Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church

Odyssey is a refreshing, relaxing and rewarding few days with women leaders from diverse experiences and careers. It’s a wonderful break from business as usual. It is held in relaxing restorative resort areas that offer sun and fun. It is rewarding because of the workshops, presenters and networking opportunities. I’ve met Odyssey women as I travel all over the world.

Pamela Miller
Vice President Sustainability and Community Investment
President, Medco Foundation
Washington D.C.

I am an Odyssey Network veteran. I have attended, loved and been inspired and nurtured by all 10 business conferences.

When I think about what being an Odyssey Network attendee means to me, I am immediately flooded with thoughts of camaraderie, affirmation, innovation and insight. I am also warmed by recollections of being welcomed, cared about and for, encouraged, supported, uplifted and the sheer joy that comes from being with like minded, over achieving sisters who are all about advancing themselves, their families, their businesses and their communities.

Odyssey Network, through Linda’s brilliant vision is the perfect confluence of opulence, learning, entertainment, capitalism, community and feminine soul. It at once nurtures and pushes, affirms and challenges, embraces and catapults.

Each time I leave the conference, I feel satisfied, refreshed, renewed and further enlightened and ready to do more, be more, get and give more

Sharon S. Hall
Spencer Stuart
Georgia

“In 1999, I was invited to a tea in Atlanta.  I don’t do ‘tea’ unless it’s 4pm and I’m in London!  Still, off I go.  Ms. Linda Spradley Dunn was there presenting this lovely startup concept; just lovely enough to catch my attention.  I was intrigued and deep into the conference circuit so I went to Linda’s first conference.  I must say that even with a global travel schedule, a 100-hour work week, and a demanding client base, I have not missed a single of Linda’s conferences since that point 11 years ago.  Linda has achieved the impossible!  She has amassed a select group of very high-powered global women of color who all find her conference as critical as do I.

Our firm recruits at the highest levels (board directors for Fortune 500 companies, CEOs and their direct reports).  I have never missed Linda’s conference because these events offer direct access to the most elite set of businesswomen of color.  And, the access is neither distant nor formal.  The platform that Linda creates puts all attendees at ease.  They/we communicate and bond effortlessly; deals are done; skills are developed; next steps are identified.
At the end of the day, everyone is agog about the warmth, connection, bonding, and growth that occur over just a few days.  And then, we recall the source and no one is surprised – after all, it is Miss Linda and her vision making it happens!

The only additional dynamic to be recognized is the Odyssey team. They are nothing short of phenomenal.  Know that the group of women Linda amasses is completely demanding (completely).  Linda’s team meets every demand and every conference participant leaves well attended and fully satisfied.

Thank you from your sponsors, your conference guests, and your phenomenal team!  You are filling a critical void in the right way.  Keep it exclusive; keep it real; and, keep it coming.  We’ll be there annually!”

Dr. Karen Mills
Georgia

When I first heard of the concept of Odyssey Network, I thought it was very unique. I have always been open to trying new things. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but was very pleased with the quality of the function. It was and still is a special time to meet and interact with like-minded sisters from all over the nation.

The overall feel of Odyssey Network is very positive and uplifting.  It offers the opportunity to enjoy activities I would not normally think of trying. I have the utmost respect for you guys. Your special talents and hard work make Odyssey Network a hit every year.

When I leave Odyssey Network, I feel like I can do anything. That’s so important in a world that tells us constantly, that we are not measuring up to the mainstream.  Being in the midst of so many wonderful women energizes me and refuels my “she-spirit” in ways that can’t be measured.

You can count on my participation and support every year. God bless you guys, and may Spa Odyssey continue for many more years.

Sophia A. Nelson, Esquire
Author, National Media Commentator & Attorney
Virginia

“I had the incredible privilege of serving on a feature luncheon panel hosted by Prudential at last year’s Odyssey business retreat. Let me be candid: there are no words to describe the experience I encountered. I had never been to Odyssey before and did not know what to expect. The ladies of Odyssey treated me with such professionalism, love, and sisterhood. I have never experienced such a well organized, motivational, inspirational and informational event in my life as a black female professional myself. I will go back again and again if they will have me. What a fabulous all encompassing business retreat for women of color. There is nothing else like it on earth.”

Tarra Pressey
CEO
Tarraenterprises
Florida

I look forward to the Odyssey Network retreat every year. It’s a wonderful, one-of-a-kind opportunity to network, relax and celebrate our collective successes of the past year. As we share our experiences and insights, we fuel one another’s ideas for building momentum and success in our respective businesses.

I leave the event with fresh insights into my business, innovative strategies for success and a renewed sense of confidence and purpose. I’m refreshed, re-energized and ready to take on the world!

Keep these great events coming, Odyssey! They are outstanding opportunities for us to grow, learn and thrive.

