Women Supporting Women

Claremore chamber holds Leading Ladies Gala to recognize community leaders

The Claremore Area Chamber of Commerce is heading into its sixth year of supporting and recognizing women in the community through its Leading Ladies Gala & Awards Ceremony. This October, the chamber will award ten local women in ten categories who go above and beyond in their respective fields. The presenting sponsor is Hillcrest Hospital Claremore, and because of this the event is typically health themed. “In the past, we have shined a light on breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart health, and work-life balance,” said Ashley May, Director of Communications for the chamber.

2023 Event Details

“This year’s theme is diabetes. Dr. Whitney Davis, one of our local physicians with Utica Park Clinic and Hillcrest Hospital, will give remarks.” The keynote speaker of the event will be Amy Calvert, Vice President and General Manager of KJRH Channel 2. Calvert’s daughter Avery has Type 1 diabetes and she will be sharing her story.

Women in the community are nominated by their family, friends, and peers. Nominations for this year’s event closed August 31. “Winners are selected by a Chamber of Commerce in another city to ensure a fair and balanced selection,” May said.

Guests of the gala can expect and enjoy dinner catered by RSU, a specialty cocktail, create-your-own essential oils perfume station, an option to create custom permanent jewelry, raffles, and lots of Ladies Loot, all made possible by the sponsors.

The categories and their sponsors are Rising Star (TTCU), Behind the Scenes (RCB Bank), Business Leadership (Wallace for Life), Community Supporter (City of Claremore), Leader in Health (Dr. Melinda Steelmon, DO), Non-profit Leadership (Red Crown Credit Union), Leader in Manufacturing (Claremore Economic Development), Leader in Education (Robson Properties), Leader in Government (MST Manufacturing), and Leading Lady of the Year (Northeast Tech).