Odyssey World
International Education Services
Our Mission, Vision, Values
Our Mission
We aim to collaboratively champion social justice with compassion while supporting marginalized communities affected by poverty and discrimination.
Our Vision
In our vision, we see communities that are safe, inclusive, and compassionate, empowering marginalized individuals to forge equitable opportunities for themselves and their communities.
Non-Discrimination Clause
Odyssey World International Education Services prohibits discrimination in its programs, services, policies, hiring practices and administration on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical or mental disability.
Our Values
Social Justice
We are committed to raising awareness, holding leaders accountable, and coordinating community efforts to fight against systematic policies that oppress marginalized members.
Collaboration & Service
We value collaboration with organizations that raise awareness about social issues and participate in efforts that safeguard our basic human rights.
Equity in Education
We value partnerships with educators, families, and community-based organizations whose work reduces barriers for low-income, BIPOC, and other marginalized students.
Inclusive Communities
We value the different perspectives and insights that come directly from the people that we serve. Relationship building empowers us to better understand the context of social challenges and advocate for more sensible solutions.
Diversity
We value the opportunity to embrace, highlight, and celebrate the richness that diversity brings into our communities. We strive to promote awareness and compassion in helping those who are underrepresented.
Our Journey
History
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Started by Karen and Loveita Morrison, a Black mother-daughter team in 2006 in Spokane, WA.
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Began by seeking host families in Spokane for Maassai dancers that were fundraising to send girls to school instead of marriages. (Kenya)
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Led service trips to Maasai land and organized reproductive health classes for Maasai women (Kenya)
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Provided transportation, housewares, life skills training and tutoring to refugees families in Spokane, WA
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Partnered with Spokane Public Schools English Language Dept and NAACP to organize events that fostered interracial and intercultural understanding and rally against discrimination in the local education and legal institutions.
OWIES Today
At OWI Education Services, we believe in the power of collaboration. We’ve forged partnerships with community organizations, government offices, and educational institutions to address the issues impacting the resiliency of BIPOC and low-income communities. Our outreach is designed to connect families to educational, health, and housing resources.
We are dedicated to reducing disparities our institutions, promoting cross-cultural understanding, and using education to promote awareness about services, policies, and issue within our communities. Regardless of one's background, we strive to be the bridge that connects people to the resources they need to thrive.
What We Do
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Raise Awareness about issues that impact women and BIPOC families
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We connect clients to resources through direct services and referrals to service providers throughout our expansive network of community partners.
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Engage BIPOC and low-income youth in experiential learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms: We engage youth through coordinating experiential learning opportunities, field trips, and camps.
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Advocate for Affordable Housing and Equitable Access to Emergency housing resources
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Coordinate Community Events that promote cross-cultural understanding, the services of local non-profits, and the notable contributions or achievements from members of the BIPOC community.
Our History in Pictures
Our Team
Directors
Karen Morrison, Founder/President/ Executive Director (2006-now)
Program Development,
Community Outreach and Engagement
An introduction to Odyssey World International Educational Services
Loveita Morrison
Deputy Director
(2006-now)
Operations, Agreements, and Strategic Planning
Board of Directors
Rheta Rubenstein, PHD- Secretary and Editor
Jennifer Wyld, PHD- R & D Scholar
Pandora Pierce, Treasurer
Sarah Chivers, PHD- Curriculum Advisor & Researcher
Staff
Miracle Joslin
Administrative Assistant
Email | P: 360-326-8565 ext. 402
Programs: Interstate Bridge Repair, Angelou's Angels, Snow Days
Abby Hollopeter
Women's Health Advocate & Researcher
Email | P: 360-326-8565
Programs: Women's Mosaic Radio show, Women's Health Equity Study
Elvia Santos Dominguez
Volunteer and Internship Coordinator
Email | P: 360-326-8565 ext. 403
Programs: Internships, Event Volunteers, Women's Health Research Assistants
Recognition
Community Champion Award- Community Foundation
SWWA 2023
Washington Low-Income
Housing Alliance Advocacy
Award Winner 2021
Children's Alliance:
Brewster Denny Rising Advocate Award Winner 2020
NAACP Northwest Regional Chapter:
Community Leader of the Year Award Winner 2012
Chase Youth Award: Community Asset Builder Award Winner 2012
Youth Advocate Award 2009, Links Incorporated
Bonner Leader Partner of the Year Award Winner 2009 & 2010, Whitworth University
Community Service Award 2008, NAACP's Spokane Chapter
