Jana Gridley, like many working women, was trying to juggle family, faith and professional life. She searched for community, posting to social media and looking for a local women’s Christian group, but one did not seem to exist.
“I’d been doing all the networking things,” she said. “Mom groups, women’s events, church volunteering—but nothing tied it all together. I wanted one place where I didn’t have to explain who I was or why I worked. A space where faith and career could coexist.”
That search led Gridley and co-founder Dr. Jessica Rimmer to Polished—an organization founded in Dallas to support women navigating life, work and faith. Its chapter-based model offered connection, mentorship and purpose-driven programming that felt like the perfect fit.
By launching the Oklahoma City chapter, Gridley and Rimmer became the first to bring Polished beyond Texas. What began as a luncheon with 45 friends and contacts has evolved into monthly gatherings of over 100 women. Some events—like a recent one featuring OU softball coach Patty Gasso—have drawn crowds of more than 200. Its rapid growth reflects the need for a space where women feel seen, supported and connected.
Every monthly event features a speaker who shares their story of their upbringing and their current work, and how their Christian faith plays a crucial role. Gridley often conducts the interviews herself, setting the tone with a talk-show-style Q&A that invites authenticity. Themed discussions follow at each table, allowing attendees to reflect and apply those stories to their work and lives.
“We’re straightforward that this is a Christian-centered space,” Gridley said. “However, anyone is welcome, regardless of their beliefs. We’re here to encourage women wherever they are. Polished is a place where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is respected and welcomed.”
Monthly themes are integrated into the speaker stories and tabletop discussions. February, for example, focused on “love”—exploring how to lead, serve and show compassion in the workplace and to others, even when it’s difficult.
For many, Polished fills a gap that traditional church programs often miss. “When you’re a working mom or a single professional, it’s easy to fall through the cracks,” Gridley explained. “Sometimes, the only way to serve in a church setting is in the nursery or other areas that may not utilize your talents, and due to a work-life balance, it may be all you can do. But we have more to give. Polished enables us to utilize our professional skills to build community, support one another and serve in numerous ways.”
The group’s core message is that work is good—meaningful, created with purpose and a way to serve others. Conversations at Polished extend beyond spiritual encouragement, exploring topics such as mental health, leadership, identity and loneliness. It’s a space where women grow personally and professionally, feeling empowered and inspired along the way.
“Five years after the pandemic, many are still isolated and lonely,” Gridley said. “Even now, we meet women who are struggling—still in need of connection, encouragement and a space that supports their mental health.”
Earlier this year, Polished merged with 4word Women, a global organization with a similar mission but a broader reach. With expanded resources—such as executive groups, employee programs and structured mentoring—the partnership enables Gridley, Rimmer and their team to offer even more to women in Oklahoma City without compromising the grassroots feel that makes Polished so meaningful.
“I think about what it would’ve been like if this hadn’t worked out,” Gridley said. “There would be a real lack of community that so many have needed.”
