This morning, Mayor Monroe Nichols recognized the eight Pinnacle Award winners for 2024 and the winner of the Anna C. Roth Legacy Award at a news conference with the Tulsa Women's Commission and YWCA Tulsa.
The Pinnacle Award Winners are Littleton Legal, Corporate Champion; Luisa Krug, Arts & Humanities; Laura Bellis, Health & Wellness; Stephanie Jackson, Entrepreneur; Sarah Gilpin, Community Service; Dr. Delia Kimbrel, Education; Jhoanna Astudillo, Corporate Business; Whitney Cipolla, Rising Star; and Carmelita Wamego Skeeter, Anna C. Roth Honoree. More information about each honoree is included below.
Since its inception in 1987, the Pinnacle Awards have celebrated outstanding women leaders whose professional achievements and community service have made a profound impact on Tulsa. This year’s honorees reflect a legacy of empowerment, equity, and excellence, joining over 250 women previously recognized for their contributions.
"I am honored to recognize these remarkable women for their hard work and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for every resident in our city," said Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols. "We are fortunate to have these incredible individuals in Tulsa, and I am grateful for their service to our community.”
"The women we are celebrating this year are leading on issues that impact our whole Tulsa community — health, education, business," said YWCA CEO Julie Davis. "We have so much to learn and share about how they are leading and addressing challenges in each of these areas, and I am excited to showcase their efforts at the Pinnacle Awards."
The Pinnacle Awards were established in 1987 by the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women (now the Tulsa Women’s Commission) to celebrate the leadership and contributions of women to the City of Tulsa. Since 2015, the event has been co-hosted by YWCA Tulsa, recognizing women whose work aligns with their mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and advancing social justice.
The 2025 Pinnacle Awards Celebration will be on April 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Cox Business Center. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased through www.ywcatulsa.org/pinnacle-awards. Ticket sales will close on March 15.
For nearly four decades, the Pinnacle Awards have highlighted the achievements of Tulsa’s trailblazing women. Join us to honor their stories, amplify their voices, and celebrate their service to the community.
Anna C. Roth Honoree: Carmelita Wamego Skeeter
Carmelita Wamego Skeeter, CEO of the Indian Health Care Resource Center (IHCRC) since 1989, has dedicated nearly 50 years to improving health care access for Tulsa’s urban Native American population. A proud Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, her leadership has transformed IHCRC into a comprehensive care provider, earning her accolades such as the Kenneth Anquoe Lifetime Achievement Dream Keeper Award and recognition from the National Indian Health Board.
Corporate Champion: Littleton Legal
Littleton Legal, a woman-owned estate planning and business law firm founded and led by Brittany Littleton, champions equity through its client-centered legal services and workplace inclusivity. Littleton Legal’s mission is to provide expert legal solutions and peace of mind to individuals, families, and businesses preparing for successful futures. The firm actively supports women entrepreneurs with initiatives like YWCA Tulsa’s Women Mean Business and has signed the Pay Equity Pledge to advance gender equity. Its dedication to empowering women extends beyond law, inspiring community transformation and mentorship.
Arts & Humanities: Luisa Krug
Luisa Krug, Executive Director of the Tulsa Global District, has supported revitalization in East Tulsa through inclusive economic development, public art, and cultural events celebrating diversity. Her leadership includes economic growth and community advocacy, implementing rental assistance and business support programs. Luisa’s efforts ensure East Tulsa’s transformation reflects the voices of its residents while preserving its cultural identity.
Health & Wellness: Laura Bellis
Laura Bellis, Executive Director of the Take Control Initiative, has redefined reproductive health care in Tulsa, achieving a 67% reduction in teen birth rates. A dedicated advocate for health equity, she co-founded grassroots initiatives like Save Our State and Metriarch to improve access to care and advance systemic change.
Entrepreneur: Stephanie Jackson
Stephanie Jackson, founder of the Law Office of Stephanie R. Jackson, P.C., transitioned from a 20-year career in law enforcement to become a trailblazing attorney. As the first Black female president of the Tulsa Bar Association, she champions advocacy for women and children while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Community Service: Sarah Gilpin
Sarah Gilpin, a leader at Williams and Chairwoman of Tulsa’s Asian Affairs Commission, drives initiatives fostering diversity and inclusion. From hosting Tulsa’s first Lunar New Year celebration to mentoring girls through Tulsa Girls Art School, Sarah’s leadership uplifts underrepresented communities and amplifies diverse voices.
Education: Dr. Delia Kimbrel
Dr. Delia Kimbrel, Head of Research and Data Strategy at ImpactTulsa, uses data-driven policies to address systemic inequities in education. She created the Tulsa Child Equity Index and her data and convening efforts helped secured funding for digital access, enabling remote learning for over 22,000 families. Her work bridges education, housing stability, and equity, shaping an inclusive future for Tulsa’s youth.
Corporate Business: Jhoanna Astudillo
Jhoanna Astudillo’s journey highlights resilience and leadership, from emigrating from Ecuador in 1999 and serving as a U.S. Army Sergeant during Operation Iraqi Freedom to earning double bachelor’s degrees and excelling in financial services. Now the Vice President and Hispanic Segment Leader at BOK Financial, she champions diversity and supports Hispanic/Latino communities nationwide through impactful initiatives while serving on the boards of the Uma Center of Tulsa, Tulsa Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and La Cosecha - The Harvest and as an ambassador for San Miguel School.
Rising Star: Whitney Cipolla
Whitney Cipolla is a dedicated advocate for education, equity, and inclusion, serving as Recruitment Manager for Teach For America and leveraging her experience as a sixth-grade teacher and mental health policy professional. As Chair of TYPROS and the City of Tulsa’s 2SLGBTQIA+ committee, she empowers young leaders. Whitney also serves as the Board President at Oklahomans for Equality.
About YWCA Tulsa
YWCA Tulsa is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Through inclusion and empowerment, we address race and gender disparities in wellness, wealth and education. YWCA Tulsa supports nearly 10,000 women, children and people of color in the Tulsa area through our four hallmark programs: health and wellness, immigrant and refugee services, racial justice and women's empowerment. For more information on YWCA Tulsa, visit www.ywcatulsa.org. YWCA Tulsa is a Partner Agency of the Tulsa Area United Way.
For more information, please visit www.ywcatulsa.org/pinnacle-awards.
.png)
Facebook
Twitter
Mail