George Kaiser Family Foundation

The 5th cohort of Tulsa Service Year fellows has arrived. This year, the program welcomes 13 individuals from 5 states for an immersive year of growth and opportunity in Tulsa. Tulsa Service Year is a one-year fellowship for recent college graduates who are interested in taking a gap year to help launch their careers through hands-on, high-impact non-profit work. Since 2020, Tulsa Service Year has partnered with 50 local non-profits and welcomed 83 fellows from 22 states and 4 countries into the program. Read more about the newest cohort and their placement sites by visiting https://ow.ly/gNhp50Sx2bo.

Coffee with Ken is back! Join George Kaiser Family Foundation’s executive director Ken Levit and InvestNorth senior program officer Brandon Oldham for casual conversation over lunch as we discuss program updates and collaborative efforts to drive opportunities for families in North Tulsa. We look forward to seeing you on July 11 at JANET’S Soul Food Restaurant. Lunch starts at 11am and discussion begins at 11:30am. Space is limited for this free event. Reserve your seat now at https://ow.ly/TrUO50St91t.

Yesterday, Tulsa celebrated a monumental step in its tech future. The Biden administration and the U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $51 million to the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA), led by Tulsa Innovation Labs. This investment will boost Tulsa's capabilities in autonomous systems through advanced manufacturing and critical technologies, vital for our national and economic security. Tulsa stands out as one of the 12 Tech Hubs to receive funding, chosen from 31 regions designated last fall. Expected to generate up to 56,000 new jobs, the THETA coalition is committed to developing a diverse, resilient and inclusive industry that harnesses the talents of many to ensure opportunities for all. Discover how Tulsa is driving innovation in autonomous systems at https://lnkd.in/g6qsmS4E.

Twisted Arts is committed to advancing, celebrating, elevating and amplifying LGBTQ2S+ artists by showcasing the best independent films, music, performances and mixed media. Learn more about Twisted Arts at https://ow.ly/oHl150SomNH

The Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative Community Doula Program has not only halved preterm birth rates for Black mothers, but has also reduced instances of low birth weight among families in the program. Since its creation in 2019, TBEI has supported 279 births and trained 140 community-based doulas with a commitment to equipping families in Tulsa to have healthy deliveries. Reducing maternal health disparities begins with restoring dignity and ensuring families are seen, heard and supported from early pregnancy to the months immediately following childbirth. Learn more about TBEI's community-based doula services at https://ow.ly/ZS6S50Som14

We're hiring! George Kaiser Family Foundation is looking for a Controller. This role includes financial reporting, accounting operations, risk management and process improvement. Learn more and apply at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gbbwC2PV

Prism Project is dedicated to advancing inclusivity and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Tulsans through research and education. What began in 2019 with a needs assessment of Tulsa’s LGBTQ+ community commissioned by Tulsa Reaches Out, is now a vital ongoing research initiative that provides resources, support, and training with the aim of advancing inclusive policies and practices across sectors. Join us in building a brighter, more inclusive Tulsa. Learn more about Prism Project’s impact at https://ow.ly/rp4n50SoFBR.

Global Gatherings is a 12-week cultural celebration hosted by Gathering Place throughout the summer. Each week, visitors learn about the different regions and cultures around the world through art, dance, music, storytelling, food, and other engaging activities. This event series gives Tulsans the opportunity to travel the world without leaving the city. Global Gatherings takes place in ONEOK Boathouse every Friday through July from 10 a.m. to noon. You can find a full schedule, including details about the Global Gatherings World Festival, at https://ow.ly/5trH50SoImj

Tulsa is at the forefront of our nation’s next wave of innovation in autonomous technology - thanks in part to our region’s recent designation as one of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs in 2023. The Tech Hubs program was designed to create innovation centers that can compete globally within a decade and we’re well underway in Tulsa. Jennifer Hankins, managing director at Tulsa Innovation Labs, recently penned a piece for Fast Company detailing how Tulsa’s leadership in the industry will transform the way America moves and unlock new opportunity for our region’s economy. Read the full story at https://ow.ly/IF6150SkpmC

On June 19, 1865, 200,000 enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were freed, marking the liberation of one of the last groups of enslaved individuals in the U.S. Though African Americans have celebrated Juneteenth for generations, it recently became a federal holiday. In Tulsa, home of Black Wall Street and historic Greenwood, Juneteenth holds special significance. The week-long celebration runs from June 8 - 15 with events like a business pitch competition, art exhibits, a 5K run, a fashion show, live music and a block party. Most events are free and open to the public, with some requiring registration or tickets. Learn more here: https://ow.ly/5YOK50SeRCQ