Co-Founder & Executive Director

Diana Perkins and her husband, Barry, have been residents of Edmond, OK for 23 years—where they raised their three children and have been actively involved in their community.

After retiring from public accounting 23 years ago, Diana shifted her focus to volunteer pursuits, including foster care and refugee resettlement programs, and she has served on the Board of Lilyfield for 20 years.

After decades of service and caring for families, the dream of Around the Table was born. Her heart for people and her commitment to creating spaces of belonging continue to shape the mission and vision of the organization.

Co-Founder

As a co-founder alongside his wife, Diana, Barry plays a key role in the behind the scenes operations of Around the Table — problem-solving logistics, planning, and offering support and solutions that keep the mission moving forward. Outside of his work with the organization, he is a dedicated physician at St. Anthony Hospital in Midtown OKC.

He and his wife have been part of the Edmond community for 23 years, raising their three children and serving as volunteers for various organizations. In his free time, Barry enjoys traveling, reading, and running… always finding new ways to stay curious, active, and connected.

Board Member

Holly Towers, LCSW, is the Executive Director of Lilyfield. Holly’s career has spanned over two decades and she has seen firsthand the challenges facing mothers who cannot find jobs that pay a living wage.

She doesn’t really know her way around a kitchen, but she is deeply committed to seeing women overcome barriers so that they and their children can thrive. Outside of her dedication to serving vulnerable women and children in Oklahoma City, she is married to Lance and together they have 3 children.

“Around the Table offers an incredible opportunity for women to have meaningful employment that they can be proud of.”

Board Member & Leadership Team Member

After recently retiring, Nycke joined the team with a resounding “yes,” lending a helping hand wherever one is needed.

She is a wife, mother of 3 boys, and grandmother to 2 grandchildren. Apart from her time spent at Around the Table, she deeply enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and friends, cooking, and cheering on the OKC Thunder and Texas Rangers.

“When Diana asked me if I would be interested in being apart of a business that involved cooking, hospitality, and service, I was in! It’s exciting to watch a dream be built and see how it can affect the lives of the people we serve.”

Business & Social Media Manager

Emma’s experience ranges from working with homeless shelters in Oklahoma City to serving as an Assistant Manager in the apartment industry, along with a background in marketing and social media management. Her ability to be highly analytical, paired with her creativity, brings a wide-ranging skill set to the team—intersecting organization and connection.

Outside of her work with Around the Table, she is an artist and runs her own pottery business.

“I’ve always been deeply passionate about helping those who are often overlooked. When approached about this opportunity, it was a no-brainer for me—it combines all the things I love: creativity, organization, and people!”

Leadership Team Member

Cindy is a wife, mother, and homemaker, as well as a former special education teacher. Outside of that, and the role she plays at Around the Table, she finds joy in being outdoors—whether that’s hiking, gardening, or working with her hands to make something new. Creating and cultivating are woven into every part of her life.

“I am drawn to the beauty and creativity that women uniquely carry and am excited to be part of a mission that celebrates both.”

Leadership Team Member

Michele is the owner and sole baker of I Only Have Pies For You, a local pie bakery in the heart of Oklahoma. Her baking and business expertise has been a huge blessing to our team. Outside of the kitchen, she prides herself on being a master gardener, wife, mother, and “Honey” two grandchildren.

“I love to feed people and I am thrilled to be part of the Around the Table team.”

Leadership Team Member

Holly is a mother and an interior designer by trade. In her profession, she loves bringing spaces to life—piecing together design elements to create harmony and beauty. Outside of her work, she enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors with her family, especially lake surfing and skiing.

“When I first met Diana, she said, ‘Giving a woman a job is empowering.’ I thought back to when I started working again and how empowered I felt—and I love the opportunity to give that same gift to other women.”