


EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter
2019 Woman of the Year
Arminta P. Owens
EmpowerHer ABWA Chapter
2019 Woman of the Year
Arminta P. Owens
Arminta P. Owens was born in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up in Allendale, SC. There she attended public school of Allendale County. Upon graduation from Allendale County High School, she enrolled in Spellman College. She earned a major in social studies and minor in elementary education. In 1959 Arminta received a BA degree from Spellman College. It was in fourth grade, she decided to become a teacher. The journey of teacher education continued through a period of fifty-eight (58) years. Arminta taught at elementary, high school, technical college and local colleges. The experience has been awesome seeing youth grow from one stage to another. Arminta believed she could reach so many people in all walks of life, as was taught and demonstrated by her mother, Mrs. Charlotte Elizabeth Montague Partridge and the excellent teachers she encountered throughout pedagogy preparation.
Being involved in several organizations allows one to give a lending hand to many. In 1981, the chartering of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association Chapter at Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College, Arminta became a charter member and Past President, Orangeburg ABWA Charter Chapter. It was an opportunity to reach out and give a hand to high school, colleges and four-year college students to embrace and enhance themselves with the availability of more scholarship funds. It was a time to encourage and show the way!
As Arminta encounters retirement it is not a true option. Therefore, she wants to pass the torch to the new ABWA EmpowerHer Chapter and share tidbits and encouragement to the vibrant baby boomers and millennials as they move forward in ABWA.
She is married to Willie B. Owens and they are the proud parents of three (3) adult sons.



Latorie Lloyd Walker
Latorie Lloyd Walker
Latorie is the owner and chief Executive Officer of Aspire Early Learning Academy, LLC. She began this journey six years ago to provide quality, small- group learning environments for children five and under. She strives to ensure that every child who enters each academy, graduate from this program and be fully prepared for kindergarten. Latorie and the Aspire Team enjoys bonding with each family to create a solid circle of love for every child.
Latorie extends her passion for helping families as a REALTOR® with AgentOwned Realty in which she serves the Lowcountry. Latorie is the author of Aspire in Your Pursuit and the co- author of The A2Z of Early Childhood Management. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Management and Leadership, Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management, an Associate of Arts Degree in Early Care and Education, Child Care Management Certification, and a Real Estate License. Latorie is also a Notary Public for South Carolina.
Latorie is a member of the American Business Women Association (ABWA) in which she is active locally, state-wide, and nationally. She is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars. She is also a proud volunteer for My Sister’s House in which she assists in providing services for victims of domestic violence. She previously served on the School Improvement Council (SIC) Board and Parent Teacher Association for Richand/Lexington 5 School District. In 2003, she was the recipient of the Who’s Who in American Junior College Award. In 2014, she was awarded ABWA’s Woman of the Year for the Midlands Chapter. She also received the honor as one of the 2018 Top 20 Under 40 with the South Carolina Black Pages. In June of 2018, Latorie received the prestigious award as one of the 2019 Top Ten Women with ABWA. In October of 2018, Latorie received the highest honor within the American Business Women’s Association as the national 2019 American Business Woman of ABWA.
ABWA 2019
American Business Woman
ABWA 2019
American Business Woman
