Carly Heitland joins the ACLU of Oklahoma as an organizer, focusing on community support, public education efforts, volunteer mobilization, and coalition building. A lifelong Okie from southern Oklahoma, Carly’s connection to our state—and the people who live here—drives her passion for organizing.
Carly graduated with high honors from East Central University, earning a degree in English Education and a minor in Political Science. She then taught high school English for five years in Oklahoma City. In addition to her teaching duties, Carly sponsored the school’s Youth and Government and National Honor Society programs and was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2025. Carly’s commitment to creating a loving, supportive, and equitable community shaped the work she did in her classroom and school.
This drive led Carly to her work as a multi-issue organizer. Carly is especially passionate about criminal justice reform, the abolition of capital punishment, education equity, and 2SLGBTQ+ rights. She is dedicated to building justice-oriented, community-focused programs that include, uplift, and support all Oklahomans.
In her free time, Carly enjoys reading, spending time in nature, and connecting with friends and family.