In a world that often demands we choose a single lane, how do we integrate our passions for policy, psychology, and social change into a single, powerful career?
In the latest episode of Lawyerish, Brandon J. Wallace, Esq. sits down with the multi-talented Dr. Jennifer Howze-Owens, an Assistant Professor of Instructional Design and a scholar of Educational Psychology. Together, they pull back the curtain on the “architecture” of learning and why understanding how people think is the key to creating a more just and equitable society.
1. Education is More Than a Classroom
Dr. Jennifer’s journey isn’t a straight line, it’s a masterclass in interdisciplinary excellence. From Howard University to Columbia University’s Teachers College, and finally to a doctorate at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, her work centers on Instructional Design.
As she explains in the episode, education isn’t just about what happens at a blackboard. It is about how information is structured to empower or exclude. When we design educational systems, we are designing the future of our communities.
2. The Psychology of Advocacy
A recurring theme in this episode is the bridge between Psychology and Policy. Dr. Jennifer highlights that to change a law or a social system, you must first understand the human behavior behind it.
-
The “How” of Learning: Why do some students thrive while others are left behind?
-
The Role of Technology: How can we use educational technology to close the achievement gap rather than widen it?
3. “There’s Something About Jennifer”: The Art of Reinvention
Host Brandon Wallace notes that Jennifer represents a new wave of professionals who refuse to be defined by a single title. She is an educator, a scholar, a Howard alumna, and a community advocate. Her story is a powerful reminder that our “Lawyerish” journeys are often about the diverse skills we collect along the way, skills that allow us to see problems from angles that others might miss.
4. Wellness Check: The Scholar’s Mindset
In true Lawyerish fashion, the episode touches on the importance of mental wellness in high-achieving spaces. Dr. Jennifer shares insights on how to maintain a sense of purpose while navigating the rigors of academia and social advocacy. The takeaway? Grace is just as important as grit.
Key Lessons from the Episode:
-
Interdisciplinary Power: Don’t be afraid to mix fields like psychology, technology, and law.
-
Instructional Design as Justice: How we teach is as important as what we teach.
-
Community First: Every degree and title should ultimately serve the goal of lifting others as we climb.
Watch the Full Discussion
To hear the full story of Dr. Jennifer’s “Fantastic Voyage” and her deep dive into the psychology of learning, check out the episode here: There’s Something About Jennifer | Lawyerish
Connect with the Movement:
-
Follow Dr. Jennifer Howze-Owens: @dr.jenn_ho
-
Support Lawyerish: Powered by Apex, where aptitude meets excellence.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and inspirational purposes. For more deep dives into law and leadership, subscribe to the Lawyerish podcast.
Tagged with :
