The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women.

Angie Hedges Hendricks, Bentley Hedges Travel

Bentley Hedges Travel has been a leader in the travel industry in Oklahoma for over 38 years and a Travel Leaders affiliate for 4 years.

Angela “Angie” Hedges Hendricks began her career in the travel industry in 1972. Her parents, Bentley and Alice Hedges founded Bentley Hedges Travel in Oklahoma City, OK in 1970 in her grandparents’ living room.

Angie has worked in virtually every position in the company and now serves as President and CEO. The agency is a Certified Woman-Owned Business.

Under Angie’s guidance, Bentley Hedges Travel consolidated outlying offices throughout Oklahoma and Texas into the Oklahoma City corporate headquarters as technology allowed for remote servicing of clients. Angie’s ability to keep the business plan flexible as the travel industry changed has allowed the company to sustain growth of nearly $7 million dollar agency employing 12 employees.

Angie is active in the South OKC Rotary, Greater OKC and South OKC Chambers of Commerce, a member of South OKC Chamber Team South Class II, serves as a member of the Personnel Committee at First Baptist Church of Moore, OK and serves on the Advisory Board of Travel Leaders. She is a 2009 Enterprising Women of the Year Winner.

In July 2008, Angie was asked by The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women – Peace through Business®2008 to mentor a woman business owner from Kigali, Rwanda who also owns and operates a travel agency. Again in 2009, Angie mentored another woman business owner of a travel agency. The bond between Angie and the women from Rwanda continues to flourish as they exchange ideas about their common vocation.

Angie is married to Steve Hendricks and they will celebrate their 31^t wedding anniversary in 2010. They have two daughters, Dr. Stephanie Aldret of Tulsa, OK and Sgt. Audrey Hendricks, Army Reserves, currently serving in Baghdad, Iraq. They reside in Oklahoma City with their dog, Reuben.

Rachel Limieux

Rachel Lemieux was born June 23, 1991 in Oklahoma City to Russell and Dorinda Lemieux. She started attending ASTEC when she was in the sixth grade.

The subject most interesting to Rachel is art and she would like to major in photography and business management from the University of Science of Arts of Oklahoma.

Rachel’s interests and hobbies include enjoying the outdoors, playing basketball and photography. In the past, Rachel has been involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), ASTEC’s yearbook staff and Biology Club. She is currently involved in the Robotics Club.

Honors and awards Rachel has received are first place for photography in the Oklahoma Student Media Festival, first, eighth and ninth place in the Oklahoma State Fair Photography Contest, first place in Computer Applications for Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA) Competition and a recognition plaque for Who’s Who in Oklahoma in FLBA.

Olga Gonzales

Olga Gonzalez was born August 17, 1993 in Oklahoma City to Roy and Olga Aguilar. She started attending ASTEC when she was in the sixth grade.

The subject most interesting to Olga is U.S. History. Olga plans to attend college to become a registered nurse.

Olga’s interests include reading and volunteering. Her hobbies include spending time with her family and friends, dancing and listening to music. Olga is a member of Student Council and is a Junior Class Officer.

Olga describes herself as outgoing, energetic, responsible and punctual. Her goals are to finish college and empowering other women in society.

Honors and awards Olga has received are Principal’s Honor Roll, Duke University Talent Search Scholar, Seventh Grade Talent Search Scholar and Academic Decathlon.

When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” She replied, “ As someone who never settled for less and never gave up on her hopes and dreams.”

Elizabeth Claudio

Elizabeth Claudio was born October 23, 1991 in Woodlawn, CA to Luis and Teresa Claudio. She started attending ASTEC High School in 2009.

The subjects most interesting to Elizabeth are European History and Biology. Elizabeth plans to attend college and major in physical therapy. She one day hopes to become a physical therapist.

Elizabeth’s interests and hobbies include reading, sports and dancing. Before attending ASTEC, she attended Dove Science Academy, where she was a part of the Spanish Club and Turkish Club. She is also involved in the youth group at Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, where she enjoys working with the less fortunate and senior citizens. Elizabeth hopes to become a community leader for those who are less fortunate.

