PURPOSE & MISSION
Odo (Aw/ dûh) in the Yoruba language means youth, and in most African communities the youth are revered as equally as the elders.
Odo Achievement Center focuses on promotion of teen development from the demeanor of children to the cultivation of responsible young adults. Odo is an organization for teens where they will have access to educational programming offered outside of the school setting.
For teens that are not enrolled in high school, Odo sessions provide an opportunity for them to interact with their peer group. The Overarching goal for this population is re-enrollment back into the school system, completion of an alternative program or entrance into the workforce. Odo generates an environment where teens feel comfortable to be themselves.
Our mission is to aid in children of color development with acquiring skills that will enable them to become functional and influential members of society. These skills will be developed through education & training, participation in life skills activities and community service.
BOARD MEMBERS
Meet our team helping to build a place for teens
Cheryl Williams
Board Chair
Chairwoman Cheryl Williams has over 50 years of experience in education and health care administration. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts from Howard University and a Master’s of Science from The New School for Social Research. Her education mission is to promote the opulence of education in communities that have a plethora of individuals who are invisible to the world. Committed to education and growth as pillars of change!
Read always with a hunger to fuel and sustain one’s life!
Lillian Brewer
Treasurer, Fundraising Committee Member
Ms. Brewer brings a wealth of expertise as Odo’s Treasurer with a diverse background as an account executive specializing in small business funding for a local Newark CPA firm. This role is coupled with her current experience as a tax expert for a leading public finance company and as an account executive at Lb Tax Accounting. Her multifaceted skills in financial management and tax advisory services has prepared Lillian to drive progress toward the organization's mission.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERs
BOARD MEMBER
AT LARGE
Latasia White
Social Media & Marketing Committee Member
Miss White is a resident and high school graduate of Irvington, NJ who has proudly been serving on the Odo board since her teen years. She holds a B.S. degree in Biology and works in the pharmaceutical industry. Miss White is also a bright voice on Quest Youth Radio.
BOARD MEMBER
AT LARGE
Dr. Emajonite Etienne
Fundraising Committee Member
Dr. Etienne is an Educational Consultant, Business Owner of Etienne Enrichment LLC, and a dual-certified New Jersey Special Education and Preschool Teacher. Dr. Etienne is also the author of a children’s book.
BOARD MEMBER
Naarah Asamoa
Social Media & Marketing Committee Chair
Miss Asamoa is an Irvington, NJ resident and alumni of Seton Hall University, with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She has been a board member of Odo since 2022 and also supports community development on Quest Youth Radio.
board member
Peterlyne Charles
Social Media & Marketing Committee Member and Events Committee Chair
Miss Charles is a 2024 Irvington High School graduate. She is currently enrolled at Caldwell University as a Criminal Justice major and a minor in Biology (degree to be conferred in May 2028). Miss Charles is also a proud member of the Caldwell University Women's Lacrosse Team. She is excited to continue growing academically, athletically, and personally while working towards her future career. Miss Charles aspires to be a
FBI Special Agent to make a positive impact through service & justice.
Former YOUTH BOARD MEMBERS
Josiah Ampofo
Recruitment Committee Member
Mr. Ampofo is a graduate of Irvington High School, class of 2022. He is a student at Skidmore College, majoring in Computer Science. His career goal is to become a skilled Programmer/Coder to create systems security & app development. In his free time, Josiah enjoys watching and playing football.
Marcus St. Vil
Recruitment Committee Chair
Mr. St. Vil is a graduate of Irvington High School,
class of 2022. He is majoring in business management at
New Jersey City University with long-term professional goals of becoming a content creator and providing start up services to businesses to assist them in becoming successful.
Neilsein St. Louis
Recruitment Committee Secretary
Mr. St. Louis graduated Irvington High School in 2022.
He is enrolled in the Marines and his future job is to become a Marine Corps Administrative Specialist. Neilsein's immediate plans include graduating from Boot Camp and attending a reputable institution to study Nursing.
STAFF
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Nadine Etienne, MPH, PMP
Ms. Etienne is the Founder and Executive Director of
Odo Achievement Center. Her work with youth includes training middle school students on peer mediation & conflict resolution, working as an HIV Test Counselor for a teen clinic, and facilitating discussions on mental health prevention to adolescents as a Prevention Consultant.
Ms. Etienne’s goal is to provide prevention through education to populations of color that are challenged by the social determinants of health.
Cynthia White Shabazz
Mrs. White Shabazz is an office administrator and coordinator of community events at Echoes Grief Counseling Center. Mrs. White Shabazz's passion and love for the community includes providing connections through engagement and acknowledges working with youth in Odo as a part of her journey .