Dr. Audra Bohannon
Novations
Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion Consulting
Massachusetts

Odyssey Network Conference has enabled me to broaden my connections with a community of “like-minded” sisters who come together from all over the country to grow, engage, relax and reflect.  Every year I look forward to being able to spend time learning more about me as well as others.  From the panelists to boot camp, we are nourished intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically.  It is truly a special gathering…quite special indeed.

Charlyne White
Airline Pilot
Connecticut

Odyssey Network has been a life altering experience for me.  It is not just the exposure to luxurious resorts, it’s not just the panel discussions that have enhanced my viewpoint on so many subjects, it’s not just the speakers I would never have had the chance to interact with otherwise, it’s not just the lifelong friendships that I have maintained over the last 7 years, it’s not just the things I’ve learned about other women in my peer group but also the things that I have learned about me.  I love Odyssey Network for the care it takes to ensure I grow professionally, personally, and spiritually.

Dr. Mayra Suero-Wade
Arise and Walk Ministries
Retired Dentist
New Jersey

To say that Odyssey Network is a business conference would be correct…but it is more than that! To say that it is a women’s network group would be correct…but it is more than that as well.

As a charter attendee and one that has seen this conference grow from a group of about 250 friends to what is now known as one of the most diverse and well attended women’s business conference, I can undeniably say that Odyssey Network meets the emotional, psychological, educational and spiritual needs of today’s business women, not to forget the fact that it is a FUN, FUN, FUN filled conference!.

Odyssey Network has become an annual get together for me and most of my college friends. When we graduated college over 25 years ago we all went in separate ways. I started a practice in New York City. My friend Torey became an oncologist with a practice in Atlanta, and my friend Michelle is a psychologist out of Florida and another friend became a gynecologist and headed to California. With our busy schedules and the demands of our families it was difficult to find the time to coordinate a get together. Odyssey became the answer! Whenever we attend the conference we leave equipped with great information to make us better, faster, stronger at work and in our personal lives. We also take with us great memories that will stay with us forever, and a trunk full of goodies to share with family and friends.:-)

The properties where the conferences are held have been stellar. The continuing education courses have been wonderful because they are relevant to the different stages of life and career track that the attendees are experiencing. Most importantly, when you attend an Odyssey Network conference you are treated like family and surrounded with likeminded folk who take their family, work and life seriously but also know the importance of sprinkling life with FUN!

Dr. Ruby Sampson
Gastroenterologist, Internist
New Jersey

I love to get away from work to hang out at Odyssey Network with intelligent, fabulous,  fun loving professional women. Odyssey women know how to have a good time and by the time we get to Odyssey each year we really need it.
It’s great to be able to learn about financing, personal improvement, how to relax and take care of me.  I love the family network that Odyssey Network creates. It’s like a family reunion every year and we treat each other like family by being supportive and genuinely caring about how we are.  Odyssey Media has been tremendously supportive of me.  I have been a speaker, I’ve been featured in the magazine, and I have had a chance to express my creative side and my passion for singing. My favorite performance ever was competing in the Odyssey Idol contest at the 10th Anniversary event on Prudential Night as Tina Turner.  I can still hear Odyssey women cheering me on and encouraging me.  Thank you BET, Marriot and Continental for the fantastic prize.  I have never missed Odyssey Network’s ultimate business retreat!

Zna Portlock Houston
Attorney, Designer
California

“Odyssey in all its dimensions gives me the opportunity to EXHALE!  I was exhausted and a new mom when I attended the inaugural Odyssey in Palm Springs, California.  My children are 15 months apart in age.  So in 2000, I was an overwhelmed wife, mother of a two and half year old and 15 month old, with a full time job and numerous commitments.  I arrived at Odyssey simply excited to get away from my routine and not really expecting more than the typical conference with spa treatments tossed in.  However, to my absolute delight, I was greeted with an incomparable experience of bonding with women of similar experiences in the heights of their careers, gospel brunches that left me ready to master any challenge, meaningful seminars and panels, luxurious spa treatments, and extravaganza dinners that rivaled anything that I attend in Los Angeles. My Mom attended for the first time in 2009 and she will be back in 2010.  The opportunity to spend quality time with your Mom during Odyssey is priceless when we are all so busy at home.

Every year, I am drawn back because I know each year will bring a new revelation for me both personally and professionally.  I have been inspired to brand myself in my professional life becoming the head of a legal division that advises over 40 city departments and being promoted three times.   In my personal life I have been inspired to move my family business, HEIR children’s apparel, to new levels of exposure selling both wholesale and retail. Odyssey has played a tremendous role in my life for the last 10 years and counting…! ”

Najoh Tita-Reid
Senior Vice President
GlobalHue Advertising Agency
New York

“As an executive working mother, I place a tremendous value on my time.  During the year, I give my time to my children, my husband, my parents, my extended family, my company, my church, my community…but I know every year there is one event, one long weekend, that I can retreat and replenish.  The Odyssey Network Business Retreat is my gift to myself each and every year.

