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. Susan Paddack

Susan Paddack received a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Colorado and a Master of Education Degree in Secondary Education from East Central University. She earned a Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Susan was elected in November 2004 as the State Senator for District 13, which includes Pontotoc, Hughes, portions of Garvin and Coal Counties. She serves as a Democratic Whip and Co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee. In addition, she serves on the full Appropriations Committee, Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, the Education Committee, and the Tourism and Wildlife Committee. She represents Oklahoma as a board member on the Southern Regional Education Board, a member of the Annual Meeting Committee for the Council of State Governments, a board member of the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust, a board member on the Healthcare Workforce Resources Center Board, and serves on the Governor’s Elimination of Health Disparities Task Force, the Task Force on Achieving Classroom Excellence, the State Coverage Initiative to reform healthcare in Oklahoma, and the Governor’s Catastrophic Health Emergency Planning Task Force.

With a passion to promote both education and healthcare in Oklahoma, Senator Paddack has successfully authored numerous pieces of landmark legislation in these areas, resulting in multiple honors for her efforts. Susan was the principal author of the 2005 legislation, Rx Oklahoma, which expands the Prescription Assistance Program to make it available statewide. That same year, she also authored legislation creating a physician assistant scholarship program aimed at helping ensure rural communities have greater access to medical care. She was also instrumental in passing legislation to create the Health Care Workforce Resource Center to help identify shortages in nursing and allied health as well as developing strategies to address those gaps. In addition, she authored laws to ensure that schools provide information about meningococcal meningitis to parents of students in the sixth through twelfth grades and to require vision screenings for elementary students. She also authored a bill which gives lawsuit protection to healthcare providers who provide charitable medical services to medically indigent persons in a free medical clinic setting.

Susan’s honors for her legislation include being named the 2005 Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians Patient Advocate of the Year as well as 2006 Legislator of the Year for the Rural Health Association of Oklahoma. She was also named the Legislative Newcomer award recipient in 2005 by the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma. In 2006, Susan was awarded the Oklahoma Nurses Association Friend of Nursing award and the Legislative award from the Oklahoma State School Boards Association. In 2007, she was awarded the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Alumni Association “Amicus Medicinae Award, and the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma Friend of Higher Education Award. Also in 2007, she received the Metropolitan Environmental Trust Legislator of the Year and the Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Council Legislative Advocate of the Year. In 2008, she received the Oklahoma Academy Exceptional Commitment Award and was inducted into the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s Child Advocate Hall of Fame. The Oklahoma Academy of Family Physicians awarded her the 2008 Legislator of the Year. She also received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education, 2008 Legislator of the Year from the Oklahoma State Troopers Association-District 13, 2008 Honoree for the Journal Record’s 50 Making a Difference/Woman of the Year. In 2009 she received the Outstanding Member of a State Legislature, Dr. Nathan Davis Award, from the American Medical Association and the Partners in Conservation Award from the U.S. Department of the Interior. She also received the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association’s Legislative Award of Appreciation and the Friend of Retired Educators from the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association.

Prior to her election to the Senate, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence employed Susan for nine years as their Director of Local Education Foundation Outreach. She traveled the state working with LEF boards and tailored presentations and workshops based on each foundation’s specific need. During this tenure, the number of local education foundations grew by 31% and over $22 million was awarded to schools by their LEFs since their formation in the early 1980s. She also consulted with LEFs in states such as Missouri, Indiana, and Arkansas. She was employed as a secondary science teacher in middle and junior high schools in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. She also served as an adjunct faculty member for East Central University’s Education Department.

Susan serves in various capacities in local, state, and national volunteer organizations. She served as the 2000-2001 president of the American Medical Association Alliance, and traveled to 32 states as a part of their Speakers’ Bureau. Susan served as a representative from the AMAA to the Commission for the Prevention of Youth Violence, which was a call to action from medicine, nursing, and public health to address the epidemic of youth violence in the nation. On the state level, she is a board member for the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, a board member for the Oklahoma Academy, a board member for the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence where she was presented with an Honorary Circle of Excellence in 2003, and a board member of the Oklahoma Arts Institute. Susan was a member of the Leadership Oklahoma Class XVI. She was named among the 2004 and 2008 honorees for The Journal Record’s 50 Women Making a Difference. She also was a board member of the Oklahoma Institute of Child Advocacy, having served as Vice-president of Development and Vice-president of Trustees, was a board member of the Center for Nonprofit Management and was on the advisory board of governors for the Communities Foundation of Oklahoma. Susan served as the 1991-92 president of the Oklahoma State Medical Association Alliance.

On the local level, Susan served on the board of the Ada City Schools Foundation where she was previously president, vice-president, and was grant review chair for ten years. She has also served as: president for the Pontotoc County Medical Alliance, board member for the City of Ada’s Board of Adjustments, board member of the Kiwanis Club of Ada and chairman of Young Children - Priority One, parent representative on the Ada City Schools Professional Staff Development Committee, vice-president for the Ada Arts and Humanities Council, the 1992 United Way fund drive chair and board president in 1993, a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Task Force and steering committee on Economic Development, and a member of the 1991 Leadership Ada class. She was named the Ada Education Association’s 1992 Friend of Education. Susan is an elder of First Presbyterian Church of Ada. She is married to Gary, an internal medicine physician.