Laveda Odom

Good Afternoon,
My name is Laveda Odom and I am currently active duty in the United States Public Health Services Commissioned Corps (USPHS). I one of the many Chief Pharmacists for the Federal Bureau of Prisons Health Services Division as their assigned duty station. I am married to my junior high sweetheart, Illya and we have two sons, Roderrick (25) and Tyler (21). I am the proud grandmother of Kayden (15 months) born to my son Roderrick and his with Jackie while stationed in Guam. I enjoyed my two weeks in Guam to welcome Kayden into the world.
I currently hold a Bachelor in Chemistry from Francis Marion University, Florence, South Carolina, Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, and a Master’s in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix.

I developed an interest in health policy growing up in an at-risk community in South Carolina. Working in the community rural health clinic, I came to a realization that in order to make changes in public health, we must focus on prevention of health-related problems instead of simply treating them. For this reason, I definitely foresee my future career being as a leader in public health field meeting many exciting challenges in protecting the public's health today and in the future. My experience in totality has been extremely enriching and rewarding as I have put in a great deal of efforts in all my endeavors. Sincerity and hard work were the virtues that were inculcated in my character since the beginning, and as a result I never shied away from challenges. Learning on my own and sharing my knowledge with others has been most worthwhile, which I believe will work towards my advantage in the future.

I hope to become a public health advocate who takes an active role in building healthy and supportive communities by developing multidisciplinary and collaborative strategies for solving health-related problems. I see myself collaborating with an international global community of health professionals who have the same vision and passion in preventing illness and maintaining health within the population. The Masters of Public Health program will allow me to develop leadership and research skills I need in order to advocate for change.