Owens selected for LOKC 36

Michael Owens, community development director for the Alliance for Economic Development for Oklahoma City, was recently selected for Leadership Oklahoma City’s Signature Class 36.

Over the next 10 months, Owens will join other community leaders in the program to learn more about community issues and develop leadership resources.

Owens also serves as the executive director of the Ralph Ellison Foundation and is the co-host of the One Mic, One Voice show, which has an international listening audience. As a community organizer, he has administered literacy, leadership, and mentor programming.

“It is rewarding to help communities thrive, whether that is through organizing literacy and mentoring programs, or mitigating conflict in community building,” Owens said. “Leadership OKC opens up new opportunities to learn more about the city and how we can all help make it a stronger community.”

“As a leader and advocate for minority communities throughout the United States, Michael’s involvement in Leadership Oklahoma City will be an asset for our city,” said Cathy O’Connor, president of the Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City.

Following a successful career in the United States Navy, where he achieved Sailor of the Year honors, Owens attended the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, earning degrees in history, political science and law, as well as the Outstanding Graduate Award. He received a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Owens serves on the Oklahoma Civil Rights Commission Advisory Board, the Oklahoma City Arts Commission Board, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition and the Lynn Institute Board of Directors. He was named 2013 Educator of the Year by Perry Publishing & Broadcasting.