Elizabeth describes herself as physically and academically active, generous and positive. As a Mexican-American, she also speaks fluently in two languages. Her current goals are to finish high school with a 4.0 GPA and earn scholarships to help pay for college.

Caitlin Smith

Caitlin Smith was born December 8, 1992 in Oklahoma City, to Jeff and Mari Smith. She has been attending ASTEC for five and a half years.

Catlin’s favorite subject is art. She plans to major in interior design at Oklahoma State University and someday become an interior designer. Caitlin’s other interests include art and music. She likes to draw, paint and listen to music.

Caitlin is a part of ASTEC’s Yearbook Staff and was chosen as its Business Manager. She was a finalist for acceptance into Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics, and on her first attempt, she scored a 27 on her ACT.

When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to be remembered as hard working and that I made a difference in other people’s lives. I would also like to be remembered as a creative interior designer.”

Noria, Collins

Noria Collins was born September 12, 1992 in Oklahoma City, to Maria Collins Thomas. She has attended ASTEC for two years.

Noria’s favorite subjects are English and History. Noria is going to major in Business and Marketing and someday own her own business.

Noria enjoys traveling and learning about other cultures. She is involved in cheerleading, stomp team and belongs to a social business club.

Honors and awards Noria received are All-American Universal Cheer Camp Award and first place in her cheerleading division championship competition.

When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to be remembered as a strong woman who always did what she believed in and someone who tried her best to help anyone who needed help.”

Ana Martinez

Ana Martinez was born August 29, 1992 in Mexico, to Moises and Celia Martinez. She started attending ASTEC High School in 2009.

Ana’s favorite subject is science. She plans to attend college and pursue a degree in elementary education. Another one of Ana’s passions is to be a linguistic interpreter.

Ana enjoys playing the piano, fine arts, photography and reading literature. She also enjoys studying about the Mexican culture.

Ana is proud to be the first in her family to attend college. She constantly strives to achieve her goals. She has been honored with numerous awards that include; achievement awards in biology, algebra, geography, and cooking. Since attending ASTEC, she has been on the Principal’s Honor Roll each semester and she has perfect attendance.

When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “ I want to be remembered as someone who accomplished her goals and made something of her life. Also, someone who was kind, dependable and helpful.”

Rep. Pam Peterson (R-Tulsa)

Paterson was born on June 28, 1955, in New York City. She received a bachelor;s degree in communication from Oral Roberts University in 1977. She has been employed as a television spokesperson as well as an associate television producer.

She served as a Tulsa County Republican chairman, as the Republican Party’s First Congressional District vice chairman, and as a national delegate to the Republican Convention.

Peterson won the election to the Oklahoma House of Representatives from District 67 in January 2004. She was appointed commissioner for the Oklahoma Commissions on the Status of Women , and serves as the chair of the Task Force to Stop Sexual Violence (2006). She continues active participation in ALEC, Alliance to the Tulsa Medical Society, and MEND Pregnancy Resource Center.

Peterson and her husband, Paul, have two grown children. Peterson’s hobbies include tennis.

Rep. Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City)

Anastasia was born in Miami, Florida. She has resided in Oklahoma for over 30 years. Her parents are Maye B. Pittman and C. Anthony Pittman. She is the granddaughter of the late Jazz Hall of Famer C.E. Pittman, Juanita Pittman, Mary Lee Thurman-Taylor, and Seminole Freedman Rayfield (Tom) Barkus. Anastasia has one daughter and one foster son.

She has a B.A. in Journalism/Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma. She also has a M.Ed. in Urban Education & Behavioral Science from Langston University.

She is an educator, works in the communications field & Case Management.

She is a board member of the YWCA, Metropolitan Better Living Center, Aids Walk of Oklahoma, former board member of BLAC, Inc. and the Association of Concerned Citizens for HIV Awareness. She is a former mentor/tutor of the National Weed and Seed Program and the Oklahoma Public School System, U.S. Department of Justice Western District, and the PTA President of K.I.P.P. College Preparatory School. She is also the founder of the Magic Star Foundation, Inc.

