Odessa.W

Odessa (she/her/hers) is the Human Resources Manager at Soulardarity, where she combines her professional skills in operations, administration, and service on nonprofit boards to advance our liberation movement with a commitment to environmental, racial, and social justice. As a citizen of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, she follows the traditional teachings of her ancestors caring for each other and the environment in her work and daily life. After living in northern CA and various places across the country, Odessa migrated to her familial roots since time immemorial in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 2017 and now resides in Detroit. She has been a social justice activist since high school, volunteering and organizing in various campaigns for disability, environmental and 2SLGBTQ+ justice. Prior to joining Soulardarity, Odessa transitioned to the nonprofit sector and worked as the North MI Regional Coordinator for We The People Michigan, where she collaborated on developing and implementing a successful statewide Deep Canvassing program anchored in anti-racism and grassroots leadership development.

At Soulardarity, Odessa manages internal operations, including Human Resources, and system and procedure development. She promotes workplace equity in an anti-oppression framework. She is devoted to fostering a diverse, multigenerational and inclusive environment where staff, members, and community members from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences are welcome, valued, and thrive. In her spare time, Odessa enjoys listening to music on vinyl, gardening, kayaking, and scuba diving.