Featured Member: Yolanda R. Owens on HBCU CONNECT!

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Q&A With Yolanda R. Owens

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Yolanda R. Owens
Procurement Specialist, Jacobs Engineering Group
Location: Decatur, GA United States
Joined: Aug 14th, 2014

About (request update)

Enrolled in the dual-degree program, Yolanda received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from JSU and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, GA. After nearly 10 years in the industry as a Civil Engineer, she shifted her focus to Engineering Contracts and currently works for Jacobs Engineering Group as a Procurement Officer for the Southeast Region. A resident of Decatur, Georgia, Yolanda is a life member of JSUNAA, Inc. as well as a life member of the Metro Atlanta Chapter.

She served as President of the Metro Atlanta Chapter from 2005-2009 and was named local Alumnus of the Year in 2006 and 2010. During her presidency, chapter membership increased mainly due to more effective communication methods with the establishment of the yahoogroups email distribution list. Also, during her tenure, the chapter website was professionally designed and the fundraising reached an all-time high. Other service on the local level includes Assistant Secretary from 2003-2005 and chair of several committees including the well-known, highly successful Scholarship Jazz Brunch. Under Yolanda’s leadership, the Jazz Brunch sponsorships increase by 500%.

Yolanda recently completed two terms as JSUNAA Southeast Regional Vice President and also served as Southeast Regional Board Member in 2009-2010. Through her dedication and persistence, the Southeast Region conducted its first regional conference in over 10 years in December 2012. The Regional Motto is, “Building a Stronger Region by Building Stronger Chapters”. Under Yolanda’s guidance, the Southeast Region has become a more cohesive unit with chapter president’s collaborating across state lines and engaging in friendly competition. She serves on several committees within the Association and currently chairs the Public and University Relations committee.

On July 1, 2014, she took office as the 18th President of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. When asked why she ran for president of the alumni association, Yolanda responded, “I’ll tell you that serving as President of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association is the very least that I can do to give back to the university that gave me so much.” Her campaign platform was “ABC: Align, Bridge, Collaborate.” Align the Alumni Association with the university to make local, state, national and global decisions that positively affect Jackson State University. Bridge the gap between the alumni and the students of JSU. Collaborate with community, civic and educational organizations for the advancement of JSU.

Yolanda is an active member of Saint Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta where she a member of the Richard Allen Usher Board and is trained as a Small Group Study leader for Crown Financial Ministries. As a member of the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she previously served two terms as chair of the Information and Communication Committee and is currently Chair of the Nominating Committee for the 500+ member chapter.

An avid runner, Yolanda joined Black Girls RUN! in 2011 and has since completed countless 5ks and 10ks as well as 4 half-marathons. She enjoys travelling, spending time with family and finding creative ways to bond with friends. She is not afraid of unique adventure and has been spotted zip-lining, kayaking, parasailing and even belly dancing! If you ever visit her home in Decatur, you will be “warmly” greeted by her two dogs, Foxy and Cleo.

Education (request update)

Jackson State University class of 1993

Undergrad Major: Mathematics

Claim To Fame:

On July 1, 2014, she took office as the 18th President of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc.