Meet Dr. Akecia Owens-Cunningham

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Akecia Owens-Cunningham. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Akecia below.

Dr. Akecia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose through the educators who recognized my potential early on. As a child, I was energetic, busy, and loud, yet I had teachers who understood my learning style and believed in me. In high school, a math teacher and a science teacher took the time to differentiate their instruction so I could succeed, and that experience showed me what intentional teaching can do for a learner’s confidence and growth. Those moments shaped my path. I became a math and science teacher and later wrote my dissertation on differentiated instruction. Today, my purpose is to support educators through meaningful professional learning that helps them create inclusive, responsive classrooms where every student has the opportunity to be academically victorious.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am the founder of Academically Victorious Consulting (AVC), a professional learning and educational consulting brand rooted in the belief that every student has the ability to be victorious academically, personally, and beyond. My journey began in the classroom as a math and science educator, where I witnessed students struggling with confidence, educators seeking clarity, and families wanting more consistent support. Those experiences inspired me to create AVC to transform learning for the entire educational community.

Our work focuses on professional development for schools and districts, pedagogical development for educators, and student development through innovative, student-centered learning models. What makes AVC unique is our signature MILK Professional Development System—Measurable Data, Instructional Strategies, Lesson Planning, and Know-How—which provides a simple, effective framework that helps educators strengthen instruction and improve student outcomes.

What excites me most is the transformation that happens when educators feel confident and equipped and when students begin to see themselves as capable learners. In addition to leadership training, workshops, instructional coaching, tutoring, parent engagement, and personalized coaching, we are expanding our impact through new professional learning experiences and a growing line of creative products. These include coloring books, activity books, puzzle books, and children’s books designed to uplift, inspire, and support students, families, and educators beyond the classroom.

At its core, AVC is about building confidence, capacity, and community. We are committed to empowering educators, students, parents, and lifelong learners to grow, thrive, and claim their own academic victory.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three things were most impactful in my journey: self-awareness, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Self-awareness helped me understand how I learn and lead. As a student, I benefited from educators who recognized my learning style, and that experience shaped how I approach teaching and leadership today. For those early in their journey, I encourage regular reflection. Pay attention to what energizes you, what challenges you, and where you grow the most.

Adaptability has been essential throughout my career. Differentiated instruction taught me that flexibility is a strength, not a weakness. Education and leadership evolve constantly, so staying open to change, trying new approaches, and being willing to pivot can open unexpected opportunities.

Finally, a commitment to continuous learning has guided every stage of my work. From the classroom to research and entrepreneurship, growth has required curiosity and investment in myself. My advice is to seek mentors, ask questions, and view both successes and setbacks as learning opportunities.

Together, these qualities create a strong foundation for meaningful, purpose-driven growth.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

One challenge I am currently navigating is advocating for my children while balancing the many roles I hold as a parent, educator, and leader. Even with my background in education, supporting my children’s individual learning needs requires patience, communication, and thoughtful partnership with those who support them. It is a reminder that advocacy is a shared process built on trust and understanding.

I approach this by staying informed, maintaining open communication with educators, and focusing on collaboration. At home, I work to help my children understand that learning is not just about earning an A. It is about effort, growth, and doing their personal best. We celebrate progress, resilience, and lessons learned along the way so they understand that being academically victorious means showing up, growing, and believing in themselves.

This experience continues to shape my perspective and reinforces why the work I do matters, reminding me that meaningful learning happens when students are supported, encouraged, and empowered to grow at their own pace.

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