Lisa V. Owens, MEd
Lisa V. Owens, MEd, is the Director of the FAME Teachers’ Academy at the Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education (FAME) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In this role, she leads a program focused on recruiting, mentoring, and preparing college students—particularly Black students—for careers in K–12 education. Lisa oversees recruitment, curriculum and program design, mentoring cohorts, and college partnerships, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and guidance needed to succeed as educators and community leaders. With more than 30 years of experience in education, Lisa’s career spans teaching, counseling, and administrative leadership. She spent 22 years with Pittsburgh Public Schools, serving as a teacher and counselor before spending the final 13 years largely in assistant principal roles. She also held leadership positions at the Urban Impact Foundation, where she developed the Options program, and currently directs the FAME Teachers’ Academy. In addition, Lisa serves in contracted roles with the Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium and the Christian Counselors Collaborative. Her professional work has consistently focused on expanding educator diversity, supporting students through post-secondary transitions, and fostering inclusive, high-achieving learning environments. Lisa’s professional philosophy is grounded in advocacy, integrity, authenticity, a strong work ethic, and excellence. She attributes her resilience and dedication to her faith and a supportive family network, including mentorship from her mother, Leslie V. Horne, and her aunt, Dr. Betty Robinson. Through her leadership, mentorship, and decades of service, Lisa has established herself as a respected voice in educational equity, student development, and the cultivation of the next generation of diverse educators.
• National Counselor Certification
• K-12 School Counselor Certification
• University of Pittsburgh - BA
• University of Pittsburgh - MEd
• University of Pittsburgh - MAT
• Recipient of a Circle of Courage Award
• Outstanding Counselor
• Contracted Southwest Pennsylvania Regional Coordinator
• Christian Counselors Collaborative
• Manchester Youth Development Center
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, the support of my family, and the strong foundation provided by my upbringing. These influences have shaped my values, guided my decisions, and given me the resilience and confidence to pursue my goals with purpose and determination.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is not to sacrifice my mental health for a paycheck. Maintaining balance and prioritizing well-being is essential for long-term success, resilience, and fulfillment. This guidance has taught me that sustainable performance comes from taking care of myself while pursuing professional goals with intention and purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't shrink for the comfort of others. Find your voice. Be the best version of yourself. Trust yourself and walk in your purpose.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face in my field is overcoming discrimination and the low expectations that others may hold. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to demonstrate capability, advocate for equity, and redefine standards of excellence. By confronting biases and exceeding expectations, I can create meaningful impact, inspire others, and help foster a more inclusive and supportive professional environment.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, authenticity, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to excellence guide both my professional and personal life. I strive to approach every opportunity and challenge with honesty and transparency, remaining true to my values while consistently delivering high-quality results. Upholding these principles allows me to build trust, foster meaningful relationships, and pursue growth with purpose and dedication.