Metro Philadelphia Power Women 2023 – Metro Philadelphia

Dr. Nikia Owens is the president and CEO of Campaign for Working Families, and provides the leadership and strategic direction for the organization. Owens has served in leadership roles in research, education and human services, and had positions on both state and local boards, working closely with state officials in analyzing public policy. Owens holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Work from Howard University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Planning, Administration, and Social Science.

Have there been any recent strides for gender equity in your industry?
Absolutely – women continue to make significant strides in education, human services, research, and policy. However, breaking glass ceilings, particularly for black women, remains a work in progress.

What more do you think needs to be done to support women in Philadelphia?
If there is to be a more viable and vibrant Philadelphia, where women rise and hold positions not yet realized, women from all races and walks of life need to support each other – to elevate women who are empathetic leaders that are responsive, respectful, engaged, intentional, active, compassionate, strategic, timely, and authentic to others and self.

Which women have paved the way for you?
My mother is first credited with paving the way for me. It would be amiss for me not to acknowledge the black women like Sarah Remond, Ellen Craft, Harriet Tubman, Ona Judge, Elizabeth Freeman, Ida B. Wells, and the countless other black women whose shoulders I stand on, that paved the way for me to fulfill my potential and purpose – as freedom is not free.