YWCA Enid Announces their 2023 Woman of the Year

Each year, the YWCA is proud to recognize one woman who serves as an outstanding example of dedication to service in our community. This year represents the 50th anniversary of the Woman of the Year Award. 

 The qualities the selection committee seeks are strong leadership, dedication of self and time to others, dedication to enhancing the quality of life for our community, multiple areas of interest and/or service, and serving as a role model for other women in our community. Congratulations to our 2023 Woman of the Year Mary Stallings.

Mary discovered the importance of teamwork and unwavering work ethic at a young age—lessons that often take a lifetime to learn. She attributes these invaluable principles to her parents, who guided her through various challenges, changes, and provided unwavering support.

 Rather than following the conventional path, Mary strived to make a meaningful impact by embracing leadership, mentoring others, and dedicating her time and efforts to volunteerism—a commitment she continues to uphold today.

 The resilience and support Mary received from her parents enabled her to offer the same to her children. She recognizes their individual achievements and acknowledges that her most significant personal triumph lies in accepting the circumstances of her life while cherishing the love and opportunities bestowed upon her.

 Mary served as the inaugural executive director of Enid Community Foundation, undertaking diverse responsibilities such as establishing a new office and collaborating with investment advisors. Each day presented her with challenges and opportunities for both personal growth and the foundation's development. With unwavering dedication, she steered the foundation from its inception towards ensuring its enduring success for Enid and the wider northwest Oklahoma community.

 During Mary‘s tenure as the executive director of the Cherokee Strip Foundation, she spearheaded efforts to raise over $15 million in endowments, which were subsequently distributed—totaling more than $4 million—back into the community.

 Embracing life to the fullest and without regrets encapsulates Mary’s philosophy. Her journey began with board service and volunteer leadership roles within local and statewide organizations. For over 40 years, she has made significant contributions to fundraising, community engagement, and board service. Her dedication culminated in two terms as the CEO of the Community Foundation, which expanded in 2010 to become the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation. The organization's focus expanded to support philanthropy and nonprofit work throughout the Cherokee Strip region of Northwest Oklahoma, managing assets exceeding $28 million.

 A native of McAlester, Okla., Mary commenced her professional career in banking at First National Bank & Trust in Oklahoma City. After relocating to Enid, she served on the Chisholm Public Schools Board of Education and worked as a regional trust officer for Bank of Oklahoma.

Mary is a distinguished graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class XV (15) and actively contributes as a trustee and deacon of First Presbyterian Church in Enid. She holds the distinction of being the first woman elected president of the Rotary Club of Enid, and her involvement extends to serving on the boards of the YWCA, RSVP, Garfield County Child Advocacy Center, and the inaugural class of Oklahoma Community Institute.

 Recognized for her accomplishments, Mary was honored as the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce's "Citizen of the Year" in 2008, a finalist for the Journal Record's "Woman of the Year," and received the Enid Pillar of the Plains accolade in 2007. Additionally, she contributed her expertise as a board member of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits.

 While Mary acknowledges the lasting impact of numerous individuals in her life, her parents, children, and family hold a special place in her heart. Fulfilled by the prospect of leaving a legacy that inspires others to give back, embrace wholehearted love for oneself and others, and strive for continual improvement, she finds joy in spending time with her husband of 24 years, Rob, as well as her children and grandchildren.