Meet Summer Owens | Professional Speaker and Life Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Summer Owens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Summer, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
For over a decade, my life has been dedicated to uplifting and transforming the lives of others through the S.O. What! philosophy. It’s more than just a saying; it’s a way of confronting and overcoming life’s obstacles, no matter how daunting they might seem. S.O. What! means saying “so what!” to every challenge you face then saying “so now what?” to focus on solutions rather than the problem. I’ve turned my personal story of resilience and triumph into a platform for change, impacting individuals, particularly youth, across the nation.

As the founder of the S.O. What! Foundation and an award-winning author, speaker, and success coach, my mission has been to inspire, educate, and empower people to achieve success, no matter the challenges they face. My journey wasn’t easy. Becoming a mother at fifteen could have derailed my dreams, but instead, it fueled my determination. I overcame adversity, pursued education, and embraced every opportunity with the mindset of “S.O. What!”—a powerful affirmation that has become the cornerstone of my work.

As a professional speaker and life coach, I’ve had the opportunity to share the S.O. What! message of resilience around the world empowering people to embrace their challenges or perceived flaws. I created an online Confidence Class which has helped students build the confidence to set and go after goals they had been too afraid to pursue.

My S.O. What! Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education curriculum has been a game-changer in schools and youth programs nationwide. It’s not just about teaching; it’s about transforming lives. The curriculum, developed from a place of understanding and compassion, is trauma-informed and integrates academic learning with essential life skills. I’ve seen firsthand how it improves academic performance, increases graduation rates, and fosters personal growth. It’s about empowering students to face their challenges, overcome obstacles, and set themselves up for success in every aspect of their lives.

The S.O. What! Foundation’s S.T.E.P.- O.U.T. (self-esteem, teamwork, exposure, personal development – overcome, understand, triumph) program is another initiative close to my heart. It helps youth step out of their comfort zones, challenging situations, and their own way. Through summer experiences, workshops, exposure trips, and ongoing mentoring, we provide the tools and support necessary for these youth to thrive. Seeing the transformation in these participants, from increased self-esteem to a stronger sense of community involvement, reaffirms the impact of our efforts.

The results speak for themselves. The data collected from our programs show significant improvements in goal setting, decision making, self-esteem, and post-secondary aspirations among participants. But beyond numbers, it’s the stories of changed lives, the smiles of achievement, and the newfound confidence in the eyes of those we’ve touched that truly measure our success.

Additionally, the S.O. What! Scholarships are a testament to our commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and dependence. By providing financial assistance for education, we’re investing in the future of individuals who, despite their circumstances, have the drive and determination to succeed. My alma mater, the University of Memphis, and other educational institutions are part of this vision, as we extend support to those who dare to dream big.

In summary, the social impact of my work is woven into the fabric of every life we touch. It’s about creating a ripple effect of empowerment, education, and resilience. Through my speaking engagements, coaching, courses, curriculum, and the S.O. What! Foundation’s programs, I am not just helping individuals to say “S.O. What!” to their challenges; I’m helping them to rewrite their stories, to turn their obstacles into opportunities. This journey isn’t just mine; it’s a shared narrative of strength, courage, and unwavering belief in the potential within each of us to overcome and thrive. Together, we are creating a world where “S.O. What!” is not just a reaction to adversity but a battle cry for success against all odds.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Reflecting on my journey and the essence of my business, I can say it’s been a path of unique challenges and profound victories. What sets my business apart is the S.O. What! philosophy — a resilient mindset born from my personal stroy of overcoming the odds as a teen mother. This isn’t just a business; it’s a testament to the power of resilience and determination.

I am most proud of the real, tangible impact my work has had — my keynotes and workshops, the S.O. What! Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education curriculum, the Confidence Class, the results my coaching clients experience, the S.O. What! Foundation’s S.T.E.P.- O.U.T. program are not just initiatives; they are life-changing interventions. These programs have helped thousands of people face their challenges and seek solutions rather than succumb to problems or even trauma. The transformation I witness in others fuels my passion and commitment every day. I am also proud of the beautiful fundraising events I created for the foundation, the annual Love Yourself Event and the S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree.

