2024 CTE Conference Program

August 1, 2024

DAY 2: THURSDAY

Keynote Speaker Dwight Owens

They say if you want to make God smile, tell him you have a plan. Dwight’s plan was to live his dream; teach and coach football; and build a comfortable life for himself. Fate had other things in store for him.

In 2005, at the age of 23, Dwight was in a horrible car accident. After only 1 year of teaching, a 72-year-old drunk driver crashed into Dwight’s vehicle and his life was changed forever. Dwight had broken bones, punctured lungs, a broken back, brain trauma, a severed spinal cord, and a life time of paralysis ahead of him. He is permanently paralyzed from the waist down. In fact, Dwight coded immediately after the accident and the doctors gave him no chance to survive. But survive he did, and what could have become a life of depression, self-pity, and bitterness has instead transformed into one of uplifting courage, self-reliance, and forgiveness. After surviving life support and an entire year in the hospital, Dwight found the courage to turn tragedy into triumph, and he has become a motivational speaker sought after throughout Mississippi and beyond.

Dwight takes service seriously. He has inspired countless thousands, and no doubt saved many lives through his speaking endeavors, volunteer efforts, and more. He is especially passionate about wound healing, which includes mental health awareness/suicide prevention, alcohol & substance abuse prevention, disability awareness, and more. For several years, Dwight was an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Specialist for the city of Hattiesburg through LIFE of MS, where he proudly helped companies remove inclusion barriers and implement ADA. He also started support groups and currently continues to mentor newly injured individuals. He is well known in the disability community an advocate and currently partners with agencies like the MS Department of Rehabilitation Services and the ARC of MS to continue pushing hope and resources into the disability community. As a result of Dwight's service, many people with disabilities and beyond are active, productive members of their communities. Says Dwight: “There are no guaranties in life, and it can change on a dime. All I know is that you have to face things head on, put them in the best possible light, and help others every chance you get.” Dwight has received numerous local and national awards for his service, including the National “Spirit of Service,” a ceremony at Radio Music City Hall hosted by Al Roker. He recently graduated with his MBA, receiving the “Spirit of Business” award through The University of Southern Mississippi. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate degree at USM in Educational Leadership. In addition to all of the above, Dwight is also a Realtor with Ridgeway Real Estate. He remains active nationally on the speaking circuit. He is also known for his inspirational memoir, “Still Standing.” The book has inspired and given hope to many people. In addition, Dwight continues to be a disability advocate and more. In 2007, Dwight married Tamika, the love of his life, and the couple had their first child, Brailey Samara Owens, on 12/12/12. Dwight says, “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. God has a plan for all of us, and we all have challenges to face. He also gives us the strength and resources to overcome those challenges.”