ORGANIZATIONS: Northeast Church of Christ
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
Urban League Young Professionals
Life Member of NAACP
A. Philip Randolph Institute
Metro Federation Democratic Women’s Club
Eastside Capitol Gateway
State & Community Organizations Promoting Education (S.C.O.P.E.)

HONORS: Outstanding Community Service Recognition for Magic Star Foundation, Inc., former president William Jefferson Clinton
Cooperative Extension-Outreach Service and Leadership Award,
Langston University
Unity in the Community State Award, Oklahoma Federal Executive Board
Lecia D. Swain/Theodis Payne Media Award, OKC Branch NAACP
Outstanding Black Woman’s Award, Girl Scout Honor Troop 18
Media Advocacy Award, Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault
Oklahoma Achiever’s Award, Metropolitan Better Living Center

LEGISLATIVE SERVICE: House of Representatives, 51st Legislature

Sen. Debbe Leftwich

Debbe Leftwich, State Senator from District 44 in South Oklahoma City, was elected in a special election December 9, 2003 to fill the vacancy left by her husband, Senator Keith Leftwich who died of cancer in September that year. She was re-elected in 2006.

She authored the Breast & Cervical Cancer Treatment bill, the Quality Investment Act, the Graduated Driver’s License Program and major Nursing Home Reforms, along with bills that increased fines and punishments for crimes of Domestic Violence, increased statute of limitations for sex crimes against children, expanded the Victims Impact Panel’s DUI programs, enhanced penalties for negligent homicide and created Oklahoma’s Elevator Safety Act. She’s pushed freezing property taxes for seniors and tax cuts for retirees and veterans. She’s supported raising teacher’s pay to the regional average, additional funding and accountability to our schools as well as performance audits for state government.

Debbe serves on Business & Labor, Transportation, Retirement & Insurance and General Appropriations committees. In addition to the legislative committees she serves on, Debbe has been appointed to various boards, committees and commissions.

She currently serves as:

• Chair of the Oklahoma Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Advisory Committee
• Co-Chair of Oklahoma Women’s Legislative Caucus
• Co-Chair of Oklahoma’s Cancer Caucus
• Member of Oklahoma Women’s Coalition
• Member of YMCA Youth & Government Advisory Board

Debbe also served on the Attorney General’s Task Force to improve End-of-Life Care as well as a Governor’s appointee to the Oklahoma Health Information Security & Privacy Collaboration Steering Committee. She is also a member of the Commission on the Status of Women (and past Chair), Youth Services SKIL Board, the American Legion Auxiliary, South OKC Rotary and the South OKC Chamber of Commerce.

Her efforts have earned Leftwich special recognition from the Oklahoma Nurses Association, Oklahoma Unified Chiropractic Association, AARP, Oklahoma Association of Marriage and Family, Oklahoma Safe Kids Coalition, AARP and Oklahoma Aging Partnership. She also has received an Action Award from the American Cancer Society and in 2008 was inducted into the Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy’s Hall of Fame. In 2009, she was honored by Oklahoma State Home Builders Association with their “Champions of the Industry” Award and was selected as one of the Oklahoma Journal Record’s “50 Making a Difference”.

Debbe has worked in both the private and public sectors. She has held management, supervisory and administrative positions for Globe Life, Aetna, Kerr McGee and the OSU Extension Center. She was Division Administrator and then later Director of Administration and Personnel for the Chief Medical Examiner’s office. She’s had training and experience in Strategic Planning, Government Purchasing and Administrative Law. Debbe has conducted training sessions in Strategic Planning, Grassroots Campaigning and Group Advocacy. She served as a member of the Office of Personnel Management’s Advisory Council and the Employee Benefit Coordinator’s Association.

Debbe is also a past president of her hometown Alumni Association, a past PTA Vice-Chair, former Sunday school teacher and assistant little league coach. She is a member of Southern Hills United Methodist Church. She was born in Chandler, grew up in Wellston, Oklahoma, and graduated from Wellston High School, and attended Oklahoma Baptist University and the University of Central Oklahoma. Debbe has two sons, Kevin and Kurt.