Natonya Owens
Natonya Owens is a dynamic higher education and business operations leader with a strong track record in financial aid administration, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. A first-generation college graduate, she brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding the transformative power of education from both the student and administrator vantage points. For the past eight years, Natonya has channeled that insight into action, moving from student services into leadership roles where she has refined processes, guided students and families, and managed complex financial aid programs with precision and integrity.
Currently serving as Director of Financial Aid at Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary, Natonya develops and executes strategic initiatives to enhance financial aid services, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional policies. She excels at balancing operational excellence with people-first leadership, providing guidance and support to students, families, and staff while implementing best practices and leveraging technology to boost efficiency and effectiveness.
Beyond her professional expertise, Natonya is actively pursing her MBA at Columbia International University and is actively expanding her skillset in business consulting and real estate valuation. She is deeply committed to creating opportunity and equity, both in her professional work and in her personal life. A creative powerhouse, she is also a beginner gardener, abstract artist, and DIY enthusiast, and is building a legacy as a wife and mother of two.
• Notary
• Robeson Community College - AA
• University of North Carolina at Pembroke - BA
• Columbia International University - MBA (in progress)
• NAACP
• National Notary Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my most significant professional achievement: the ground-up, three-year rebuild of my college's financial aid department. Guiding it back to stability has been immensely rewarding, but what truly fuels my work is the joy I see in students—watching their smiles when they complete their degrees, knowing it was affordable, and realizing they accomplished something they never thought possible. I owe much of my early guidance to Emily Sillcocks, my financial aid director at the first school I worked for. She showed me the ropes and encouraged me to aim higher.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice for young women entering the field is to start working on campus. There’s so much insight to be gained by seeing what happens behind the scenes. From there, you can find your niche and pursue the direction that truly inspires you.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value balance in both my personal and professional life. I find peace and recharge in my garden or while painting, which allows me to approach my work with clarity, focus, and renewed energy.