Getting to where I am today was far from easy. My journey was fraught with obstacles that many would find insurmountable. But every challenge I faced reinforced the S.O. What! mentality. I learned to embrace my story, to use my past not as a crutch but as a catapult. Overcoming the stigma of teenage pregnancy and personal trauma, I pursued education and career opportunities with a relentless spirit, eventually finding my true calling in empowering others.

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the power of vulnerability. Sharing my story wasn’t easy, but it opened doors to connect with others and create a real impact. It taught me that our most profound growth often comes from our greatest challenges. Another lesson is the importance of adaptability and perseverance. Success isn’t a straight path; it’s a complex journey with ups and downs, and the ability to keep going, to pivot when necessary, is crucial.

I want the world to know that my brand and story are about turning adversity into advantage. It’s about showing that no matter your past or present circumstances, you have the power within you to say “S.O. What!” and pursue your dreams. My business is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, no matter what obstacles they face.

I’m not just teaching principles; I’m living proof of them. Every keynote, workshop, and program I offer is infused with this authenticity and passion. I’m committed to not only sharing my story but also providing the tools and support others need to write their own success stories. That’s what I want the world to know about me and the S.O. What! brand — we’re here to make a difference, one powerful, resilient step at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Memphis for a week, I’d ensure her itinerary is packed with the beautiful culture, history, great food, and fun that Memphis has to offer. We’d likely start our time with a stroll along the Mississippi River in Tom Lee Park, followed by a reflective visit to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. At night we’d enjoy good food in one of the many restaurants downtown and live music, probably blues, on Beale Street. We’d visit Sun Studio and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. We would eat at the iconic soul food restaurant, The Four Way, and of course we have to have barbeque from one of the many awesome options in Memphis, maybe Rendezvous or Cozy Corner. We could enjoy the laid-back vibe at Loflin Yard or Railgarten. Becuase I like to walk and enjoy nature, we could visit Memphis Botanic Garden or spend some time at Shelby Farms Park. To understand the city’s role in African-American history, we’d visit the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum and later soak in the local arts in the Edge District. Sometime during the week, we’d spend time in mid-town and maybe catch a Memphis Grizzlies or Memphis Tigers game.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A defining moment in my life was when I got pregnant as a result of a forced sexual encounter at the age of 15. Because I had the support of my mother, Curtistine Gatlin and my grandmother, Agnes Owens, I was able to graduate from high school with honors, be selected Most Likely to Succeed, earn a full scholarship to college, and move away to attend college. Susanne Denton who was the volunteer coordinator when I volunteered at my mother’s job during the summers was caring and supportive when so many others judged me as a teen mothe. Nearly thirty years later she is still caring a supportive of me and my son.

When I was in college, Tammy Hedges who was the director of the Student Activities Council (SAC) was a tremendous supporter. She allowed me to be in the office with me when I worked office hours for SAC, and she even babysat for me in the office and overnight. She believed in me and supporting me and my son helping me to graduate from college magna cum laude and selected as Ms. University of Memphis. Her support continued as she helped me to get on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors where I eventually became the president and nominating me for one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received, the Distinguished Alumni Award.

I also credit Marla Taner for much of my career success. She was the marketing director for the Memphis Grizzlies and took a chance on hiring me when I had no NBA experience and very little work or marketing experience. I eventually became a marketing manager for the Memphis Grizzlies and the FedExForum arena which provided me with incredible opportunies, experiences, and relationships that are still benefiting me personally and professionally..    

Website: www.summerowens.com

Instagram: summero_sowhat

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/summerowens/

Twitter: summero_sowhat

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummerO.SOwhat

Yelp: https://www.youtube.com/@SummerOwensSOwhat

Youtube: [email protected]

Other: www.thesowhatfoundation.org