Marti Rickman arrived in Oklahoma in 1984 in search of the American Dream.
By all accounts, Rickman is doing just that – she is living the American Dream. As the owner of Clips and Hips, Rickman not only runs a successful and thriving business, she is active in the Oklahoma City community.
Rickman, though, has not forgotten her heritage. She is a proud Colombian national from Palmira and serves as the executive director for the Colombian Society of Oklahoma, which celebrated its 213th year of independence Sunday at the Cantera Event Center in Oklahoma City.
Not surprisingly, Rivas & Associates sent a team down to participate in the event which included Public Relations Director Maria Carmona.
“Truly, a great event,” Maria Carmona said. “The energy, passion, and Nationalism they have for one another was incredible. I am so happy they thought to invite us to the festivities.”
It is estimated that nearly 3,000 Colombian nationalists reside in Oklahoma.
For Marti Rickman, the purpose of The Colombian Society of Oklahoma is simple.
“We created the society to promote a better understanding of the Colombian culture and tradition in the state of Oklahoma,” Marti Rickman said. Whenever possible, we celebrate Colombian festivals and cultural programs to share the rich heritage of Colombians with our Oklahoman neighbors and friends.
“We celebrate our Colombian Independence Day on July 16 to celebrate the freedom and history of the Colombians. It also allows us the opportunity to emphasize to all Oklahomans the great and significant contributions Colombians have made to the progress of Oklahoma. The observance of Colombian Independence Day will keep Colombian traditions alive among the younger Colombians born and brought up in Oklahoma.”
An Entirely Different Colombia
As Marti Rickman echoed, traditions are alive and well in Colombia. Yet sadly the connotations associated with the country continue to reside with the tumultuous times of the 1980s and early-to-mid 1990s.
“Totally ridiculous,” said Corey Seitz a successful Colorado mortgage broker who visited Medellin earlier in the summer. “This country is incredibly welcoming, and the people could not be friendlier.”
Whether U.S. residents choose to accept it or not, Colombia has emerged as a destination and retirement hub for many expatriates. Cities like Medellin, Bogota, Cartagena, and Santa Marta are all thriving. Those fortunate to visit Colombia also flock to locales like Salento, the Cocora Valley and Cali – the official home of Salsa Dancing which Rickman actively performs.
“I am proud of what my country has overcome and where it is today,” Marti Rickman said. “Are we perfect? No. We have some governmental issues, but we are resilient, and we really do love one another.”
Community Involvement Nothing New for Rivas & Associates
That Rivas & Associates was front and center at Sunday’s event is hardly surprising. The high-powered, well-known immigration law firm is supportive of many community events.
Every fall the firm participates in the Night Light Tulsa as a way to support the homeless community. The firm has participated in the Tulsa Pride Parade and CEO Lorena Rivas actively promotes the firm on weekly radio shows that highlight immigration issues.
“I love working at this firm,” Maria Carmona said. “We really are so much more than a law firm. We are a family and we try our best to be as supportive as we can of our community.”