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Faith Odiete and her father’s legacy.

From the military to O’Neill, Faith Odiete is continuing her father’s legacy of public service.

By: Payal Shah

Monday, March 18, 2024

Faith Odiete knew she was going to continue her father’s legacy.

She grew up in Nigeria and often accompanied her father, a member of the Nigerian Police Force, on his patrols. He showed her that the field of law enforcement was not just limited to men.

After her father died in the line of duty, she was raised by her single mother, who brought her to the United States in 2017. Odiete knew that she wanted to dedicate her life to public service to honor her father.

“My Nigerian background makes me appreciate the opportunities that come my way. I try to take advantage of every opportunity because knowledge is never wasted,” Odiete said.

At just 17 years old, she became the first person from her family to join the U.S. military.

There, Odiete met Staff Sgt. Jessica Palsis, who guided Odiete through the many struggles that she faced once she was in the military.

“She made me confident enough to pursue my dreams," Odiete said. "She made me see that the only limitation is what I'm imposing on myself.”

After becoming a Chancellor’s Scholar in the Honors College, Odiete found the financial and academic resources to help her continue her father’s legacy.

“Being a Chancellor’s Scholar has given me the confidence to push for higher education,” Odiete said.

Beyond the classroom, the Honors College connected Odiete to leadership and volunteer opportunities that allowed her to further explore the world of criminal justice.

Through my Honors contract, I've been able to visit the FBI office, visit the women’s prison, and interview women that work in corrections.

Odiete also met a fellow scholar through the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs who introduced her to the IU Cadet Officer Program, which is the only program in the U.S. that allows full-time students to receive training and become a certified police officer.

From patrolling on campus to working with detectives, Odiete describes the law enforcement training she’s received as an insightful experience that has given her practical knowledge of the criminal justice world.

Odiete volunteering at James Whitcomb Riley School 43.

Odiete's work within the community shows that her passion for public service expands beyond the realm of law enforcement.

Odiete volunteers at DREAM Alive, which is a nonprofit mentoring organization for students in 7th through 12th grade who live in at-risk communities. The program has a 100% high school graduation rate for students who complete the program. Through her involvement at DREAM Alive, Odiete mentors middle school students to help them become civic leaders of the future.

“I believe in catching them young," Odiete said. "By sharing my story, I’m able to rally them with positivity for the future.”

Odiete also volunteers for Brooke’s Place for Grieving Young People, which aims to provide community education and therapy services for children and families going through the grieving process.

In 2023, Odiete participated in the 500 Festival Princess Program and served as one of the 33 Festival Princesses. She was the first Nigerian ambassador for the 500 Festival.

Odiete as a 500 Festival Princess volunteering with Little Sisters of the Poor

“Dreams are attainable. You get to where you want to be, and you can still be a princess and a soldier,” Odiete said.

With her numerous commitments, Odiete has relied on her Honors College advisor, Emily Clossin, to help her navigate her educational journey.

“Sometimes it gets to a point where I think that I've overcommitted myself," Odiete said. "But Emily was always there to sit with me and break it down. She's always been invested in my success story."

Opportunities seem to follow Odiete as she continues to pursue higher education through her master’s in public affairs with a concentration in homeland security and emergency management. Odiete will serve as the head of the Emergency Operation Center for the Indiana State Fair this upcoming summer.

Odiete’s end goal is to continue her father’s legacy by working for a federal agency, and that dream is nearing with Odiete securing an interview for an internship with the FBI.

Odiete, a military intelligence officer, a Norman Brown Diversity Scholar, a Chancellor's Scholar, and the 2024 Commencement student speaker, has some advice for future Honors College students.

“Take the opportunities,” Odiete said. “With the right opportunity, you can find out what you love to do. You will never know if you never try.”

From the military to O’Neill, Faith Odiete is continuing her father’s legacy of public service.

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