Lauren Lago was born May 22, 1991 in Oklahoma City to Lynna Lago. She has attended ASTEC for seven years.
The subject most interesting to Lauren is English. She would like to major in theater at the University of Central Oklahoma.
Lauren’s interests include theater, movies and books. Her hobbies include writing, spending time with her friends and listening to music. Lauren is a part of Student Council and yearbook.
Lauren describes herself as creative, outgoing and compassionate. When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to be remembered as someone who never gave up and someone who helped those in need.”
Lauren has received a scholarship from the Dallas Christian College.
Kyra Cochran was born on April 30, 1993 in Oklahoma City to Shane Cochran. She has attended ASTEC for six years.
Kyra is interested in music, history and the ministry. She plans to attend Oklahoma Baptist University with a major in music and a minor in ministry. She will be the first in her family to attend college.
Kyra is a member of ASTEC Student Council and is a junior class officer. She attends Youth Leadership Exchange Leadership Skill Training and enjoys organizing events and public speaking. Kyra received achievement awards in geometry, and scored “Advanced” on the Biology End of Instruction exam. She has already earned college credit by scoring a 3 on her Advanced Placement European exam.
Kyra considers herself as kind, generous, outgoing, and a hard worker. She is also very excited to be a part of this program.
Cindy Cortinas was born on October 30, 1990 in Oklahoma City, to Rosa Garcia. She has been attending ASTEC for seven years.
Cindy finds English and Technology as her most interesting subjects. Cindy plans to earn certification in Child Care and Information Technology and someday open her own childcare facility.
Cindy received an Outstanding Student award in English. She enjoys hand on projects and taking care of children.
When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to be remembered as an outgoing person who never gives up!”
Hayley was born on June 14, 1991 in Oklahoma City to Nathan and Mary Anne Brubaker. She has attended ASTEC for five years.
Hayley’s favorite subject is math. She plans to pursue a career in photography and someday own her own photography studio.
She is a member of ASTEC Charter High School’s yearbook staff, Senior Class Historian, School Newspaper, and participates in Music Theater. Hayley is a member of National Honor Society, Honor Roll recipient, named Outstanding Yearbook Student, and received the President’s Education Awards Program for Outstanding Academic Excellence.
Hayley considers herself as hardworking, caring, intelligent, creative, and fun. When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “ I want to be remembered as for how hard I worked.”
Theresa was born on June 17, 1992 in Oklahoma City to James and Mary Hultberg. Theresa has attended ASTEC for six years.
Theresa’s most interesting subject is art; however she also enjoys English and science. She plans on becoming a graphic designer and eventually start her own business. She wants to continue her passion for art and sell her works while pursuing her graphic arts career.
Theresa is on yearbook staff and is a member of National Honor Society. She has been on the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, received Outstanding Student Awards in Art, English, Biology II and AP European History. She has also been selected as student of the month. Theresa received the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. Theresa was honored with the Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship for the University of Oklahoma.
When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to be remembered as someone who strived to succeed and achieved her dreams through hard work and a passion for her career and interests. I want to inspire others who are trying to achieve the same goals for themselves.”
Danielle was born on November 26, 1992 in Oklahoma City. She has been attending ASTEC for six years.
Danielle’s favorite subjects are English and Math. She plans to pursue a career in Math or in the medical field at the University of Oklahoma, resulting in becoming an accountant or a Physician’s Assistant.
Danielle’s interests are reading, creative writing, running, and softball. She currently volunteers at Macklinburg Community Center and someday would like to open a community center. Danielle is an active member of her church’s multi-cultural club.
Danielle considers herself caring, intelligent, determined, and adventurous. She would like to be remembered for her accomplishments.
Linh was born on November 8, 1991 in Vietnam to Minh Hoang and Xi Le. She has attended ASTEC for four years.
Linh’s favorite subject is Art, however she wants to pursue a career in the medical field. She eventually wants to start a charity medical clinic in Vietnam. Linh plans to attend the University of Oklahoma.
