Erika Owens

Erika Owens is Executive Director of OpenNews, where she convenes people and projects across journalism and technology to move the industry forward. Owens and the OpenNews team seek ways to build enduring connections by supporting a thriving network of creating inclusive, caring spaces for the journalism-tech community. Her adroit community work has been instrumental in establishing OpenNews as a leader in how to foster and sustain networks. Owens also serves on the board of the Movement Alliance Project (formerly Media Mobilizing Project) and has trained as a donor organizer through the Giving Project at Bread and Roses Community Fund. Previously, Owens was web editor at the Philadelphia Public School Notebook. From tutoring in the D.C. Public Schools to voter outreach to nonprofit, mission-driven journalism, each area of her work has reinforced the importance of building and strengthening relationships and community bonds.

• What does it take to disrupt the status quo?
  Public funding and worker ownership of news organization are cause for hope
• What makes a journalist?
  Exploring professional identity and our collective power as journalists