Kamala Odom

My career in human services started with my education in 2015 when I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Union Institute and University, which was fully accredited by the Council of Social Work Education at that time. From there, I've worked in various capacities as a social worker, employment counselor, and family support specialist, which is really just a social worker helping families get their kids enrolled into preschool programs. My greatest accomplishment is the ability to assist and help any groups of population, whether that's individuals with disabilities, autism, seniors, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, or marginalized communities. I've worked with special education kids and adolescents in detention settings. I've also pursued ongoing professional development through Brazelton Touchpoints Academy, earned a family development credential from University of Connecticut, and completed courses with MAHEC. Beyond my direct service work, I served on the Southside Coalition in Syracuse, New York during Chancellor Nancy Cantor's term at Syracuse University, where we gave money back to the community and I contributed to ideas for a food bank. I've created several business concepts and organizations, including one called Positive Difference, and worked with two other women to develop a proposal for an urban school district program that they loved but couldn't fund. Currently, I work with a company as an advisor for the senior population with high-risk medical conditions, helping them access emergency alert systems to keep them protected and safe. I have many creative ideas and businesses that I've developed and would love to see more fully invested in and resourced.