But Odom isn’t stopping there. He recently began a cybersecurity youth development program though his church, Mt. Carmel Baptist in North Versailles, and hopes to expand it.
“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields out there, but there’s a serious lack of talent in the field and even fewer minorities. There are two jobs for every applicant—so there is zero unemployment,” he said. “So, what I’m trying to do is provide a forum for individuals from underserved populations to learn and become proficient in the area.”
Odom said he is planning a presentation for youth ages 12-17 in the Mon Valley, to be held in January or February. He would hold subsequent classes on Friday evenings, he said, because only those who were serious would give up their Friday nights—and it would keep them off the streets for a few hours.
But before he does that, he has another event to attend—the 2017 Courier’s “Men of Excellence,” as he was selected to be an honoree. The event is Dec. 13 at the Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel, Downtown.
“It’s very humbling,” Odom told the Courier. “When I see the names of some of the other nominees and past recipients—I know some of those guys, and have patterned myself after them. So, I’m truly honored to have been chosen.”
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