50 Making a Difference profile: Kim Owen, QuikTrip Corp.

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Sep 21, 2007

Go to Kim Owen's office and you're sure to find two things - Post- it notes attached to her computer that read "Do the right thing" and "Stand up for what's right."

"They've been on my computer for more than 10 years and I've had to replace them on occasion due to wear and tear. These two statements enter my life everyday, whether it be at work or at home," said Owen, vice president of human resources for QuikTrip Corp.

A graduate of Missouri State University, Owen joined the Tulsa- based company in 1984 as a benefits clerk and has served in several capacities with increasing responsibilities. She was named to her current position in 2004.

"During her 23 years at QuikTrip, Kim has become a champion for employee diversity and has initiated a number of programs to enhance the opportunities of people of all backgrounds," said Jim Denny, vice president of marketing for QuikTrip. "She frequently speaks to various companies and organizations about QuikTrip's programs to help others improve their human resource initiatives. She has also served as a mentor for other women in our corporate management group."

Owen said her most significant professional accomplishment is her efforts to help establish programs and standards that have helped QuikTrip gain recognition from Fortune's Best 100 Companies to Work For five consecutive years.

"Last year I accepted the Fairness award on QuikTrip's behalf, when Fortune named QuikTrip as the fairest company in the entire United States. I like to think I have a part in making this true, everyday," said Owen, who is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management.

Her civic and nonprofit affiliations include serving as finance chair for the St. Therese Parish Council and Tulsa district chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma as well as chairing the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Campaign.

This year Owen has shared with hundreds of women her heartbreaking story of losing a best friend and five family members - three who were under the age of 32 - to genetic heart-related disease.

"When I lost my best friend last year on Wear Red for Women day, the day designated to increase awareness of heart disease in women, I felt compelled to do something to bring awareness to others so their friends and families may survive. I've had such a positive response and it has helped me accept my family's bad luck. I am proud to think that my participation may save someone's life in the future," Owen said.

Owen received a 2006 Paragon Award from Leadership Tulsa for her work with creating a statewide Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations.

About Kim:

Birthplace: Pittsburg, Kan.

Spouse: Mark Owen

First job: Teaching swimming lessons at YMCA

Dream job: "Anytime you work for the number one company in an industry, it's a dream!"

Pets: Five dogs, three cats, five horses and even two cows

Hobbies: "My husband and I produce rodeos in a four-state region. We are raising bucking stock as well as beef cattle and horses on our acreage north of Tulsa."

Favorite type of food: Fajitas

Favorite type of music: Rock - 1970s through 2007 (excluding the '80s)

Favorite vacation spot: Alaska