OIC Executive Director Nominated for Woman of the Year

Oklahoma City, OK – Opportunities Industrialization Center of Oklahoma County, Inc. (OIC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and motivating adult learners, is excited to announce its  Executive Director DesJean Jones has been named by the Journal Record as one of 50 Women Making a Difference and a nominee for their Woman of the Year.  Winner of the award will be announced at the Awards Gala on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

Blair Lanning, Outreach and Recruitment Manager, says, “Meeting DesJean is an experience all on its own. You will remember her after one meeting, and it is clear to those who meet her why she is being recognized for such an honor.”   Regarding her thoughts on the nomination, Jones states, “Every day, I have the opportunity to represent women certainly, but African-American women and women of color in particular.  For that reason, I am especially thankful for my name to even make the list.” Jones is one of 40 first-time nominees for Woman of the Year.

Jones received her formal education from Oklahoma State University, Langston University, and the University of Texas at Dallas.  In addition to her position as Executive Director, Jones is an ordained minister, a certified life and career coach, and a mother. She serves on a number of nonprofit boards of director and as Executive Secretary for the Progressive Oklahoma Baptist State Convention.

In addition to the awards ceremony, The Journal Record will host a forum for all past and present honorees of the program from 8am to 1pm on Thursday October 10, 2019 at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City.  The theme is Life, Leadership, and Legacy.   A reception begins at 6pm, with the awards gala and dinner starting at 7pm, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. 

OIC has the unique opportunity to be the industry standard in the area of adult education and training.  Jones says, “With committed volunteers, donors, and alumni, every OIC student has a chance to claim both academic and financial prosperity.”

OIC is located at 3033 N. Walnut Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.  Stop by and meet the staff and students, take a tour and experience what goes on daily within this inspiring and motivating organization.