Information Technology Specialist

Anthony Odoms’ passion for kids was sparked early on in his childhood while growing up in central Florida. Each day, he awakened to a first-hand account of how poverty and hopelessness infiltrated the African American community the everyday challenges they faced, the lack of opportunity and more importantly the lack of positive male influences had taken a toll on the youth in those environments. Anthony decided at that moment that he could not sit idly by while watching the community fail without himself being a catalyst for positive change. 

Throughout Anthony’s life, he always felt that he had a greater purpose. He was strong enough to escape many of the pitfalls that plague our youth today, even when he didn’t know that he was being counted out as well.  He didn’t quite understand the scale or the magnitude of the need until he first talked to a group of kids and they were actually listening. The truth is our youth are hurting and calling out to anyone who will listen. They demonstrate that call, through their antics, their lack of determination, and their willingness to quit when things get tough. 

While in College, Anthony made another leap toward uplifting his community by joining the oldest black letter Greek organization, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. That pledge made his past service now a life-mission that he is committed to fulfilling.  That passion and dedication is what led him to Illumination Youth Empowerment Corporation.

Anthony Odoms moved to Charlotte, NC shortly after graduating from Alabama A&M University in 1998, where he earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Professionally, Anthony has been working as an IT specialist for the past 11 years with most of his career concentrating in the area of Quality Assurance. Anthony has utilized his skills in many different genres in the IT field. As an IT professional, Anthony has worked in the areas of IT systems, banking and finance, and Mortgage systems sector of Information Technology. Anthony is currently working as a Sr. Quality Assurance lead for Wachovia Corporation (a Wells Fargo Company).   Since moving to the Charlotte area, Anthony has volunteered through various organizations and is currently a part of the coaching staff with Illumination and the University YMCA. 

The vision, mission statement and 4 pillars of Illumination is what continues to drive him in helping our youth succeed. Based on the guiding principles of the organization and Anthony’s personal mission to positively impact the lives of others, Anthony is now a Board Member of the Illumination Youth Empowerment Corporation.

Mr. Odoms continues to reside in Charlotte, NC, with his wife, Kenya Odoms, their son Sheraud, and daughter Sanaa.