Monday, March 5, 2012

Meet Dr. Dannetta K. Thornton Owens - 2012 Woman of Distinction

Dr. Dannetta K. Thornton Owens, President & CEO of Kennon Family Investments & Properties, is a distinguished member of our community. As a former educator, with an undergraduate degree in modern foreign languages, she had a profound influence on one of her more well-known students, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. Dr. Thornton Owens has played a key role in many local organizations focusing on the improvement of education and quality of life of youth, especially girls.

Her civic contributions include serving as board member of the United Way of Central Alabama, Wake Forest University, UAB English Advisory Board and The Women’s Network. Dr. Thornton Owens has received numerous awards of distinction. Most recently, the library at the new Parker High School was named in her honor.

As a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and former board member of the Cahaba Girl Scout Council, Dr. Thornton Owens has learned it is in giving that one receives. She is most proud of being a mother and raising her son and daughter to become accomplished individuals who value contributing to their respective communities.

“It’s hard for me to sit while the music is playing,” she says. “I have always tried to rise and dance when the music starts to play. I hate sitting on the sidelines of life.”


Dr. Thornton Owens will be honored at the 2012 East-Central Women of Distinction on March 9. For more information, visit girlscoutsnca.org/wodeastcentral