Alumni Spotlight: Ryan Odibo '18

“I made friends quickly and felt right at home,” said Ryan Odibo ’18, recalling his first weeks at Steward as a fifth grader. “My mom has always valued education deeply and believed that providing my sisters and me with a strong academic foundation would prepare us for success. Steward was the clear choice.” Mr. Odibo arrived at Steward “feeling wide-eyed and excited, and I was immediately welcomed by teachers and students.”

At Steward, Mr. Odibo was involved in a variety of campus clubs and activities. His Middle School and Upper School years were especially formative. 

“The memories that stand out most are tied to my extracurriculars,” he shared. “I was fortunate to serve as senior class president, co-captain of the boys lacrosse team, and president of the Entrepreneurship Club. Those experiences gave me opportunities to collaborate with my classmates, whether we were planning events, building projects, or competing on the field. Being able to lead, create, and grow alongside my peers is what I remember most fondly.”

Mr. Odibo credits Steward for playing a significant role in preparing him for college and career.

“Steward taught me how to advocate for myself, ask better questions, and build real relationships with my teachers,” he shared. “By the time I applied to colleges, I was already comfortable seeking guidance and taking ownership of my learning.” He added, “Serving as an Admissions Ambassador also helped me learn how to speak confidently with adults, represent my school, and communicate clearly in high-pressure settings. Those skills carried directly into college and beyond.” 

At Virginia Tech, he majored in political science — a field he chose because “I have always been drawn to understanding how systems, policies, and institutions shape people’s lives.” That curiosity grew into a deeper interest in specifically how education can serve as a powerful equalizer, and it led him to pursue a master’s degree in education (with a concentration in education, leadership, organizations, and entrepreneurship) at Harvard University. He noted, “I wanted to understand not only how schools and organizations function, but also how they can be redesigned to expand opportunity and mobility for populations that are often overlooked.”

 

Pursuing a second master’s at Cornell University, in industrial and labor relations, was “a natural extension of that journey,” said Mr. Odibo. “To me, education and labor are closely connected. Education determines the opportunities people can access, and labor systems determine how their work is valued, protected, and rewarded. Studying at Cornell on a full-ride merit scholarship allowed me to understand how workplaces, policies, and economic structures can either reinforce inequality or open doors.” One of his goals is to use this interdisciplinary path to help build systems in which people, especially those from underserved backgrounds, can thrive.

After graduating from Cornell, Mr. Odibo was brought on as the first Economic Development Fellow at the Global Black Economic Forum. The GBEF is a national organization focused on advancing economic opportunity and policy influence across the Black diaspora. 

“Their work brings together CEOs, policy leaders, investors, and changemakers who are shaping the future of economic equity,” he explained. “During my fellowship, I co-authored a published report on government minority contracting and supported research and programs aimed at strengthening economic empowerment and workforce development. The role gave me the chance to work directly with leaders across business and policy, and it showed me how research and strategy can drive real change for underserved communities.”

In the summer of 2025, Mr. Odibo was named an AI Upskilling Fellow at Section, a learning platform that teaches modern skills for today’s economy. His fellowship focused on building curriculum, supporting learners, and researching how AI can improve productivity and decision-making across industries. 

“I helped companies understand and integrate AI into their daily workflows,” he explained. “It’s a role that sits at the intersection of education, technology, and workforce development, which aligns closely with my academic and professional background.”

Mr. Odibo is the founder and CEO of PRSU [pronounced “pursue”], an edtech platform designed to help students visually map their academic and career journeys. The platform curates opportunities, prompts intentional planning, and helps students connect their passions to long-term goals. 

“I was inspired to found PRSU when I was helping my younger sisters (Nicole ’21 and Nadine ’26) navigate high school and apply for college. It has grown into a tool that empowers students and schools to turn ambition into actionable steps,” he shared. 

Now living in New York City, Mr. Odibo works as a consultant in the financial services industry. He keeps up with Steward news by reading the Colonnade magazine “to see what alumni and current students are accomplishing. Whenever I’m in town, I make a point to visit campus or attend events if the timing aligns. Steward gave me a strong foundation, so staying connected feels natural.”