By: Lennard James
In a world where adversity often defines our path, few stories resonate with as much power and poignancy as that of Summer Owens. Her journey from a terrified teenage mother to an acclaimed author, speaker, and success coach is not just inspiring; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of human resilience. Through her unwavering dedication, Owens has turned her trials into triumphs, embodying the very essence of her mantra: “S.O. What! Success.”
Owens’ early life was marked by challenges that would have daunted many. At 15, she faced the monumental task of motherhood under circumstances no one should endure – a forced encounter. Yet, even in the face of such adversity, she refused to let her circumstances dictate her future. With remarkable strength and determination, Owens graduated from high school with highest honors and was named Most Likely to Succeed.
Her academic achievements did not stop there. She earned the Emerging Leaders scholarship for college, where she continued to excel despite the added responsibilities of being a young mother. Graduating magna cum laude and being crowned Miss University of Memphis were milestones that underscored her tenacity and drive.
The corporate world soon beckoned, and Owens rose rapidly through the ranks within prestigious companies over an impressive 15-year career while also attaining an MBA with magna cum laude honors as a single mother. However, it was her inner calling to empower others that shaped her destiny.
“We’re still in this together!” This powerful message encapsulates Owens’ commitment to lifting others as she climbed. Transitioning from corporate success to full-time speaking and coaching was not merely a career change—it was a fulfillment of purpose. Today, she stands as a beacon of hope and guidance for youth and young adults navigating their paths through life’s tumultuous waters.
Owens’ accolades are numerous – from being recognized in Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 to receiving awards like the Women of Achievement Heroism Award and Dress for Success Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Yet, what truly sets her apart is her relentless pursuit to give back to the community that nurtured her growth. Through initiatives like theS.O.
What! Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education curriculum, Owens has significantly impacted students’ lives across various age groups. By sharing strategies derived from personal experience mixed with academic knowledge in marketing and personal development courses based on her memoir “Life After Birth-A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother,” she offers invaluable insights into overcoming obstacles.
Her engagement extends beyond classrooms into motivational speaking at colleges nationwide where she leverages her leadership experiences—both from high school days as a teen mother to her vast involvement in college—to inspire others towards realizing their “S.O. What! Success.”
Owens’ social media presence (@summero_sowhat) serves as an extension of her mission – connecting with wider audiences by sharing moments of inspiration, reflections on perseverance amid challenges, and celebrating successes big or small.
Summer’s story is not just about overcoming odds; it’s about rewriting your narrative regardless of how it begins. It’s about looking adversity in the eye and saying “S.O What!” then asking “So NOW what?”—a mindset shift that transforms barriers into stepping stones towards success.
As we delve into Summer Owens’ journey through interviews such as those on The 700 Club or engagements across educational institutions nationwide from Memphis Tennessee where she’s based—her message resonates loud clear: resilience is not inherent but cultivated through facing challenges head-on.
In essence, Summer Owens embodies more than just success; she represents hope—a living proof that no matter what life throws your way you can emerge stronger ready tackle whatever comes next because after all—we’re still in this together!
Engage with Summer’s transformative journey further via LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/in/summerowens/) for deeper insights into how resilience paved way for transcending boundaries setting new benchmarks achievement against all odds.
Published By: Aize Perez
