term-Childhood-Adversity/dp/132850266X/ref=sr_1_1?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7KXBhCoARIsAPdPTfgjjIvPwe_EjVjmLNjehRW1VnRvOugtxXa_VrTz4CRNVgzEA8WlHtwaAqlnEALw_wcB&hvadid=409971152051&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1024330&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=814716304091202105&hvtargid=kwd-308843520900&hydadcr=22535_11318315&keywords=the+deepest+well&qid=1659722790&sr=8-1 Pottawatomie County Young Professionals: shawneeforward.com/pcyp/

Natalie Arnett is a State Farm owner and agent who shines in every project that she does. Learn how this working mom juggles her business, and other side hustles all with a positive outlook to create change in the community. Natalie Arnett State Farm Insurance: (405) 273-4644 https://www.nataliearnett.com/ Shawnee Forward Ambassadors: https://shawneeforward.com/ambassadors/

Cari Berlin is an indestructible woman who is running her own business, 20 West Works, where she consults and coaches small business owners and non-profit leaders. In this episode of Watch Out, Cari teaches us how to invest in ourselves, so that you can write a story you want to live. She also shares two people you should be watching out for in the Shawnee area. 20 West Works: 405-816-4496 https://www.20westmain.co/ Pottawatomie County Young Professionals: https://shawneeforward.com/pcyp/

Julie Hokit Is an amazing woman juggling her business, Insurance and Financial Design LLC, volunteering, and raising five boys. Julie expresses how she would not be where she is today if it were not for her mentor Jimmy, Natalie Arnett, Katie Landes, and of course her husband, Brandon Hokit Julie teaches us the importance of having the confidence to just say yes. Insurance & Financial Design: (405)777-6478 https://insurance-financialdesign.com/ One Agents Alliance: https://www.oneagentsalliance.net/ Volunteer Opportunities: https://ourcommunitymarket.org/ https://gatewaytoprevention.org/ https://legacyshawnee.com/ Bike & Brew: shawneeforward.com/bike-brew/ Marketing@shawneeforward.com

Virginia Brendle is a passionate lady who has owned and operated Virginia's Home Furnishings in Shawnee, OK for more than 50 years. Virginia gives us insight on how to have a positive outlook through new opportunities and hard challenges. In this podcast she tells us how to be confident in everything you do and shares a powerful story at the end! Virginia's Home Furnishings: (405) 273-6620 https://www.facebook.com/ShawneeFurnitureStore/ Bike & Brew: shawneeforward.com/bike-brew/ Marketing@shawneeforward.com

Renee Clemmons served in the United States Air Force, has raised six children and now says she is in the pinnacle of her career at Project Safe. In this podcast she credits other great women like Fran Topping, Misty Smith, and Kathy Laster and she shares the one lesson she has learned that everyone should remember and know. Renee is a great women leader in our community and a part of the Empowered Women Empower Women small group. You will be glad you know more about her. If you need Project Safe you can find them in all the following ways: 1.800.821.9953 www.projectsafeok.com Instagram Facebook https://www.ok.gov/dac/Training/Coordinated_Community_Response_Teams/index.html Roots: The Saga of an American Family: https://www.amazon.com/Roots-American-Family-Alex-Haley/dp/030682485X @FranTopping @MistySmith @KathyLaster @CarolynParks @KayeSteele Bike & Brew: https://shawneeforward.com/bike-brew/ Marketing@shawneeforward.com

Lean in with owner of Farmers Insurance - Kelli James. You can find her office at 444 W Federal St, Shawnee, OK 74804. When Kelli was able to see a life insurance policy rescue a family in grief from a financial crisis, she found her passion! She learned the business and started her own, you can too! We are excited to announce that the 2022 Tasty Affair & Auction will take place, IN-PERSON for the first time in 2 years, Mark your calendars for Tuesday May 10 at 6:00 PM at the Shawnee Expo Center and be sure to attend our signature event. This year is shaping up to be quite the event that's sure to delight your taste buds and keep your bidding paddles in the air! https://bit.ly/sftastyaffair

Philisha Lowe is the Owner of 6L-Mechanical, an HVAC company focused on mechanical systems. With an "I can do this" attitude, Philisha started her company in only 8 weeks. Learn how she is growing her business overcoming crippling insecurity and imposter syndrome and choosing Courage and Confidence as a Women-Owned Business in a Male-Dominated Industry. We are excited to announce that the 2022 Tasty Affair & Auction will take place, IN-PERSON for the first time in 2 years, Mark your calendars for Tuesday May 10 at 6:00 PM at the Shawnee Expo Center and be sure to attend our signature event. This year is shaping up to be quite the event that's sure to delight your taste buds and keep your bidding paddles in the air! Get your tickets https://bit.ly/sftastyaffair