PAM KANALY – OKLAHOMA
Pam Kanaly, author, speaker, and former national television talk show co-host, brims with passion in empowering women as beacons of light in their families and world. As co-founder of Arise Ministries, a national organization, Pam instructs thousands of mothers – single and married – in parenting well. Having appeared in national magazines and TV programs, Pam takes the lead as one of Oklahoma’s foremost advocates for mothers. Pam’s service to Oklahoma expanded after being appointed by Governor Fallin as a Commissioner for the Department of Human Services. As co-founder for both the statewide single mothers’ conference – Survive ‘N’ Thrive – and the regional leadership conference – Ignite, mothers gain insight in how to make a difference in their homes and communities. Pam and her husband, Rich, reside in Edmond, Oklahoma; yet, her fondest title remains – Grammy Pammy – to seven grandchildren. Ask anyone. Pam’s life motto fits her perfectly: LET – IT – SHINE!
ELAINE HILL – TENNESSEE
Elaine Spears Hill grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. After college she married an Army officer and during her husband’s twenty-year Army career, Elaine earned an MS Degree in Psychological Counseling and worked for years in the social services field. At age 52, Elaine was diagnosed with breast cancer. During recovery she dedicated the rest of her life to helping others diagnosed with the disease. She began by co-founding Y-ME Chattanooga, an affiliate of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization. For over 22 years this nonprofit organization, which for its first five years operated out of Elaine’s basement, has provided breast cancer education, support and therapy groups, financial assistance, and educational workshops for women diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition to recognition for her work with breast cancer survivors, Elaine has received numerous community service awards, and has served on more than fifteen nonprofit boards in the community.
CATHY KEATING – VIRGINIA
Cathy Keating was born and reared in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, she married Frank Keating, had three children and embarked on the never-ending challenge of balancing life as a wife and mother with community service and career. For the forty-three years of their marriage, her priority has always been family first. Community service has also been a focus in her life since childhood, but her most significant contributions occurred while serving the state of Oklahoma as First Lady. Most specifically, her efforts were concentrated on the rescue and recovery of those effected from the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah bombing, where Keating planned and organized the International Prayer Service, then published In Their Name, which was on the New York Times bestseller list. All proceeds were directed to “Project Recovery.” She currently strives to be a “Mother of Achievement” in all aspects of her life.
