Deborah DeSousa Owens

A positive role model for young African-American women.

Deborah DeSousa Owens is a fresh voice in the education community. She advocates a pragmatic approach to addressing the problems of urban education. According to Deborah, “If it works, I’m for it. That’s the bottom line. I don’t care who gets the credit as long as the children get the benefit.”

Deborah, who has an undergraduate degree in business, worked at several major New York ad agencies before turning her focus to education. She holds a masters degree in education, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in education at Vanderbilt University. She has served both as a teacher and as an administrator. Her passion is helping underprivileged children get the education they need to succeed. “Education has made all the difference in my life, and my hope is that everyone can have the opportunities I’ve had,” she says.

Recently Deborah has been working with community, ministry, education and political leaders to focus attention on the needs of urban students and their families. She has been a guest on Bott Radio Network, she is an author, and member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. Mrs. Owens has been invited to the White House on two occasions and has met with Former Education Secretary Rod Paige, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, as well as with President and Mrs. Bush.

Deborah and her husband, Rev. William Owens, travel extensively speaking about their core values: choices in education, the sanctity of life, the protection of marriage, and the free expression of faith.

If you have comments or questions for Deborah, or would like to discuss her availability for speaking engagements, please email her at deborah.owens@caapusa.org.