Doris J. Odem provides programs in the far South Side communities of Chicago. She has more than 20 years experience as an education administrator with the Chicago Public Schools, most recently serving as director of the Parent Resource Service Center, where she provided training and resources for approximately 7,000 parents, helping them to develop skills needed to participate effectively in their children's education. Prior to that, she was Director of External Affairs in the Division of Family Support, Director of the Accelerated Academic Achievement Program, and Director of Community Resource Programs. She also worked as a public school teacher for 14 years.

In 1998, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley honored Odem with the Kathy Osterman Outstanding Public Servant Award. In 1989, President Ronald Reagan invited her to the White House to receive the Presidential "C" Flag for Outstanding Community Support.

Odem is a member of the Chicago Area and National Alliances of Black School Educators, the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, the Illinois Principals Association, the National Black Child Development Association, the National Coalition of Title I/Chapter 1 Parents, and the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa. She earned her B.S. in elementary education from the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, and her M.S. in urban teacher/early childhood education from Governors State University.

As Coordinator of the Urban Leadership Center, Odem works to improve linkages among parents, schools, community groups and businesses. The Center provides targeted programs in the Beverly, Morgan Park and Roseland communities as a part of University of Illinois Extension's outreach efforts in Chicago.

Odem's goal is to help parents increase their knowledge and skills to improve their lives and become active participants in schools and the greater community. She also works to strengthen community organizations by providing training in leadership, team building and resource identification.