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/