Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Devean R. Owens.
Hi Dr. Owens, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
On April 23, 2025, I received a phone call from my gynecologist that changed my life forever. She told me I had grade three, triple negative breast cancer. After additional imaging, I found out that it was stage 2. Since then, I’ve completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy, eight rounds of immunotherapy, a sentinel lymph node biopsy, and a bilateral mastectomy with tissue expander placement. I’m currently completing five rounds of adjuvant immunotherapy with breast reconstruction scheduled for later this year.
A few months into treatment, I began sharing my journey online with the hope to help other young Black women who may find themselves on a similar path. Stepping into the patient advocate/influencer role has allowed me to connect with women from all backgrounds. Through the organizations I’m part of, speaking engagements, and content creation I spread awareness and education about the prevalence of breast cancer for young Black women as well as how to navigate treatment physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This past year was the hardest season of my life. It has been a compounded experience coping with the physical, emotional, and mental toll along with several additional challenges along the way. From allergic reactions and anaphylaxis to treatment delays and side effects. I’ve carried so much loneliness, grief, fear, and anxiety that is still present even during this survivorship journey. But alongside those feelings there has also been so much gratitude, joy, and blessings. During treatment, I used the stillness to pour back into myself and determine what I want my life to look like going forward. Although I’m still technically in treatment, I’ve started actively working toward the life I imagined last year.
My faith, community, and coping mechanisms continue to sustain and carry me. In the quiet moments, I talk to God about my life, my desires, and my calling. My community has truly showed up and shown out for me with donations, care packages, meals, and taking care of me and my family. My coping mechanisms consist of weekly therapy sessions, journaling, listening to music, meditating, and working out.
This season of my life has demanded that I slow down, listen to my body, honor my needs, and be true to myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I work at the intersection of research, storytelling, and advocacy. My day job is Associate Director of Research Insights at EAB, where I translate complex data into actionable strategy for diversity leaders. But the work I feel most called to lives in what I’ve built beyond that: advocacy, speaking, writing, and a public presence centered on breast cancer survivorship and healthcare equity.
I specialize in helping people understand what the data actually means for them. That’s true whether I’m presenting research findings to a corporation or writing a post about racial disparities in breast cancer. I move between those worlds fluently, and I think that’s rare.
What sets me apart is the combination. I am a scholar-practitioner, an author, a survivor, a patient advocate, and a mother. I’m on the board of the American Cancer Society GenNow Dallas chapter, serve as a Baddie Ambassador with For the Breast of Us, and I’m an ANGEL Advocate for the Tigerlily Foundation. Each of these roles allow me to raise funds for cancer research, impact healthcare policy, and advocate for breast cancer patients.
What I’m most proud of is my voice. I’ve never been afraid to stand up for others and speak truth to power. Every piece of content I create seeks to inspire others to live their truth, own their story, and use their voice. The messages I receive in response are a testament to the impact I’m making, even on what may seem like the smallest level.
What makes you happy?
Growing up, I remember spending so much time with family, even extended family at BBQs or just a random Saturday afternoon. As an adult and parent who lives in a different state than my family, we miss out on those moments. Life is hard and moving so fast. The majority of us are running from one thing to the next with little time to rest and recharge.
So in this phase of my life, I try to lean into the slower moments and enjoy the visits with family and friends. Making memories is so important, especially for my children. When they’re happy, with joyful faces, I’m happy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjustdevean/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsjustdevean/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deveanowenstoler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Itsjustdevean
- Other: https://itsjustdevean.substack.com/
