DR. ARIELLE ALLEN, D.O.
Founder and Sole Owner, Urogynecology of Oklahoma
Career Highlights: After completing her residency and fellowship, both with the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Allen became the first private practice fellowship-trained board-certified urogynecologist in the state of Oklahoma.
She is the founder and sole owner of Urogynecology of Oklahoma (OklahomaUrogynecology.com), the only free-standing private practice urogynecology clinic solely devoted to women's pelvic floor health in the state of Oklahoma.
In this role, she has made it her mission to educate Oklahomans on the impact a healthy pelvic floor can have on a woman's health. Noting that the specialty of urogynecology is not well known as compared to other medical specialties, she strives to help women understand the urinary and gynecologic changes associated with pregnancy, delivery and aging, and she provides specialized treatment plans for female pelvic-related problems for each of her patients.
Community/Professional Involvement:
· Oklahoma County Medical Society executive board
· Lakeside Women’s Hospital executive board
Favorite Award: “Being the selected role model for my niece. When she graduated high school, she was asked to give a speech about an individual whom she looks up to the most, and she selected me. That meant the world to me, and I will never not become teary-eyed whenever I think about it.”
Favorite quote: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken”
(Dr. Allen notes: “This poem speaks to me in that stepping outside of convention can provide unique and rewarding experiences. But it is often very difficult and scary to take that/those step(s)!”)
CAROLINE DULWORTH
Director, Branch Services, Pioneer Library System
Career highlights: Caroline has worked for the Pioneer Library System (PioneerLibrarySystem.org) for 25 years, most recently as director of branch services, where she oversees all 12 branches of the library system. She supervises three regional coordinators, the three Norman branches, and serves as the branch manager of Norman Public Library Central.
Caroline led staff in the largest branch of the system in moving to a new facility, through the pandemic and during the recent closure. After the closing this winter, Caroline immediately began planning and putting into place the opening of an entirely new library concept: Library Lap, a Pop-Up Community Space. This temporary location is meeting the needs of library customers through popular collections, the latest in library technology—MovieBoxes and book lockers to pick up holds—and a full-service Maker Lab, complete with a 3D printer, embroidery machine, and more.
Community Involvement:
- Leadership Norman, 2017
- Norman Forward Committee, and both building projects for the Norman Public Library East and Norman Public Library Central
- Oklahoma Library Association, Awards Committee Chair
Awards (top 3):
· Distinguished Colleague, PLS, 2020 (this is the highest honor this organization bestows)
- Outstanding Alumni, University of Oklahoma School of Library and Information Studies, 2024
Favorite quote: “Lately, it’s ‘We are the Library,’ to inspire my staff to take library services to the community (and especially since the library has closed).”
KATELYNN HENRY
Owner, Henry Home Interiors
Career highlights: Six years ago, at a professional crossroads, Katelynn seized the opportunity to infuse new life into the Oklahoma City metro community with the launch of Henry Home Interiors (HenryInteriors.com).
Drawing from her extensive experience and a familial connection to the furniture industry (her father ran a furniture store for nearly five decades), she embarked on a journey to redefine home decor with a fashion-forward flair.
After three years, they were bursting at the seams, so with her team, she embarked on a journey to expand their 6,000-square-foot showroom to 10,000 square feet, adding a design center and more space to showcase beautiful pieces of furniture that Katelynn views as more akin to works of art. She says celebrating five years this past November was a huge milestone as a small business and that she’s “on the edge of my seat to see what new heights we reach next!”
Community Involvement:
· Mary Abbott House
· Orchestra Leagues Symphony Show House
· Junior League of Norman
· Also enjoys mentoring aspiring designers at the University of Oklahoma.
Awards (top 3):
· The Journal Record's Achievers Under 40 for 2024
· 2021 ARTS Award Winner: Best Single Furniture Location
· Junior League of Norman’s 2022 Sustainer of the Year
Favorite Quote: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” - William Morris
MELISSA KLINK
CEO, Center for Children and Families Inc.
Career highlights: Melissa considers herself incredibly honored to serve as the CEO at the Center for Children and Families Inc. (CCFINorman.org), where, she says, “our team dedicates each day to our mission, ensuring children in our community can grow up safe, nurtured and loved.” Melissa joined the nonprofit in December 2021 as development director; she was named CEO in March 2021.
During her time as CEO, Melissa has led efforts to serve more families, including opening a second Boys & Girls Club location, leveraging government funding to add service providers, renovating CCFI’s facility to accommodate more staff, and forming new partnerships to grow their Baby Pantry distribution from 44,452 diapers in 2021 to 124,796 in 2023.
She loves sharing CCFI’s mission with community groups and connecting with individuals on agency tours. “For 55 years, we have served the Norman community, and we are looking forward to the next 55 years and beyond,” she said.
Melissa is currently pursuing a master’s degree in early intervention and child development. She and her husband, Matt, in February welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Miles, to their family, joining their two fur babies.
Community involvement:
· Rotary Club (president-elect)
· United Way of Norman
Awards (top 3):
· Leadership Norman Class of 2022
· New Leaders Council Fellow Class of 2021
Favorite quote: “When you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.” – Author Unknown
DR. KIMBERLY WISE, M.D.
Owner, Ophthalmologist, Wise Eye Associates
Career highlights: After graduating Alpha Omega Alpha from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Dr. Wise did her ophthalmology residency at the Dean McGee Eye Institute.
In 1997, she joined the practice of ophthalmologists Don Brashear and Jackson Woodward, established in 1976. Drs. Wise and Woodward practiced together for eight years. With her husband, Dr. Wise built the offices in which Wise Eye Associates (WiseEyeAssociates.com) now operate 18 years ago; Woodwood retired about two years later.
Wise is proud of the team she has gathered over the years—and of the physicians who work for her. Of the latter, she said, “They are knowledgeable, conscientious team players. We try to offer the highest level of medical care without losing what makes the doctor-patient relationship special.”
Community Involvement:
Dr. Wise and her associates provide eye care for OU student-athletes. They also are available to take eye-related emergency calls through the Norman Regional Hospital system, and she and her partner, Dr. Meghan Saumur, also participate in NRH’s Emergency Residency program, teaching residents how to care for eyes and eye injuries.
“We serve the community by living here, working here, being accessible to our patients, and being available for emergency call to Norman Regional Hospital, and to OU students and student-athletes.
Awards: Dr. Wise said that while awards granted by professional and medical associations and organizations are nice, the recognition that she most cherishes involves her daughters. “I’m most proud of my daughters. That’s an award,” she said. “They are intelligent, interesting, lovely people and I am honored to be their mother.”
Favorite quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
What do a urogynecologist, ophthalmologist, library branch director, nonprofit CEO, and owner of an upscale furniture company have in common? Each of these outstanding women represents the creme de la creme of their professions, are passionate about their work, and are active in the community and professionally.
