In addition to serving on the university's diversity and multicultural board, various planning committees and panel discussions, Owens organized a reception for incoming graduate students. She also was a keynote speaker for one of CMU's "Speak Up Speak Out" forums and has advocated diversity within curricula and on-campus organizations.
"It's always exciting to be recognized for your talents, but as a true advocate for diversity it was my pleasure to participate and be a voice for minority students," said Owens, who plans to work with student affairs at the university level.