The Transformative Power of Work

Dear Reader,

In 2018, recognizing the profound impact of meaningful work, I established Odetta with the vision of uplifting women in areas where financial empowerment was deeply needed. Our core goal was to provide these highly educated yet underemployed women with fulfilling job opportunities. As Odetta took its first steps, it became evident that our contribution was far more than mere employment. As soon as we launched, I began receiving messages from these women, offering intimate windows into their lives.

Last week, one such email reinforced to me the power work can have on self-confidence, and how being truly seen can change the way you see yourself. Our Odettian said to me, “I was at a party, and my friend told the group that I work at an American company. The group went silent for me to speak. One by one they started asking me questions. I said that my company is a women-based platform, and that I do data work for tech companies. And in that moment, I felt the power of Odetta. People wanted to listen to me for the first time. People used to ask my husband, what job do you do? No one has ever asked me that question. And for the first time, I felt special. Katharine, you are the CEO. People know you, they admire you. I have never known that feeling. They wanted to know what I do, and who I am. They wanted to ask my approach, how they can apply. I told them it is not just a data entry job, I have learned so much especially about myself. Before I joined Odetta, I was told, you have to invest so many years to become a marketing person or a sales executive, and at Odetta I have learned that you can learn anything you want quickly, and you can become exceptional in anything you want across many different roles. Odetta has given me so much respect and value and it has actually changed the way I see myself. Someone asked my daughter what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said with a huge smile, I want to be just like my mom, I want to work at Odetta. She has seen that power in my eyes.”

These stories have become a rallying cry for me to better understand the women we serve directly and to go deeper in our impact.

Much love to the Odettians,

Katharine

Use Case: Building Financial Models for Fundraising 

Are you raising capital? We can now help you build and maintain an investor-grade financial model! Some of our analytic-minded Odettians have learned a great piece of software called Forecastr . We input your data into the platform and deliver quarterly reports showing your historical accounting data alongside your financial forecast. A financial model gives you great information to share in your pitch deck, investor reports, and board presentations. It provides a huge boost for your fundraising efforts, and it lets you make smarter decisions about every aspect of your operation. With Forecastr’s software and Odettians as your co-pilot, you’re set up for fundraising success.

Client’s Testimonial

“First, let me tell you we were thrilled with the response and assistance that you and your team provided. It helped us turn around a mound of data that would have taken us 2-3x the time period internally. Second, we consider Odetta a long-term partner and will be leveraging Odetta, whenever necessary, going forward.” — Christopher B., Vice President of Operations, Venture Backed Electric Vehicle Charging Company

Odettian Quote

“I read your post about how your mother raised five kids and how you saw Odetta as a tribute to all women so they can never give up on their dreams. I am so inspired by this message, and I wanted to say that Odetta has achieved this goal. We are ALL chasing our dreams and taking care of our kids at the same time. I can't thank Odetta enough. Not just me, my whole family. My father raised me alone. And every month, he actually asks me about my hours and multiplies those to my rate. He does the whole drill and tells me I will be getting this amount this month. He is well off but he just enjoys the fact that I am earning such a good salary.” — Sadaf Masud

Quote of the Month

“Work is at the core of human dignity. Sama means 'equal' in Sanskrit; I chose 'Samasource' because I thought it really reflected a value that I had and that I wanted the company to have, which is that everyone has equal capabilities and deserves an equal chance.” — Leila Janah , founder of Samasource and author of “Give Work: Reversing Poverty One Job at a Time”