Volunteer Spotlight – Omunique Owens, Intern

Meet Omunique Owens, seminary student and nonprofit management intern with the Center for Victim and Human Rights (CVHR). Omunique has been interning with CVHR since September, and we decided to get a little more insight into who she is and why she reached out to CVHR to volunteer. Let’s meet Omunique!

What initially sparked your interest in volunteering for the CVHR?
I think of myself as a social justice warrior, so when I looked online for places to volunteer that focused on providing justice and equity for all, I found CVHR and it was a perfect fit! After my research of the organization and meeting with Emily, I jumped at the chance to volunteer as an intern. I loved how CVHR helped victims of human rights abuses and wanted to be a part of an organization that makes such a difference in the life of so many.

What are you most excited to do or accomplish as a volunteer for the CVHR?
I am excited to have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the legal aspects of CVHR to provide justice for victims, as well as how to properly run a non-profit organization.

What has been your favorite part about being a volunteer for the CVHR?
My favorite part of being a volunteer is being exposed to a variety of new experiences such as memo writing, outreach work, team meeting debriefings, and witnessing the attorneys at work in court cases.

Are you messy or organized?
DEFINITELY MESSY! But I work on it.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“A person’s a person, no matter how small” – Dr. Seuss.

If given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?
Michelle Obama. She’s my she-ro.

People would be surprised if they knew:
I’m a two-time beauty pageant winner.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?
I belly dance. It’s an amazing artform, plus its loads of fun!

What are your top three life highlights?
Spending the holidays with my family growing up, seeing shows on Broadway/ spending the day in NYC with my mom, and traveling to Europe in 2017.

What did you want to be when growing up?
Literally everything! From being a Rockette, to a killer whale trainer, to being a pilot with an all-pink plane and male flight attendants. I wanted to do it all!