Reflections from Islamabad—Where It All Began
Dear Reader,
Last week, I stood in a hotel in Islamabad, surrounded by the incredible Odettians, seven years after this journey began. It was a moment of deep reflection. I saw how far we’ve come, and how much more we can do.
In August 2017, I sat in this same hotel with a small group of women, surrounded by post-it notes and markers, inspired by Stanford’s d.school. We asked a simple yet bold question: What if work could be designed to empower people? How might we connect talented, underemployed women with meaningful opportunities around the world?
Nine months later, I moved to Jordan and took a leap of faith. When a college friend needed help with a lead generation project, Odetta officially began.
Year One: Building trust—one client, one Odettian at a time.
Year Two: Learning to sell our vision.
Year Three: Growing 5x as the world embraced remote work during COVID.
Year Four: Expanding to hundreds of women worldwide.
Year Five: Doubling our impact during our biggest growth year yet.
Year Six: Navigating the tech recession, ChatGPT, and tough decisions.
Year Seven: Rebuilding with resilience and staying rooted in our mission
This journey hasn’t always been easy—there were sleepless nights and moments of doubt. But days like last week remind me of why we do this.
One by one, the Odettians shared their stories with me. Some had traveled alone for the first time in their lives. Others had faced immense personal challenges just to be there. I felt the weight of their words as they spoke of what Odetta means to them: not just work, but a family, a purpose, and, for some, a way to survive. One woman called Odetta a “divine intervention,” sharing how it helped her run her house as a single mom and rebuild her self-worth after years of trauma. Another told me how, for the first time, her family sees her as the person who goes to work—a role that has brought pride and recognition. Salaries are paying for medical bills, school fees, and household needs. One woman, who had left an abusive marriage, said something that will stay with me forever: “Odetta gave me hope when I thought I had none left.
Odetta is more than a company—it’s a community, a mission, and a movement brought to life by extraordinary women around the world. It’s a tapestry of dreams woven by those who dare to believe in a brighter future—and work tirelessly to make it real every single day.
Thank you for being part of this story.
With gratitude,
Katharine
Use Case: AI Data Parsing & Automation (for Invoices)
Odetta is leveraging AI, scripting and workflow automation to optimize invoice processing and reconciliation. Our process begins with extracting data from complex invoices or memos, followed by reconciling with accurate records, including taxes and applied discounts. Our AI workflow ensures the data accuracy, resolves variances, and notifies the team of any discrepancies. By automating this process, we significantly reduce human effort, minimize errors, and increase efficiency while also cutting costs.
Client Testimonial
“Odetta is an extension to our team. They aim high to please us as a customer, and it’s so heartwarming to see the dedication they bring. These Odettians have truly become family. This doesn’t feel like outsourcing; there is so much trust between us, where we help and understand each other in a way that feels truly unique.”
Odettian Quote
“I want to make the most of my skills! I know I was a born leader, eldest daughter, and perfectionist who knows how to get things done without hurting others. In school, I was Head Girl and represented Karachi at the Intel National Science Fair while leading iconic events like Shakespearean dramas and environmental activism. Even six years after I graduated, my study notes were still used by students and teachers. At university, I co-led the creation of Pakistan’s first Formula Electric Racing car, overcoming setbacks to secure sponsorships and recognition for future teams. Motherhood brought challenges like postpartum depression, but my healing journey taught me resilience and self-compassion. Today, I’m focused on teaching my children to value humanity over material success—raising them not to see the world as a profit-and-loss statement, but as a place where they can connect with others without judgment. I’m rebuilding my passion for data and visualization. Odetta has reminded me that even in moments of doubt, it’s possible to rediscover yourself and make a difference.”
Poem of the Month
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
- Emily Dickinson