Oudasha grew up in Albany, New York, in the part of the city she describes plainly and honestly as “the slum part of Albany.” It was a place where resources were limited, but expectations were clear. Showing up mattered. Being on time mattered. And when something needed to be done for the community, people stepped up.
From a young age, Oudasha was one of those people.
She helped organize community gatherings that neighbors relied on year after year. Those moments taught her responsibility early, not as a title or role, but as something lived. People counted on her, and she learned not to let them down. That sense of dependability is something she still carries into her work today.
As a child, Oudasha imagined a future filled with success and stability. Back then, success meant money. A lot of it. But even then, there was something else shaping her vision. By third or fourth grade, she already knew she wanted to help people. She calls it her “caring gene.” Nursing felt like a natural path, a way to turn that instinct into a career, and she imagined herself working in the medical field, taking care of others.
Life did not unfold the way she expected.
One of the most pivotal turning points in Oudasha’s life was going to prison. It forced her to slow down and take an honest look at where she was headed. She describes it as the moment that changed the path she was on. Prison gave her time to reflect, to reset, and to imagine a different future, one rooted not just in survival, but in purpose.
Coming home was not easy.
Returning home as a justice impacted person brought fear, uncertainty, and anxiety. The biggest challenge was not knowing which direction to take. It was especially difficult navigating reentry during the aftermath of COVID, when everything already felt unstable. For about a month, she leaned heavily on her support system. Her sister, her child’s father, her best friend, and her family helped her get through those early days when the weight of responsibility and possibility felt overwhelming.
That support made all the difference.
While on parole, Oudasha was referred to the Center for Employment Opportunities and became a participant at CEO Albany. From the beginning, she felt supported in ways she had not experienced before. A Business Account Manager worked closely with her, helping with job searches, transportation, interviews, and opportunities to grow. What stood out most to Oudasha was that no one gave up on her. If there was a program that could help her learn something new or push her forward, they made sure she knew about it and encouraged her to try.
She took part in workforce training programs including electrician and welding pathways, always eager to learn. She also joined the Advocacy Leadership Committee, a six week paid program that helps participants build confidence, understand systemic barriers, and develop storytelling and public speaking skills. Later, she was selected for the Emerging Leaders Program, a twelve week paid internship that provided hands-on experience and mentorship.
She says simply, “I love to learn.”
Over time, Oudasha grew from participant to leader. On February 4, 2025, she officially became a Site Supervisor at CEO Albany. As a woman in a role not often held by women, she leads with intention and heart. Leadership, to her, is not about authority. It is about teaching, guiding, and changing the narrative for people who may not have had guidance before.
She knows how powerful relatability can be.
That connection shows up most clearly in moments with her crew. She recalls one participant who regularly came in weighed down, carrying what she describes as a “black cloud.” After speaking with him several times, she realized something deeper was going on. She took the time to talk with him, to encourage him, and to remind him that the world was not out to get him. Slowly, she saw a change. He started showing up brighter. Happier. More connected to the team. It was a moment that affirmed her impact and her approach.
When Oudasha thinks about growth now, one word comes to mind. Elevation.
It is about the person she is becoming. About being able to look back at who she once was and recognize how far she has come. That transformation, shaped by hardship and reflection, means everything to her.
Those who work alongside her see it clearly. Alyssa Bradley, Director of Policy and Business Development, shared, “She’s done a fantastic job at leading our City of Albany crew as a Site Supervisor and has shown true leadership qualities. She’s very dependable, and is very thoughtful of both her team within Social Enterprise and all of us within the Albany office.”
Oudasha says that dependability comes from the heart. Caring has always been natural to her. Helping people is not something she forces. It is who she is.
During Black History Month, Oudasha hopes people take one thing away from her story. Life can be challenging, but it is up to you to take that step forward. To level up. To change the narrative of your challenges.
Her story is one of growth, leadership, and elevation. And it is still being written.
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