Katrina Owens
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Dynamic executive leader in higher education and workforce development with over 15 years of expertise in designing innovative experiential learning systems and cultivating strategic employer partnerships. Proven ability to create impactful career pipelines that bridge skills, education, and lived experiences, resulting in tangible real-world outcomes. Track record of successfully aligning faculty, students, and employers through internships, practicums, and applied projects while developing workforce-aligned programming. Recognized for establishing scalable partnership models, meticulously tracking outcomes, and enhancing institutional visibility on a national scale.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
K-12 Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services | Parallel Education
Indianapolis, IN
01.2024 - Current
- Deliver the lesson plans provided by the absent teacher to ensure continuity in students' education.
- Adapt to diverse classroom environments and grade levels, maintaining a positive, productive atmosphere.
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
01.2012 - Current
- Conduct research-informed instruction in psychology, human services, and student success courses, integrating workforce analytics and equity-centered frameworks.
- Integrate emerging workforce themes such as ethical AI, business analytics, and human-centered leadership.
- Developed inclusive learning environments aligned with institutional retention and workforce-readiness goals.
Founder & Principal Consultant
Go 2 Consulting LLC
Indianapolis, IN
01.2018 - 01.2025
- Led equity-centered workforce and education transformation projects for state agencies, nonprofits, and foundations, with a strong focus on opportunity youth programming, early career populations, and community-driven development.
- Designed and scaled Opportunity Youth and K–12 summer bridge programs, including curriculum development that connected academic skills with workforce readiness, postsecondary access, and career exploration.
- Facilitated leadership development programs supported by playbooks, facilitator guides, and participant toolkits custom-designed for clients.
- Directed program design and funding strategies across WIOA, Wagner-Peyser, RESEA, Dislocated Worker, CDBG, and YouthBuild portfolios, securing and stewarding multi-million-dollar awards.
- Facilitated cross-sector partnerships among employers, workforce boards, government, grassroots leaders, and community agencies to co-create pathways that expand equitable access to training and quality jobs.
Career Services Manager & Equal Opportunity Officer
Employ Indy
Indianapolis, IN
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Led career development and coaching strategies that supported participant readiness, career planning, and successful placement across adult and youth populations.
- Built and sustained employer, union, and training provider partnerships to create structured talent pipelines aligned with regional labor market demand.
- Coordinated work-based learning and placement opportunities, connecting participants to industry-aligned roles, credentials, and early career pathways.
- Partnered with employers and labor organizations to deliver skills assessment and credential validation (including WorkKeys), strengthening alignment between training and job requirements.
- Utilized performance data and outcome tracking to inform service delivery improvements, employer engagement strategy, and participant success metrics.
- Oversaw compliance and risk management for federally funded workforce programs (WIOA, YouthBuild, CDBG), including EEO/ADA monitoring and reporting.
Director of Academic Affairs & Retention
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Provided academic operations oversight for 20K+ students per semester, aligning curriculum and student services with workforce and community needs.
- Secured and managed federal/state grants supporting academic innovation, workforce alignment, and student success.
- Designed and scaled industry-aligned experiential learning models, including applied coursework, employer projects, and career-connected programming.
- Partnered with employers and community organizations to integrate early career strategies such as internships, practicums, and workforce-based learning into academic pathways.
- Oversaw assessment of student retention, completion, and career outcomes, using data to inform program design.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Adult & Community Education
Ball State University
Master of Arts - Adult & Community Education
Ball State University
Certificate - Human Development & Learning
Ball State University
Certificate - First Aid/CPR/AED
American Red Cross
Skills
- Experiential Learning Design & Oversight
- Industry & Employer Partnerships
- Career Development & Professional Pathways
- Academic Retention & Persistence
- Program Development
- Data Visualization & Reporting
- Workforce & Postsecondary Integration
- Instructional Design
- Fiscal Management & Compliance
- Labor Market Trends
- Applied Learning, Internships, Apprenticeships & Practicums
- Training & Facilitation
- Workforce Development Ecosystem
- Grantmaking & Portfolio Management
- MOUs & Partnership Agreements
Websites
Affiliations
- Membership, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (Lifetime)
- Board Member, National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (2020–2023)
- School Board Advisor, Fredrick Douglass School 19 (2018 - 2020)
- Common Goal Mentor, Indianapolis Chamber (9-12 grades), (2013-2015)
Timeline
K-12 Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services | Parallel Education
01.2024 - Current
Founder & Principal Consultant
Go 2 Consulting LLC
01.2018 - 01.2025
Career Services Manager & Equal Opportunity Officer
Employ Indy
01.2016 - 01.2018
Adjunct Faculty Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
01.2012 - Current
Director of Academic Affairs & Retention
Ivy Tech Community College
01.2010 - 01.2016
Master of Arts - Adult & Community Education
Ball State University
Certificate - Human Development & Learning
Ball State University
Certificate - First Aid/CPR/AED
American Red Cross
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Adult & Community Education
Ball State University