Williams and Shock Honor Women of Inspiration
July 12, 2013 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Tulsa Shock News Release
Tulsa, Okla. - For the third consecutive year, Williams and the Tulsa Shock are proud to honor five inspirational women with the 2013 Williams Women of Inspiration ceremony on Saturday, July 13. These women serve Tulsa and the surrounding area with dedication and passion, while impacting the lives of area youth and the community. Notre Dame women's basketball head coach Muffet McGraw will speak at the pre-game reception for the nominees prior to the Shock hosting the Minnesota Lynx at the BOK Center at 7 p.m.
The 2013 Williams Women of Inspiration honorees are:
Melissa Baker: Baker is the Girls on the Run Program Manager at YWCA Tulsa. Through the Girls on the Run program, she is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. Previous to this new role, Baker was YWCA Tulsa's Director of Communications for over two years where she promoted the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Baker sits on the Board at Health Outreach Prevention Education and is serving as a Tulsa Young Professionals Board Intern at the American Diabetes Association. Baker has received the PRSA Tulsa Chapter 2012 Award of Merit for her work on the YWCA's Race Against Racism 5K and recently was honored as the Tulsa Business & Legal News Class of 2013 Top 40.
Joyce Bright: Bright served as Director of the Salvation Army North Mabee Boys and Girls Club for over 27 years. The scope of Bright's programs range from Youth Athletics to College Prep classes, emphasizing education and the Art at all times. Doctors, lawyers, teachers and journalists have blossomed from The North Mabee experiences. Bright calls them "Mabee Babies". The club has helped several players to the NFL, NBA and WNBA. Many of the success stories come back as adults to help the Brights' (both husband Darryl for 39 years and son Rocky are long time volunteers) nurture the next generation of Mabee Babies.
Stephanie Jackson: Jackson is an active Board of Directors member of DVIS, former Board of Director for Sickle Cell Disease Association and served as the Vice President of Programs, Tulsa Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority currently serving as Oklahoma State Coordinator for the Central Region and is a Past Chapter President. Jackson has been a member of the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) since January 1997, serving in patrol, investigative and administrative assignments. Jackson was promoted to her current rank of Sergeant in November 2004. Jackson is a National instructor for National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and works closely with Safe Kids Worldwide in Tulsa training new Child Passenger Safety technicians and volunteering at least twice a year with major child safety car seat check events to help move Oklahoma children safer on streets and highways. Jackson is only the second African-American female officer to achieve the rank of Sergeant within TPD and was the first to be named 2007 Outstanding Officer of the Year. Jackson was also named Officer of the Month for December 2007.
Brenda Lloyd-James: Lloyd-Jones is an avid community volunteer and has immersed herself in Tulsa's strong volunteer infrastructure, having served on over 12 boards, locally and statewide. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Lolyd-James was awarded the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women Award for public service. Loloyd-James is the president of The Mothers Group Inc., a local nonprofit organization committed to increasing the love of books among underserved children, and she is the creator of the popular annual Tulsa community Santa Project where children are inspired to excel educationally and culturally. Lloyd-James is a former president of the Junior League of Tulsa.
Carlisha Williams: Williams is the Founder and Executive Director of Women Empowering Nations, an educator and motivational speaker, she inspires individuals internationally. Williams began the work of Women Empowering Nations in 2009, an organization dedicated to the advancement of girls and women through self-esteem development, educational and leadership outreach programs. In June 2013, Williams hosted the Girls Leading Our World Travel Seminar and Leadership Conference to Casablanca, Morocco and Banjul, Gambia traveling with teenage girls from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Williams frequently travels to Gambia to facilitate girls' leadership, literacy and empowerment programs. Williams' work led to her appointment as a U.S. Goodwill Ambassador to the Republic of The Gambia.
All nominees and honorees are invited to attend a pre-game reception hosted at the Cox Business Center formally known as the Tulsa Convention Center, reception before the Shock's July 13 game against the Minnesota Lynx. Honorees will be honored during a halftime ceremony on court and will receive a number of gifts including a concourse table to promote an organization or non-profit of their choice, $50 gift certificate to Wild Fork, $100 gift certificate to J'Nar Spa and Salon, a feature article in the August issue of TulsaPeople magazine, and an engraved award from Williams and the Tulsa Shock. The winner will be awarded a trip to the 2014 National Women of Inspiration Luncheon celebration courtesy of World Travel.
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- Williams and Shock Honor Women of Inspiration - Tulsa Shock
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