S.O. What! Foundation Archives - Summer Owens S.O. What!

From Teen Mom to Purpose-Driven Leader: A Success Journey That Redefines the Narrative

Summer Owens — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 12:00:33 +0000

People love to label you by your lowest moment. Teen mom. Statistic. Setback. But when I sat down with Chanielle Talbird, I did not see a label. I saw leadership. And what stood out most in her teen mom success journey was not her brand, her books, or her growing influence in Memphis. It was […]

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Leading When the Spotlight Is Unforgiving: What Steve Mulroy Shared About Resilience

Summer Owens — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 05:00:11 +0000

Some leadership lessons are learned quietly. Others are learned with the entire world watching. My conversation with Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy reminded me how often leadership is misunderstood. Many people see the title before they ever see the person. What stood out to me was not the position Steve holds, but the consistency […]

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Choosing Resilience After Tragedy: What Tiran Jackson Taught Me About Moving Forward

Summer Owens — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 05:00:07 +0000

Some stories stay with you long after the conversation ends. Not because of dramatic moments or timelines, but because of the depth of truth behind the words. That is what I experienced in my conversation with Tiran Jackson. Tiran is a leader, speaker, and resiliency expert, but more than that, he is someone who understands […]

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Where There’s a Will: Will Richardson Journey of Resilience and Purpose

Summer Owens — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 06:00:07 +0000

Life often throws labels and limitations our way, but what we choose to do with them defines who we become. Will Richardson’s story is a reminder that resilience, faith, and determination can turn doubt into destiny. Growing up in Memphis, Will was called the “black sheep” of his family and almost didn’t graduate high school. […]

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What It Really Means to Live Boldly

Summer Owens — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 16:58:12 +0000

What does it really mean to live boldly? For many people, being bold is about confidence, risk-taking, or standing out in a crowd. But for me, it has meant something deeper. Living boldly has meant choosing to move forward when everything in me wanted to stop. It has meant saying “S.O. What!” to obstacles, expectations, […]

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Turning Pain Into Purpose: My Breast Cancer Journey and the S.O. What! Breast Cancer Awareness Hoodie

Summer Owens — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 02:58:05 +0000

When I heard the words, “You have breast cancer,” I took a deep breath and went straight to the mindset that has carried me through every obstacle of my life: S.O. What! My next words were, “So NOW what?” It wasn’t denial. It wasn’t avoidance. It was my declaration that this diagnosis would not control […]

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Finding an Excuse to Win: Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner Journey of Resilience and Leadership

Summer Owens — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:00:38 +0000

Life will always test us. Some challenges break us, while others push us to rise higher than we ever imagined. Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner story is proof that no matter how heavy the obstacles, we can still choose resilience, faith, and purpose. Growing up without his father and later losing his mother, Chief Deputy Anthony […]

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From South Memphis to Success: Meka Egwuekwe Story

Summer Owens — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 14:00:38 +0000

Growing up in South Memphis without his father, Meka Egwuekwe could have let his circumstances hold him back. Instead, he leaned on education, community, and faith to write a different story. From teaching himself programming as a kid to earning degrees from Morehouse and Duke, Meka proved that where you start doesn’t determine where you […]

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From Breakdown to Breakthrough: Mellissa McTizic Story of Unshakable Resilience

Summer Owens — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:10:56 +0000

When I think about resilience, Mellissa McTizic is one of the first names that comes to mind. Mellissa is a professional school counselor, fitness advocate, and line dance leader in our shared hometown of Bolivar, Tennessee. I’ve watched her transformation over the years, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring. Mellissa’s journey through weight loss, […]

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