Linh is Senior Class President, Robotics Club President, President of Student Council, and volunteers for Strengthening Families. She is a member of Oklahoma Heritage Association Teen Board, Oklahoma Regional Food Bank, and Oklahoma City Youth Council. She also works part time at Old Navy.
Linh’s honors and awards include Superintendent’s Honor Roll, Principal’s Honor Roll, The Oklahoma Centennial Commission Poster Contest: Top Scholarship, Certificate of Achievement in the Geography Action, 1st Prize with Distinction in the Vietnamese Oral Contest, Junior Class Student of the Year and the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools Recipient STARS (Scholarship for Talented and Remarkable Students) Scholarship.
Halima was born September 1, 1993 in Oklahoma City to Connie Benhmida. Halima has attended ASTEC for five years.
Halima’s favorite subject is science and wants to pursue a career in general medicine and accounting. Her ultimate goal is to become a doctor and open her own free clinic. She also enjoys dance and music.
Halima is a member of the cheerleading team and enjoys dance and music. Halima has been on the Superintendent and Principal’s honor roll while attending ASTEC Charter High School. She placed third in the Oklahoma Christian University High School Competition for Mathematics.
When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to make a positive impact on as many peoples’ lives as much as I can.”
Susanna Martinez was born July 21, 1993 in Oklahoma City to Ernesto and Angelica Martinez. She has been attending ASTEC for six years.
The subject most interesting to Susanna is English. Susanna plans to attend college and major in accounting or a foreign language, as her long-term goals are to be an accountant or a language translator.
Susanna’s interests include drawing, singing, dancing and volunteering. Her hobbies include crocheting, reading, making jewelry and listening to music. Susana is a part of ASTEC’s Yearbook staff and the youth group at her church. Honors and awards Susanna has received are academic achievements and outstanding student recognitions in Mathematics, English and Spanish.
Susanna describes herself as responsible, trustworthy and kind. When asked, “How do you want to be remembered?” she replied, “I want to be remembered as a girl who tried her hardest to succeed in life and to be able to make a difference in someone else’s life.
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.
‘Enterprising Women’ spotlights PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS program and 2009 graduate
The latest issue of ‘Enterprising Women‘ showcases information regarding our 2011 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS program, as well as an in-depth article featuring Sarah Mukandutiye, a 2009 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS graduate. Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of the publication, has been a longtime supporter of the Institute. Click here to read Monica’s Publisher’s Note and the [...]
Nonprofit leader is working to help Afghan women, girls Q: What’s happening with the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council? You and other members recently met in Washington with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and other dignitaries. A: The council was sanctioned in 2002 by President George W. Bush and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. I was appointed to [...]
Awards & honors Oklahoma City businesswoman Terry Neese was recognized last week with the 2010 Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Hall of fame award. The national award honors individuals, companies, and organizations that have demonstrated exemplary leadership and support in the success of women’s business initiatives //
Betty, a 2010 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS graduate, co-owns Solidarity Academy School, a secondary private school in Rwanda. Mentored by Dr. Freda Deskin, Founder of ASTEC Charter School, Betty has been paying forward the education and training she received from our program and was kind enough to share it with us! Good morning Terry, I am [...]
Business hall of fame to honor Neese Terry Neese of Oklahoma City will be presented the 2010 Women’s Business Enterprise Hall of Fame award on Thursday in Dallas. The national award honors individuals, companies, and organizations for leadership and support in the success of women’s business initiatives. “This is an exceptional award to bring home [...]
Oklahoma Lt. Governor Jari Askins receives Afghan gift
Lt. Governor Jari Askins accepted a hand-made, personalized soccer ball from Terry Neese, President, IEEW. Terry delivered the ball on behalf of 2007 PEACE THROUGH BUSINESS graduate Taj Sirat. Taj’s company, Greenway Manufacturing produces all types of balls, employing over 250 Afghan women. Taj wished to express her gratitude to Lt. Governor Askins for her [...]