Tulsa Business Staff
6/7/2010
They were nearly the first words out of Heather Oakley’s mouth when she showed up to have her photo taken: “I’m not your typical business type.”And, she isn’t. After spending four months in eastern Africa and volunteering in an orphanage in Mexico, the University of Oklahoma- and Columbia University-educated — she holds bachelor’s degrees in French and botany, and graduate degrees in urban science education and peace education — founder and executive director of Global Gardens wanted to grow food to help children living in poverty in the U.S. and abroad. To do so, the Tulsa native returned to her roots. “I love that so much in Tulsa is accessible,” she said. “The people are friendly and open to new ideas. People want to make a difference in their city and work to make it a better place.” In five years, Oakley wants to have a Global Gardens partner outside the U.S. that students can write letters to and exchange information with. Her advice to young professionals? “Live your dream. If you can dream it you can do it,” she said.
|
Aerospace
