Exquisite Magazine got the opportunity to interview Karimot Odebode, a role model to youths in our society, here are the questions we asked her.
EM- PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Karimot Odebode.
I am a lawyer, a poet, and the founder and project lead at the Black Girl’s Dream Initiative. I am the author of a poetry collection with 107 poems titled “a woman has many names”.
I am also one of the 17 SDG Young Leaders recognized by the United Nations.
In September 2022, I co-presented the Youth Declaration on Transforming Education to the 77th United Nations General Assembly in New York on behalf of young people from across the world.
EM- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS FIELD?
I have been working in the development sector for 7 years. I started as a volunteer.
EM- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have always loved speaking up. The development sector was a perfect place for me to voice out my thoughts and fight for the rights of girls and women.
And I’ve done that using my art, that is my poem and my voice.
EM- TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED?
Well, I think the major tips are –
- Believe in yourself. 2. Go for it. 3. Volunteer!
EM- YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE SOCIETY, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?
Errmm, I’m still growing. It’s a continuous process that will also welcome evolution.
Getting to this level is a total of me believing in myself and pushing myself out there; my awesome parents who have supported me all the way; an army of amazing family and friends who keep cheering me on, and most importantly, God – who makes the equation perfect.
EM: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Success to me is achieving what you want. It is relatable, and it’s not a fixed goal.
EM: IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
Hmmm. Maybe, going for what I want without thinking twice or doubting my strength.
EM- EVERY BUSINESS-MINDED SUCCESSFUL PERSON HAS A STORY, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?
Quite a lot, I have been told to stop dreaming. But you can never become what you want if you don’t dream.
EM- PLEASE TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
My name is Karimot Odebode.
I am a lawyer, a poet, and the founder & project lead at the Black Girl’s Dream Initiative.
I am also one of the 17 SDG Young Leaders recognized by the United Nations.
EM- HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS FIELD?
I have been working in the development sector for 7 years. I started as a volunteer.
EM- WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO THIS FIELD?
I have always loved speaking up. The development sector was a perfect place for me to voice out my thoughts and fight for the rights of girls and women.
And I’ve done that using my art, that is my poem and my voice.
EM- TIPS ON HOW YOU STARTED?
Well, I think the major tips are –
- Believe in yourself. 2. Go for it. 3. Volunteer!
EM- YOU ARE A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE SOCIETY, HOW DID YOU GROW TO THIS LEVEL?
Errmm, I’m still growing. It’s a continuous process that will also welcome evolution.
Getting to this level is a total of me believing in myself and pushing myself out there; my awesome parents who have supported me all the way; an army of amazing family and friends who keep cheering me on, and most importantly, God who makes the equation perfect.
EM: HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Success to me is achieving what you want. It is relatable, and it’s not a fixed goal.
EM: IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO START YOUR CAREER OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO DIFFERENTLY?
Hmmm. Maybe, going for what I want without thinking twice or doubting my strength.
EM- EVERY BUSINESS-MINDED SUCCESSFUL PERSON HAS A STORY, WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU FACE?
Quite a lot, I have been told to stop dreaming. But you can never become what you want if you don’t dream.
EM- WHAT SETS YOU APART?
Well, maybe my entirety of being Karimot Odebode. But of course, I try to do my things my own way.
EM- YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO MANY, WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired by my parents. My parents are genuinely kind people and such kindness inspires me to be a better person.
I grew up with the knowledge that my parents dug a well so members of the community can use it. I see them giving out their things to people who are in need.
Their acts inspire me, and truthfully they are my hero and biggest inspiration.
I am also inspired by the lives of some people like Maya Angelou, and some other great women.
EM- WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
I am motivated by the fact that we have to do our bits and that life is fickle. it is what we make of it that we live with.
EM- PLEASE KINDLY SHARE SOME OF YOUR SECRETS TO BECOMING SUCCESSFUL WITH EM?
- Believe in yourself even if it doesn’t make any sense.
- Push yourself
- Tell your story and blow your trumpet, no one will do that for you.
- Hold your God tight.
- Keep on dreaming. One day it will all make sense.
EM- WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO YOUTHS WITH THE ZEAL TO GROW?
My advice to young people like myself is to continue to do the work. Time is always the determining factor. A time will come when everything you work for will be rewarded. Don’t stop doing the work.
Know more about her HERE
