Marcus Owens

Marcus Owens is an influential social entrepreneur and community developer, and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to forging equitable and thriving communities. Marcus is also a co-founder of Rooted to Last and serves as a core team member. With a 20+ year career in community development and business, Owens has significantly shaped institutions across Minnesota, reflecting his dedication to infrastructure enhancement and sustainability.

In his former roles as the Executive Director of the African American Leadership Forum (AALF) – Twin Cities, and President and CEO of the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), Owens revolutionized strategies to bolster the economic vitality of underserved communities through the creation of unique opportunities via public and private partnerships.

Owens, a north Minneapolis native, holds degrees from Metropolitan State University (BS Business Management) and the University of St. Thomas (MBA). With his dedication to community growth, Marcus Owens exemplifies the transformative power of partnering with community to create enduring systemic change.