Jacob Owens is yet another up-and-coming community development practitioner on our team, whose interests in combating social inequality and addressing youth issues drew him to the Social Change Leadership program. Of the many strengths that make Jacob a promising social change leader, it is his foresight, strategic thinking and interpersonal skills that have made him such an excellent fit for the work he is doing in our Organisational Development, Communications and Community Legal Engagement teams.
You can find out more about the incredible work Jacob is doing with the other Changemakers by following us on Facebook or Instagram (@changemakerscollective).
Find out a little bit more about Jacob in this quick Q&A below (conducted by fellow Social Change Leadership participant, Gabrielle Loft).
Describe yourself in 5 words.
Easy going, organised, sporty, geeky, facetious.
What made you decide to study community development?
I originally wanted to join the navy, but couldn't due to a chronic injury. So I found a career alternative in the community development sector.
What is the social issue you are the most passionate about?
Poverty.
What career path do you see yourself taking after graduation?
Working for NGOs/INGOs or local government.
What did you want to be when you grew up (as a kid)?
As a kid, I wanted to be an Illustrator or animator.
What is the biggest adventure/highlight of the past few years?
One of my biggest highlights has been having a competitive rowing career where I traveled interstate to compete and meet new people, with the opportunity to travel globally in the future.
What does justice mean to you?
Fairness, equity and for people to be held accountable for their actions.
What is your leadership style?
Bring the people around me up so they can thrive.
Dream holiday destination?
Definitely Spain, as a holiday, and Canada, if I had to move permanently.
What is your favourite book or movie?
I love autobiographies, specifically Mark Donaldson’s autobiography, Whiplash, and Fight Club.
What are your career goals in the field you hope to work in?
At a local level, I endeavour to put in place something constructive such as a program that people can utilise continuously and that promotes an ongoing positive change. Additionally, I’m interested in opening people’s eyes - making them think critically about their actions and their environments.