O.S. Owen

O.S. Owen is also a graduate of Loyola's Philanthropy & Nonprofit Sector Graduate Certificate Program. "Because I was an activist and supporter of the civil rights movement of the '70s and '80s, I developed a strong appreciation for how foundations spear headed initiatives in creative solutions to societal problems without the inherent restrains governmental organizations face,"said Owen.

"I strongly believe that my training in the Loyola program will allow me one day to be direct collaborator, contributor in the world of philanthropy-from one side of the table or the other. I am better prepared for a career in the world of philanthropy because I have indirectly worked both sides of the street. I can think like a program officer and still be sensitive to the issues of those who need funding."

O.S. Owen is currently director of financial programs at the Center for Economic Progress, an organization working to build the assets and increase the economic prosperity of working families and individuals throughout Illinois and across the nation through an array of community-based programs.

He previously served with the Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Greater Chicago as director of counseling before being appointed to community service educator. He has over 12 years of experience in dealing with intergovernmental affairs with FDIC and the Department of Labor, credit rehabilitation, debt management, tax related counseling and tax preparation. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Morehouse College and has recently lectured at the various sites of the City Colleges of Chicago including Malcolm X, Harold Washington, Olive Harvey, and Kennedy King and at Lawndale Community Based Organizations.

He completed his undergraduate studies at Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He also pursued post graduate work in law at the University of West Los Angeles School of Law and completed an internship at the Woods Fund of Chicago.

Owen currently serves on the boards of the Love Foundation and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated Educational foundation. "My hands on exposure through my internship at the Woods Fund of Chicago sensitized me to the demands of a funding agency and their review process. I now apply my insights to the two foundations I serve on and the organization I currently work for,"he said.

"Foundations and nonprofits are like family siblings - related in objectives and intent but different in methodology. This program sharpened my evaluative skills and gave me the opportunity to better understand the different perspectives of essentially collaborating forces-the funder and funded."

When asked about the importance of communities of color being involved in philanthropy he replied, "It is critical that people of color become more involved in the field. It becomes obvious that the experience of being of the community that is being serve can enhance the ability to serve. There is a great opportunity for balance of objectivity and subjectivity that diminishes ivory tower evaluations of viable funding opportunities."

"Expanding exposure and outreach opportunities into philanthropy will pay dividends down the road in facilitating the effectiveness and insights of future program officers and in encouraging direct philanthropy within the communities
of color."

"I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who has any interest in the foundation or nonprofit world. Without the financial resources and emotional support of Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy, I would not have been able to participate-and there would have been one less voice, one less insight into the real world of foundations."