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ODYSSEY WORLD INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION SERVICES
— · EIN · www.odysseyworld.org
profile · synthesized from sources

Odyssey World International Education Services (OWIES) is a Black-led nonprofit based in Vancouver, Washington, advancing equity through education, advocacy, and community-driven programs. The organization focuses on women's health, food sovereignty, housing stability, and civic engagement, primarily serving women of color and underserved communities in Clark County. OWIES conducts participatory research, hosts community events, and creates platforms for marginalized voices through initiatives like the Women’s Mosaic radio show and the Angelou’s Angels support group.

named programs · 6 · from sources

what they call their work

Angelou's Angels
Support group for Black women providing a safe space for healing, skill-building, and sisterhood through monthly meetings with guest speakers and wellness activities.
Clark County Women's Health Equity Research (WHER)
Participatory Action Research study examining health inequities for women of color in Clark County using an intersectional framework; produces annual reports and informs community-based solutions.
Pathways to Nutrition Program
New initiative launching in March to improve access to healthy and culturally appropriate foods for women and families in the community.
The Women's Mosaic
Radio show hosted on KXRW and XRAY.fm that amplifies women’s voices through discussions on healthcare discrimination, poverty, gender equity, and resilience, featuring local advocates and experts.
Women's Friendship Tea
Annual networking event connecting women from diverse backgrounds, featuring guest speakers, female-led caterers, and fundraising through raffles and auctions.
Youth Advocacy Training & Civic Day of Action
Programs empowering youth through training in civic engagement, advocacy, and leadership, culminating in a Youth Civic Day of Action.
activities · 6 groups

what they do

  • Women's Leadership & Empowerment Programs 2 activities
    • Community Advocacy and Voice Amplification
      Advocates for equity and strengthens communities by uplifting marginalized voices and advancing opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly women and families facing systemic barriers.
    • Women's Friendship Tea Events
      Hosts inclusive social networking events called Women's Friendship Tea in Vancouver and Spokane, WA, connecting women from diverse backgrounds through guest speakers and engagement with leaders, entrepreneurs, activists, and homemakers.
  • Interactive Media for Civic Engagement 1 activity
    • "The Women's Mosaic" Radio Show
      Produces and broadcasts "The Women's Mosaic" on KXRW 99.9 FM in Vancouver and XRAY.fm | KXRY 107.1 & 91.1 FM in Portland, a weekly radio program that amplifies women's voices through interviews and discussions on gender stereotyping, healthcare discrimination, poverty, relationships, and local resources, offering practical solutions.
  • Support Programs for Marginalized Mothers and Girls 1 activity
    • Angelou's Angels Support Program
      Runs "Angelou's Angels," a peer support group established in 2018 that provides a safe and empowering space for Black women to share experiences and focus on identity, strength, and healing, with regular meetings held on the 4th Thursday evening from January–March, May, and July–October.
  • Participatory Research and Knowledge Production 1 activity
    • Women's Health Equity Research Study
      Conducted the 2025 Clark County Women's Health Equity Research Study using an intersectional framework and Participatory Action Research methods to examine social determinants of health for women of color, with Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval obtained from Portland State University.
  • Youth & Community Network Building 1 activity
    • Youth and Community Engagement Programs
      Plans and hosts a range of annual events and programs including "Kick off to Kindness," "Youth Advocacy Training," "Youth Civic Day of Action," "Pathways to Nutrition Program," "Snowdays," "Juneteenth Freedom Celebration," "Young Voter Mobilization," "Field Reporter Training workshops," "Kites for Youth," "Peace & Justice Fair," and a 20th-year anniversary celebration.
  • Uncategorized 4 activities
    • Cultural Exchange and Performance Events
      Organizes cultural exchange initiatives, including hosting Maasai Dancers for performances in Spokane and facilitating homestay experiences with host families to promote cross-cultural understanding.
    • Equity Education and Capacity Building
      Uses education to equip underrepresented communities with tools, training, and spaces to advocate for equitable opportunities and collective well-being, fostering leadership and civic engagement.
    • Resource Connection and Family Support Services
      Provides direct support to immigrant, refugee, and underserved families by connecting them to essential resources and promoting cross-cultural understanding, with a focus on health, housing stability, food sovereignty, and equitable access to opportunity.
    • Women's Health Equity Summit
      Organizes the Women's Health Equity Summit, scheduled for November 7, 2026, as a platform to disseminate research findings and advance dialogue on health equity for women of color.
relationships · 4

who they work with

  • KXRW Partner — Hosts "The Women's Mosaic" radio show.
  • Portland State University Government — Provided Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for the Women's Health Equity Research study.
  • XRAY.fm | KXRY Partner — Broadcasts "The Women's Mosaic" radio show.
  • pathwaystoflourishing.org Partner — Partner organization hosting related programming or resources for the Women's Health Equity Summit.