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

After graduating with a degree in education, Judy began her career teaching school and transitioned to children’s ministry once her children were born. She served as Children’s Minister for her church for 10 years before she retired.

Judy, her husband, and her children have been apart of the OKC/Edmond community for 38 years.

She attributes her desire to help and mentor those going through a tough season of life to her parents, who were great role models on how to love people. That is what attracted her to Around the Table.

“The mission to find women in these tough seasons of life and give them hope, a purpose and community was very exciting to me. The goal of Around the Table to walk along side women needing a fresh start as they work towards freedom is amazing and I am honored to be a part of it.”

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 & Lead Kitchen Mom

Jo is a mom of two grown children, a retired teacher, and a retired children’s minister. She has always enjoyed cooking and baking and has a huge heart for serving and helping others.

She was excited to learn about the opportunity to become a Kitchen Mom from Diana and jumped in without hesitation. She shows up every week without question, ready to serve our kitchen and our women.

Since joining Around the Table, she has become someone we can always count on and is a valued part of our kitchen family.

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.”

Kitchen Manager

Amy came to our team with incredible industry experience, a passion for cooking, and a deep love for people. Over the years, she has volunteered her time and skills in many spaces — including her church, a local senior center, and a homeless shelter — along with managing a restaurant in Luther, OK.

With both her experience and her own story of being delivered from addiction, Amy was excited for the opportunity to work with and encourage other women who are rebuilding their lives.