- What is the mission of your company or project?
Odihi is the essence of greatness. As a not-for-profit, Odihi's mission is to Educate, Equip, and Empower young Black girls and women through coaching, workshops, and mentorships. By creating opportunities to receive sponsorships to industry programs, Odihi aims to support the advancement of their careers.
- Describe the problem you are solving.
There is an inherent lack of Black women in top positions throughout Canada. In 2020, within Canada’s six largest banks and two largest life insurers, there are 43 women in board positions and only one Black director. When I relocated to Canada and began working at my current role as a Scientific Analyst, I found that in an office of over 200 people, there was only one other Black person. This is an issue.
The term 'whitened resume' has been circulating since a 2017 study found that Black and Asian applicants were masking their race in order to have better success getting job interviews. Research shows that this strategy is paying off, as companies are more than twice as likely to invite minority applicants for interviews if they submit whitened resumes than candidates who reveal their race.
Research such as this a startling reality, especially to young Black girls who may incorrectly think that something is wrong with them and that they have to hide their race to level the playing field. In addition, Black women often face discrimination against their natural hair in the workplace. Such unconscious and conscious bias keeps Black women from getting a foot in the door, let alone a seat at the table.
By empowering Black girls and women to express their culture, take pride in their Blackness, and understand that it's okay to have a different name or different hairstyles, this campaign aims to inspire Black females to aspire to be in positions of power; to be leaders. Being Black and having a seat at the table should not be mutually exclusive.
- What is the market size/opportunity?
Each year, (dependent on funding) 50-60 participants will be enrolled into the program, which will run during the school year (September - May). Upon graduation from the program, participants will be encouraged to return as mentors for the next cohort.
- What is your company/product about and how does it solve the problem?
Dependent on funding, the program will include the following:
- Mentorship: Participants will be partnered with Black female industry professionals, who will provide support and guidance through the 7-month program. This will give participants the opportunity to gain insight, work experience, build their industry contacts, and network as they look to make the next move in their careers.
- Workshops: Through workshops, participants will be equipped to thrive. As an underrepresented demographic in Canada, Odihi will be partnering with multiple organizations (particularly in BC) to deliver a variety of workshops, including finance, entrepreneurship, STEM, confidence-building, and more.
- International Study/Work Experience: Many young Black girls here in Canada and in the other countries we work in (Nigeria, Belgium, UK) seek opportunities to branch out into the world to gain life and work experience. Odihi provides support for girls from low-income families to study/work abroad for a short period of time. This is facilitated through grants and donations, to ensure the students are provided with safe accommodation, all the resources they need, and assistance with the immigration process. Each participant will be allocated a mentor for the duration of their stay, as their point of contact.
We often hear 'It is not what you know but who you know' so the program will create a valuable network of mentors, resources, and knowledge for participants to tap in as they launch their careers. This 'leg up the ladder' is often not afforded to young Black girls.
- Why are you seeking funding and how will you spend the funding?
Odihi is seeking funding for the program to give these young Black women an opportunity to progress in their careers by gaining valuable industry experience, leveling the playing field.
The funds will be used to ensure that each participant is able to successfully complete the program, from immigration fees to accommodation costs, to transport and the necessary resources required to fulfill their goals - be it a graphic designer who needs a tablet, a Biochemist who needs a science kit, or a writer who needs a good pen. Nobody should be left behind due to lack of resources.
We have a core team of 8 incredible black women ranging from scientists and pharmacists, entrepreneurs and directors from around the world.
We will also be backed up by our amazing mentors, speakers for workshops, and project advisors to ensure all aspects of our plan can be implemented.
That is why we believe with your support, we will make it happen for our black girls and women to thrive forward confidently.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and engage with our vision. It means the world to us. If you would like to find out more or get involved beyond donation please get in touch with our team by emailing hello@odihi.com.
