Councilwoman Lawanna Owens-Twaites is a native of the Bronx, in New York City and is married to Craig R. Twaites. Dr. Owens-Twaites has two adult daughters, and she most recently served as a foster mother.

Councilwoman Owens-Twaites has worked in advertising, on Wall Street and as an Educator. She has served as an educator for over 30 years, holding the following positions: administrator, district director, and teacher. She currently serves as a school-wide instructional coach for literacy. As an educator, she has passionately led many initiatives that have left an indelible imprint on the lives of students and colleagues. As a graduate school professor, she has been instrumental in assisting teachers as they pursue a path in higher education. As a City Councilmember, Dr. Owens-Twaites looks forward to collaboratively leading a city of over 25,000 people.

Dr. Owens-Twaites, uses her spare time, to attend workshops, trainings, and organizational meetings. She has her sights set on expanding her political service, to support the disenfranchised.

Dr. Owens-Twaites’ goal is to ensure that all marginalized people are provided with community development that positively supports all residents, while also supporting quality education that leads to strong communities.

She is driven by the following scripture, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” Proverbs 31:8-9.