Meet Our Founder: Odeese Mariam Ghassa-Khalil

- An innovative and passionate educator
- A personable, inspiring educator, whose goal is to inspire others to achieve personal and academic excellence.
- Enthusiastic, innovative professional focused on developing a positive rapport with all constituencies through effective communication and culturally-sensitive approaches.
- Experienced instructor in traditional and virtual education, using various learning management systems and instructional technology to facilitate remote and traditional education, community outreach and training
After her arrival in the United States as a young adult, and while assimilating into the new society and tackling the responsibilities of a growing young family, Odeese earned an Associate degree in Civil Engineering Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Technology Education, and a master’s degree in Education graduating with highest honors. She obtained two K-12 Pennsylvania teaching certificates in Technology Education and Arabic. Always believing in her motto: "Different Can Also Be Very Beautiful," Odeese strives to lead by example. Her excellent academic performance and outstanding service activities to students and professional communities helped her embark on a successful career as a faculty member at both of her alma maters, CCAC and California University of Pennsylvania, among other higher education institutions. She taught courses in engineering and Arabic language. She served as the Academic Program Coordinator for the B.A. in Arabic program at California University of Pennsylvanian. While leading the development of the program, she also served as a point of contact, advised students, served on university-wide committees, and provided service to the Cal U community. A lifelong learner, Odeese is currently completing her Doctoral studies in Instructional Technology and Leadership at Duquesne University, while running her company, Cross-Cultural, Career and Language Training, with a mission to promote cross-cultural tolerance & competency.