Carlie Sturgeon

Carlie Sturgeon brings a lifelong passion for education and advocacy to her role as Senior Director of Immigrant and Refugee Services at YWCA Tulsa. A Tulsa resident since a young age, Carlie spent five transformative years living and teaching in China. Her time abroad gave her a profound appreciation for the challenges of living far from home and family—an experience she chose, but one that many immigrants and refugees endure out of necessity, fleeing violence, poverty, and war.

After returning to Tulsa, Carlie earned a Master’s in Teaching English and while teaching Chinese at Jenks High School. Following the birth of her daughter, she took a five-year hiatus to focus on family before finding her calling in teaching English to immigrants and refugees. In 2018, she joined YWCA Tulsa as a part-time Adult ESL instructor. Carlie is grateful for the opportunities YWCA has provided to make a meaningful impact on the lives of immigrant and refugee families.

Carlie lives in Tulsa with her husband, their daughter—who is already aspiring to be a champion for women’s rights and social justice—and their two orange cats, Tiger and Lily. She is committed to building a more inclusive Tulsa where everyone has the support they need to thrive.