Caroline Odogwu is committed to working with young people, inspiring them to reach their full potential. And after working nearly five years at youth entrepreneurial charity, Business Launchpad, alongside running her own award winning social enterprise – she has an inspiring story of her own!
After graduating with a degree in journalism, Caroline began her career as a broadcast journalist working with OHTV (Sky Digital), ITV, Granada and Sky News. It was through this work that Caroline was able to hone her skills in digital marketing and communications. Coupling this budding talent with her passion for working with her fellow 20 somethings, she created a TV series called Young Achievers for OHTV. The 20-part programme shone a spotlight on the achievements of young professionals across the UK, giving voice to an often under-represented section of society.
Channeling the knowledge and experience she gained working in the media, Caroline was driven to do more to give young people a voice. She began speaking out about issues such as youth unemployment, diversity and entrepreneurship, reaching key influencers at round table discussions at the House of Lords and House of Commons. Caroline also secured speaking engagements about these vital issues at events with top business leaders from companies including RBS, Tata Consulting and vinspired.
Generating awareness was only one piece of the puzzle, however, it was Caroline’s drive to do something that led her to co-found She is You in 2012. Aimed at helping girls and young women achieve their full potential, She is You provides workshops, events and peer mentoring.
In addition to that Caroline currently works as the Marketing & Outreach officer for Business Launchpad (BLP), a South London-based charity that connects young entrepreneurs, providing them with the skills, resources, support and mentoring they need to start their own businesses. In addition to her marketing role, Caroline leads on BLPs peer-led youth leadership panel and is currently piloting a youth-led digital marketing agency as part of BLP’s development programme.