Grateful to Spotlight a Person of the Week. Robert Urban,Writer
Grateful to spotlight our incredible Person of the Week: Lorna Owens!
Have you ever heard the phrase “Think globally, act locally”? Lorna Owens takes it to the next level by thinking and acting both locally AND globally - a true force for good wherever she goes.
Lorna Owens is a multi-talented powerhouse based in DeLand. Originally from Jamaica, she has worn many hats -a trained midwife, registered nurse, lawyer, and author-all with a remarkable blend of passion and purpose.
Her journey began in Jamaica, but her ambition took her to England, where she pursued midwifery. Later, she was recruited to work as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital in Miami, where she cared for patients while simultaneously pursuing her studies in International Relations. Never one to settle, Lorna earned her JD from the University of Florida, transitioning into the legal field.
Her career as a criminal and entertainment lawyer is marked by years of excellence, working alongside some of the sharpest minds in the business before founding her own practice. Lorna quickly built a reputation as someone of impeccable character, unmatched work ethic, and exceptional brilliance.
In 2010, Lorna Owens encountered a story that would forever alter the course of her life. It was about the devastating use of rape as a weapon of war and result of lawlessness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - a harrowing reality that has earned the region the grim title of "the rape capital of the world."
Instead of just crying about it and moving on, in true Lorna fashion, she made it her life mission to do something about it. Determined to make a difference, she joined a team of nurses and doctors traveling to the Congo, intent on supporting pregnant women and reducing the region's staggering infant mortality rates.
Amid the chaos of warlords, gunfire, and even a warning from the U.S. State Department advising against travel, Lorna pressed forward. She taught classes, conducted training, and offered solace to women desperate for hope in a land scarred by violence. She didn’t just bring medical expertise- she brought a sense of dignity and empowerment to women who often felt invisible in the shadow of conflict.
When word spread that a woman from America was coming to help, some women walked for miles, even full days, from their remote villages just for the chance to meet her. Lorna didn’t just hear their stories-she listened. In doing so, she reminded them of something the war could never take away: their strength. These women were heard, perhaps some for the first time ever in their lives.
As the conflict intensified, it became too dangerous for doctors and nurses to travel to the region, eventually resulting in a complete loss of permission for medical teams to enter. Shortly afterward, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, further complicating efforts to provide assistance. Undeterred, Lorna pivoted to online solutions, delivering webinars, classes, and talks to continue her mission remotely.
This endeavor ultimately inspired her to establish The Footprints Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to equipping midwives and doctors with vital medical supplies, training, and equipment. The foundation's mission is to reduce maternal and infant mortality and morbidity by providing culturally sensitive, evidence-based training to doctors, nurses, midwives, and traditional birth attendants in Jamaica and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She also helps to train doctors in her native country as pediatricians through a partnership with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. Recognizing the challenge of healthcare professionals often emigrating to the U.S., leaving limited options for mothers and children in need of care, this program addresses the issue by equipping and incentivizing medical personnel to remain in their communities. By offering training, resources, and rewards, the initiative ensures a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system for those who need it most.
One of the ways she helps fund this is from her quaint, boutique health and wellness company nestled in the heart of Deland, Desert Sage. (https://www.desert-sage.co/) Desert Sageis a purveyor of fine tea, soy candles, natural body wash and lotion, soaps, bath salts, local honey and gemstone bracelets, and tea accessories. Lorna also offers some of the most coveted non-alcoholic wines on the market. Traditionally, non-alcoholic wines have earned a less-than-stellar reputation, often tasting like watered-down fruit juice with a hint of bitterness. Refusing to settle for mediocrity, Lorna collaborated with expert sommeliers and embarked on a global search to curate wines that deliver authentic flavor and elegance, minus the alcohol.
[Did you know? Non-alcoholic wine isn't just for sobriety-it retains many of the heart-healthy benefits of its alcoholic counterparts, thanks to its rich polyphenol content- Rob]
With her extensive medical background, Ms. Owens envisions the shop as a holistic haven for health and wellness, offering a unique focus on meditation and mindfulness. She takes the time to engage with you personally, discussing your goals, concerns, and overall health. Based on your needs, she thoughtfully recommends the best products to help you achieve your desired outcomes.
(She also gave me some recommendations for tea after asking some of my preferences, which I bought and made over the weekend- talk about delicious. As a self-proclaimed tea snob, I can hand on my heart tell you that tea she suggested was some of the best I have ever had.)
15 percent of sales from Desert Sage is donated to the foundation. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is.
Ms. Owens has dedicated much of her life to championing women’s empowerment, seamlessly weaving this passion into every facet of her journey. A seasoned traveler, she has explored the globe, leveraging her experiences to inspire and uplift women from diverse backgrounds. Whether delivering keynote addresses at prestigious conferences, leading impactful workshops, or participating in influential panels, Ms. Owens has become a beacon of encouragement, demonstrating through her own achievements that women are powerful, resilient, and capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to.
Her travels are more than just geographic - they represent a mission to connect with and motivate women in different cultures, showing them the universal strength and potential they hold. From bustling metropolitan centers to remote corners of the world, Ms. Owens shares her message of empowerment with authenticity and conviction, leaving a trail of inspired individuals ready to embrace their dreams and break barriers.
Every year, she orchestrates a spectacular fundraising event that leaves a lasting impact for the Footprints Foundation. Hosted by Desert Sage Lifestyle Wellness, the Award-Winning "And the Women Gather" Literary Jazz Brunch is not just an event; it's a celebration of art, culture, and community spirit, all aimed at supporting this vital cause.
Mark your calendars for the next unforgettable gala on April 26th in Athens, Florida. This year’s event promises to be more extraordinary than ever, featuring an exclusive collaboration with Cress, where the street transforms into a white-tablecloth dining experience. Picture yourself savoring gourmet dishes crafted by renowned chefs, surrounded by the elegant charm of the Athens Theater, while literary luminaries and legendary musicians take the stage to inspire, entertain, and uplift.
This is far more than a brunch; it’s an immersive experience that blends fine dining, world-class music, and thought-provoking literature into one unforgettable day—all to benefit the Footprints Foundation’s meaningful work. Don't miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary celebration of purpose and creativity. Tickets are limited, so secure your place at one of the most anticipated events of the year!
Lorna shared with me one of her most profound legacy goals: to make a cumulative financial impact so significant that it funds full scholarships for 100 women to attend Wisconsin International University in Ghana. Her vision is to empower these women to earn valid, accredited degrees that enable them to become professionally trained midwives. These women would, in turn, train others in their communities, creating a sustainable network of skilled professionals capable of providing safe and competent care for mothers and newborns.
Lorna explained her approach with passionate clarity: "It’s not just about sending her to school; it’s about identifying the right woman, paying for her education, and then supporting her as she returns to serve her population. The ripple effect is enormous." She continued, "We’ll also sponsor a doctor who wants to specialize in pediatrics because ensuring access to proper healthcare, especially for children, is the only way to create lasting change."
Her commitment is not only ambitious but deeply strategic, focused on building a foundation of healthcare professionals who can transform the quality of care in their communities for generations to come.
Here’s to Dr. Lorna Owens, a truly remarkable individual whose impact reverberates far beyond the boundaries of Deland. Her dedication to making the world a better place is nothing short of inspirational. Whether she’s championing local causes, advocating for global initiatives, or empowering those around her, Dr. Owens is a beacon of compassion and purpose. Her work exemplifies the power of one person to create meaningful change, not only in their community but also on a global scale. Here's to celebrating her passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Here is to the women that share her fire.
Deland and the world are better because of her.
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