Meet the Team: The Builders Behind the Vision

New Faces, Same Heart: Meet the Women Helping Shape WCC’s Next Chapter

Westside Community Center is in a powerful renewal. New programs. New partnerships. A bold, restored vision rooted in identity, healing, and unity.

But vision doesn’t carry itself.

It takes people—purposeful, passionate people to move it forward. And right now, we’re thrilled to introduce you to three such people who’ve joined our team.

Each woman brings her own story, strengths, and sense of purpose. Together, they reflect the very heartbeat of what we’re building here at WCC: a space that celebrates culture, nurtures growth, and cultivates belonging.

🧡 Gentry Turner – Summer Social Media Intern

When we think about future leadership, creative excellence, and bold purpose, we think of Gentry Turner.

Gentry is a proud 2024 graduate of Bartlesville High School and a current student-athlete at Oklahoma State University, where she competes in Track & Field and Cross Country for the Cowgirls. Not only does she hold multiple school records in distance running, but she recently earned a spot as #10 all-time at OSU in the 5000m event—a huge accomplishment for a freshman.

Her discipline on the track is matched by her excellence off of it. Gentry is majoring in Finance and previously completed the Creative Marketing Communications program at Tri-County Tech, equipping her with a solid foundation in branding, design, and message creation. At WCC, she’s putting that training to work as the official Social Media Intern for our Summer Fine Arts program.

Gentry’s role is more than posting photos. She’s curating a visual story—one that celebrates student expression, showcases their talent, and captures the creative heartbeat of our summer initiatives. Through interviews, highlight reels, and youth-led content, she’s giving voice to the next generation in real time.

And if you’re wondering where her strength comes from, look no further than her roots. Gentry lives on a 400-acre cattle ranch just south of Bartlesville with her parents and two siblings. Her mom is a 10th-grade English teacher at BHS, and her younger brother is preparing for his junior year there now. She was raised in Life.Church Owasso, where her family has been active since she was born.

Gentry shared with us: “God has an amazing plan for my career in running and in business, and I am so excited to continue to be faithful to Him and see where it takes me!”

We believe that the plan includes shaping the culture of the next generation, and she’s already doing just that.

🌿 Krupali Patel – Community Engagement Specialist

Krupali joins WCC as our Community Engagement Assistant, where she brings fresh energy to connecting with neighbors, elevating events, and creating visuals that speak to the heart of who we are.

With a B.S. in Business Administration and a background in marketing, illustration, and content creation, Krupali knows how to blend strategy with creativity. She’s managed social media campaigns, designed promotional materials, and helped local businesses and nonprofits grow their reach—all while building her own brand as a freelance artist.

At WCC, she’s helping us listen more closely, engage more meaningfully, and design experiences that reflect the voices of those we serve. Whether it’s organizing outreach efforts or crafting vibrant graphics, she leads with warmth, excellence, and a love for community.

Outside of work, Krupali enjoys painting, gardening, and spending time with her pet cockatiel, Luka—named after NBA superstar Luka Dončić. (Yes, we asked. And yes, we love that detail.)

Her creativity is a gift, and her presence reminds us that true engagement is both an art and a commitment.

She brings depth, warmth, and quiet strength to our team. And her presence reminds us that true engagement isn’t loud, it’s lasting.

🌱 Michelle Acuna – Program Coordinator

Some people enter a space and make it feel instantly steadier. That’s Michelle Acuna.

Michelle is our new Program Coordinator, and she brings a wealth of experience in education, ministry, and youth development. Originally from California and now rooted in Dewey, Oklahoma, Michelle has the heart of a mentor and the mind of a systems builder.

She is a Regent University graduate, where she earned her degree in Christian Ministry with high honors. She’s worked as a teacher with Dewey Public Schools and Ignite AmeriCorps, where she led classrooms and empowered students across grade levels. Her leadership has included:

• Designing and leading after-school programs

• Delivering trauma-informed training for fellow educators

• Coordinating mentorship and academic support for under-resourced youth

• Supporting family engagement initiatives that promote holistic student success

At WCC, Michelle is helping us design programs that don’t just run, they reach. She’s already playing a pivotal role in scheduling, volunteer coordination, and implementing what will serve families and foster consistent support.

A mother of two and a woman of quiet faith, Michelle brings both compassion and capability to every room she enters. She’s not just coordinating behind the scenes, she’s cultivating environments where people can grow, heal, and thrive.

The Thread That Ties It All Together

Gentry, Krupali, and Michelle are all wildly different in their stories, but they share one key thing: they’ve chosen to invest in people.

In this season of growth, we’re not just hiring positions, we’re stewarding purpose. These three women are helping us build what heals, reform what’s broken, and restore what’s been overlooked.

Their gifts will leave a mark. And their impact will help shape WCC’s next chapter in ways we haven’t yet imagined.

Please help us welcome them—and follow their journeys as they help us carry the vision forward.

Let’s keep building,
Together.

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#WCCFamily #MeetTheTeam #CultureShapers #BartlesvilleStrong