Each month, meet one of our Leadership Team members and learn why they care about College Possible. This is the third feature in our Staff Spotlight series. Prior spotlights include: program director, Katie Cunningham and program coordinator, Brian McNeill.
Susie Owens, Recruitment & Operations Specialist
Hometown: Omaha
Alma mater:
University of Nebraska – Lincoln – Child Youth & Family Studies (BA); Leadership Education (MS)
What do you do?
“I have the pleasure of talking to recent college grads about our mission to close the degree divide. AmeriCorps are the power behind our service to students. It’s a joy to recruit, hire and onboard them.”
Why College Possible?
“A degree changed the trajectory of my dad’s life. He was a single parent and worked his way through school as a non-traditional student while I was growing up. A degree provided him an opportunity to improve the lives of those around him. It has allowed me to do the same. Education is transformative and I am proud to be apart of an organization that helps others tap into their full potential.”
What do you love most about your job?
Interacting with potential and current Corps members!
Hobbies:
“I love to read. I also like taking my dog Chevie to Hanscom Park and watching movies with my husband, Robbie.”
Community involvement:
“I serve on the advisory board for I Be Black Girl, a collective for Black Women & Girls To Grow, Give & Connect. (ibbgomaha.com) IBBG gives Black women, girls and femmes an opportunity to be seen and celebrated. I especially have enjoyed working with the newly formed youth advisory board of 8 young women from around Omaha.”
What is one thing you want to learn more about this year?
“I want to learn more about how I can advocate for the students and families we serve. Advocating for policies that can better their lives can have a huge impact beyond our direct work.”
Where do I go if I want to become a College Possible Coach and AmeriCorps member in 2021?
Go to our website at collegepossible.org/serve to learn more, and to apply, go to collegepossibleamericorps.applicantpro.com/jobs.
Contact:
sowens@collegepossible.org
