OAMCTE Holds Annual Leadership Conference

By Ann Houston

More than 65 participants attended the Oklahoma Association of Minorities in Career and Technology Education (OAMCTE) Leadership Conference held recently in Oklahoma City. Several members also received awards for outstanding service to the organization.

The purpose of OAMCTE is to increase awareness of career and technology education in minority youth and adults and to provide leadership and direction in Oklahoma’s economic and technical development, according to Patty Pouncil, OAMCTE president. Pouncil is the supervisor for adult and continuing education at Central Technology Center in Sapulpa.

Sen. Angela Monson, District 48, was the keynote speaker. She shared her experiences and challenges in the senate and in her life.

“Sen. Monson reminded us that we work in one of the best CareerTech systems in the nation,” Pouncil said. “And CareerTech has a lot of support at the Capitol.”

Congratulations go to Ned Gray, state adult and career development program consultant, and Gloria Pollard, career specialist, for receiving the OAMCTE President's Award. This award recognizes individuals who consistently help move the goals of OAMCTE forward.

Image of Senator Angela Monson

Sen. Angela Monson

In addition, Lou Ann Hargrave, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) coordinator at the state agency, was also recognized for her efforts in supporting diversity throughout her career by receiving OAMCTE's Emeritus Service Award.

Alberta Jones, a former Tulsa Technology Center employee, was also recognized with the OAMCTE Golden Torch Award for her years of service to OAMCTE.

Image of OAMCTE Officers This conference connected leadership to action,” Pouncil said. “Reflective of that active leadership, we were honored to have one of our state board members, Melvin Gilliam from Tulsa serve as one of our panelists. He’s very supportive and interested in knowing more about our association.”

The current OAMCTE officers are Patti Pouncil, president, Kay Hamilton, president-elect, Alberta Jones, treasurer, Rana McVay, secretary, Mae Stevenson, parliamentarian, Cynthia Samuels and Gloria Pollard, reporters, Ned Gray, past president, and Belinda McCharen, advisor.

See Image Gallery of Conference here