Over the course of a few days, I am able to replenish; mind, body, and soul.  In a world where I am not often the target audience, Odyssey Network has designed a custom retreat for the needs of Executive Women of Color.  My mind is stimulated by the executive leadership training, personal coaching, and mentorship.  My body is rejuvenated by the personal training, and customized plans of how to live healthy and stay fit as a busy executive mom.  And my soul is uplifted by the prayer, the motivational speakers, the frank and honest conversations of how we survive and thrive through life challenges and end up stronger and wiser individually and collectively. This event is several retreats wrapped up into one and I am grateful to the Odyssey planning team and graciously loyal to the sponsors who value me enough to support such an event.”

Jenell Ross
Dealer Principal
Ross Motor Cars-Mercedes-Benz
Ohio

Ten years ago my mother Norma Ross and I embarked on our journey to our first Odyssey Network. We were guests of one of the sponsors Mercedes-Benz USA. Being the only African-American Women owned Mercedes-Benz dealer in the United States we have often been asked to attend various events on their behalf.

This wasn’t like attending just another event.  Odyssey Network is a time to make new friendships, network with corporate sponsors and executives, meet entrepreneurs and understand their products and services, as well as having ample time to relax and unwind with numerous activities and luxurious spas at the various wonderful resorts utilized.

It is fabulous to attend an event with 500 plus Minority women and engage with them on so many levels. Many of these women have become great friends of mine. There are a lot of mother/daughter couples that attend this event. It is a great time to spend time with mom and Odyssey does a great job of saluting these powerful duos at a special reception. It is truly one of the highlights for my Mother and I.

The demographics of the women attending Odyssey mirrors that of our Mercedes-Benz customer. I have been fortunate with the assistance of Mercedes-Benz being a sponsor for a number of years to sell numerous vehicles to Odyssey participants over the years. In fact some of them have purchased more than one vehicle from us. This has been an invaluable opportunity to grow our business and at the same time relax with friends and receive professional enrichment from one of the many seminars and panels offered daily.

Kim Michelle Keenan, ESQ.
The Keenan Firm
Washington D.C.

Eleven years ago, Odyssey Network seemed like a great way to enhance my professional skills and network with women throughout the nation. I hoped that there would finally be a conference where women were offered cutting edge topics rather than basic topics with introductory explanations. It never occurred to me that Odyssey would be able to offer so much more.

I have attended Odyssey Network every year and I can attest that as the conference has developed over the years my career has soared. With panelists at the top of their game, tailor made coaching and endless networking opportunities, the three-day conference is my timeout to develop strategies that make my brand, bigger, better, and faster. Along the way I have driven race cars, taken sunrise yoga on a catamaran, and coached corporate women in the art of negotiation. I leave Odyssey Network fearless and ready to face any challenge. Each year, I return with another professional accomplishment under my belt.

Odyssey Network has given me a coast to coast network of exceptional, creative, and fabulous women. Together, we make a difference in our professions, our communities, and our families. You can call it a business retreat, but I call it my secret weapon and a lifelong treasure.

Barbara Gee
VP, E-Commerce,
Comcast Cable
Pennsylvania

This May, I look forward to returning for my third Odyssey Network conference.
The excellent blend of speakers, topics that are both relevant and timely, and an impressive attendee list of entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and leaders of non-profit organizations all combine to provide an educational, uplifting, experience that cannot be easily duplicated.

Odyssey Network provides a unique forum for like-minded, influential executive women of color to learn, network, exchange ideas and perspectives, and forge lasting relationships.

Each time I attend this conference, I take away new ideas, a greater feeling of hope and a stronger sense of empowerment.”

Barbara Clarke Ruiz
Serial Entrepreneur
bcswirl, inc and fortnuegirls inc
New Jersey

For the industries top business women, Odyssey Network is not to be missed!! It’s been the single best investment of time and money that I have ever made in the growth of my businesses. In one week, I was able to reach several high level executives that would have taken me months to obtain meetings. Those business acquaintances have now become lifelong friends and through those relationships, the doors just keep opening!!

Bravo, Odyssey Media and all of the incredible women who connect the “Best of the Best” in Corporate America!!

Vivian Scott Chew
Principal
TimeZone International

“My only regret about the Odyssey Network conference is that I did not attend sooner!!  I have met some of the most amazing women over the years that I have attended. We have forged professional partnerships and as well as personal relationships. Every year is like a family reunion”

Ava D. Youngblood
President and Chief Executive Officer
Youngblood Executive Search, Inc.
Illinois

As an extremely busy executive, entrepreneur, wife, mother, mentor and community leader, I look forward to returning to the Odyssey Network Business Retreat every year!  The Intellectual Stimulation, Personal and Professional Development, Beautiful Venues, Fun and Adventurous Activities, Great Gifts and Best of All the opportunity to network and re-engage with a multicultural network of like minded sisters committed to making a difference in our organizations and our communities, this is the value of Odyssey.  There is nothing else like it—Odyssey touches my Mind, Body, Heart and Soul.