OKC Women in Leadership Conference

The photos are LIVE ✨

• Conference highlights
• Candid moments
• And yes — your beautiful headshots!

From powerful moments on stage to conversations and camaraderie...it’s all there. A special thank you to Shevaun Williams for the amazing photography.

Download your favorites and relive the energy from Women in Leadership 2026.

https://shevyvision.shootproof.com/gallery/leadership2026

What an amazing day yesterday at the 15th Annual Women in Leadership Conference.

We are moving past the myth of the "constant grind" and into a more sustainable, high-impact rhythm. When this caliber of leadership aligns, the result is a structural shift in how we build, how we trust, and how we lead.

Thank you to the visionary founders and dedicated leaders who shared your wisdom the conference, you are the heartbeat of this movement.

We are deeply grateful to the organizations that actively invest and fuel intentional professional development of their people - thank you for your support.

We will post more photos of the day, along with headshots when available - stay tuned!

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women presented its diamond pendant—featuring the Great Seal of Oklahoma set in diamonds with a pink stone—to Melissa Cory in recognition of 15-years of service advancing women across our state through the co-creation of the OKC Women in Leadership Conference.

This honor has historically been reserved for sitting Commissioners, making the recognition even more meaningful.

A sincere thank you to the Commission for celebrating a true champion for women in Oklahoma—and to Shiny Rachel Mathew for an unforgettable moment that made the celebration even more special. What a powerful way to close out a milestone year.

We are extremely grateful for the sponsors, volunteers, staff, and partners who make this work possible year after year - thank you!

Stay tuned for photos and event highlights from this incredible day.

Mindfulness is more than just a relaxation technique; it is a science-backed method for retraining how we interact with our own minds. Instead of fighting to silence a busy brain, the goal is to develop the “skillful response” needed to move past reactive habits and blind spots that often cloud our judgment.

By utilizing accessible physical anchors like “straw breathing,” we can actively signal the parasympathetic nervous system to settle, allowing the “silt” of a stressful day to sink so we can see the situation with true clarity.

This mental shift transforms how we lead and connect with others, replacing impulsive bickering or frustration with inner wisdom and compassion. Ultimately, making a regular habit of “visiting yourself” isn’t about achieving a goal, but about recognizing that you are already more than enough.

, thank you for sharing incredibly valuable tools for staying grounded and delivering skillful responses.

The panel discussion “Resonating in the Noise: Tools and Tactics for the Strategic Reset,” led by Dr. Bob Greve helped us to shift the perspective towards high-level strategy and professional resilience.

When the chest starts to tighten and the “dings” of notifications become overwhelming, the most effective move isn’t to work harder, but to pull specific “levers” to slow down. This means proactively managing your environment—silencing the noise, canceling non-essential commitments, and giving yourself permission to prioritize mental recovery.

There was a strong emphasis on the “gathering” of oneself. Instead of staying in a fiery, reactive state, the goal is to use tools like breathing or physical movement to detach and refocus. It’s about maintaining the perspective that most professional challenges aren’t life-or-death, allowing for a level of grace that keeps both the leader and the team functioning for the long haul. Inclusion of a personal hobby or a “wildcard” activity outside of work is seen not as a luxury, but as a mechanical necessity for staying centered.

A special thanks to Judy Echols, Stephanie Heiden, Sharron Jackson-Glover, and Christine Woodworth for participating and sharing your insight!

Dr. Karen Nern challenged us to look closer at our skin health. We’re grateful for the encouragement from and to not overlook “odd spots”. A special thanks to for the generous bottle of sunscreen for each conference guest.

Many of you stopped by The Sun Bus booth for a Visia Facial Skin Analysis. This advanced scan reveals sun damage and pigmentation that isn’t visible to the naked eye-giving you a deeper understanding of your skin and how to protect it. Tell us what you learned during your scan!

Thank you, Dr. Nern, for continuing to champion skin wellness.

Trust isn’t just a social virtue; it is a tangible economic driver that starts with the "First Wave" of Self Trust.

By focusing on the Four Cores—Integrity, Intent, Capabilities, and Results—you can eliminate the "Trust Tax" that slows down your personal and professional momentum.

The story of Augusta Savage serves as a powerful reminder that integrity often requires digging deep into your "roots" even when society challenges your vision. When you master self-trust, you create a ripple effect that naturally builds credibility in your relationships and your organization. Ultimately, the artistry of leadership lies in staying true to your intent without apology.

Thank you, Linda McKown, for leading this important discussion!

What great insight from Jessica Rimmer and Marian Redwine’s presentation, “The Big Shift: Small Change, Big Impact”

For too long, we’ve been taught to “balance it all.” But research shows that 74% of women feel overwhelmed trying to juggle professional and personal demands—often ending up burned out in both.

The real goal? Alignment.
Instead of dividing your energy evenly, alignment helps you make choices guided by your core values. It’s about clarity, courage, and intentional trade-offs:

• Internal Barriers: Self-doubt, not glass ceilings, is often the biggest obstacle.

• Strategic Sacrifice: Let go of “plastic” responsibilities to protect your “glass” priorities.

• Owning Your Worth: Move from proving yourself to owning your intrinsic value. Reject perfectionism and lean on a supportive community for sustainable growth.

Alignment isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing what matters most, intentionally.

We enjoyed hearing from opening keynote, Dr. Sara Mednick!

Just as the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed because it lacked resonance, women in leadership often face burnout when our professional “upstates” aren’t synchronized with our biological “downstates.”
True resilience requires aligning high-impact activities—like strategic decision-making and intense exercise—with our natural daytime rhythms, while intentionally protecting the restorative sleep and 90-minute naps that “clean” the brain.

By mastering these internal cycles, we don’t just lead more effectively today; we actively safeguard our long-term cognitive health and metabolic power for the future.

How are you intentionally protecting your "downstate" to sustain your leadership "upstate" this week?

Join the conversation on social during the conference!
Share your favorite speaker or key insight from the conference on this post. One attendee will receive a special gift courtesy of Sara Robinson at H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery—a complimentary consultation and 50 units of Botox.

Winner will be announced during a live drawing towards the end of the day.

H/K/B Oklahoma City

Welcome to the 15th Annual Women in Leadership Conference! ✨

Today is about more than showing up—it’s about stepping into the next version of your leadership.

From the first conversation to the final takeaway, this day is designed to spark ideas, build momentum, and remind you of the impact you’re capable of making—right where you are.

Surround yourself with the kind of energy that challenges you, supports you, and pushes you forward.

We’re so glad you’re here! 💫

📸 As you experience the day, don’t forget to like, share, and post your favorite moments. We want to see it all!