The Leading Women of Goodwill
At Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma, we are committed to reducing barriers to employment and making our resources accessible to all members of the community. One of the ways we achieve this goal is by having a diverse team of qualified leaders representing everyone who participates in our programs and training. We are proud to have many qualified women on our teams who exemplify courage, skill, and tenacity, and who bring their individual experiences to the execution of our mission. Let’s look at some of the great women of Goodwill.
Women Of Goodwill – The Leaders
Our female leaders have played a significant role in the growth and success of our organization over the last 85 years. From the managers of our retail stores to the leadership voices on our Board, the women of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma lead by example, not only to our internal teams but also to our entire community.
Edith Johnson
In fact, there would likely be no Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma without the woman who started it all: Edith Johnson. A journalist at the Daily Oklahoman in 1908, Johnson was commissioned by publisher E.K. Gaylord to report on Goodwill’s mission in neighboring states. She returned from her trip with stories about Goodwill’s impact, and the recommendation its mission should also be represented in Oklahoma.
In 1936, this led her to become Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma’s official founder, and as a member of our Board of Directors, she would go on to win countless community accolades and state honors over the next half century. Edith’s trailblazing spirit and initiative paved the way for many women leaders at Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma to follow in the years to come.
Shellie Simpson
Women like Shellie Simpson. After prior justice involvement, Simpson started out like many of our clients: as a Goodwill store associate, ready to return to the workforce and hungry to prove her trust and value.
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Within months, leadership recognized Shellie’s unmatched work ethic and desire to lead, soon entrusting her with the shift lead role and, eventually, the operations of her own store. “Being given the keys to the building and realizing there is an organization now relying on you –was a big feeling,” said Simpson. Now, Shellie can help and guide others in their return to the workforce.
The Current Board Members at Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma
Our Board, made up of diverse community and business leaders, half of whom are women, carries on Johnson’s legacy by providing strategic guidance to Goodwill. Amy Loftis-Walton brings rich business development experience and technological insights from her work at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, where she was named The Journal Record’s 2022 Woman of the Year. Ashleigh Robinson, educator, nonprofit consultant, and Miss Oklahoma 2021, adds passion, perspective, and advocacy for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which make up a significant part of our client audience.
The Women of Goodwill ARE The Past, Present, & Future
As we aim to reduce barriers to employment for all Oklahomans, we also look at challenges unique to women, including access to learning opportunities and representation in leadership. By fostering female excellence at every level, we hope to pave the way for the next generation of women leaders to continue doing good for Central Oklahoma.