Dr. Nikia Owens is the Managing Director of Financial Empowerment at United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. She is responsible for leading UWGPSNJ’s family empowerment and income stability initiatives. This includes setting strategic direction in partnership with the CEO and executing strategic partnerships that have a demonstrable impact on family income, assets, and stability. Prior to joining United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey Owens held several leadership roles as Vice President and Director leading Internal and Executive Communications, Housing/Basic Needs, Education Reform, Research Strategy and Evaluation, Family Violence and Addiction Recovery with State, national nonprofit and county agencies. Dr. Owens has taught at the collegiate level to undergraduate and graduate students, served on State and a local board, presented before state officials, analyzed public policy, garnered bipartisan support on state programs and is the Founder/Owner of 3Ps N U, LLC. Dr. 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 from Clark Atlanta University. Owens enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her two children.