When Dami Odubola took the stage to address a gathering of University of Georgia benefactors in March 2024, she was brimming with uncertainty about her future. Upon finishing her talk, she encountered an individual who would guide her towards assurance and clarity.
Odubola, a sophomore studying philosophy and global affairs, was speaking as part of the 2024 Georgia Women Give spring event — the most recent of which took place on UGA’s campus on March 20 and 21 — and the person she met was Samantha Crosby, chief marketing officer for Tyler Technologies, UGA alumna, founding donor of Georgia Women Give, and member of the executive committee.
“Dami was so vibrant and full of zeal. She’s truly an extraordinary person,” Crosby remarked. “She shared a bit about her journey, her background, and her uncertainties regarding her future career path. She made a significant impression on me.”
Georgia Women Give is a national collective of benefactors who pledge $25,000 or more to one or more of the group’s three funds, which focus on providing academic scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and campus priorities as determined by the executive committee. Odubola presented at the 2024 spring event shortly after returning from a study abroad experience in Cuba funded by Georgia Women Give.
“Cuba was transformative,” Odubola expressed. “It was enlightening, it was humbling, and I am profoundly thankful for the chance I was given thanks to Georgia Women Give.”
The Georgia Women Give executive committee decided last year to allocate $35,000 from their campus priorities fund to Connect Abroad, a program that facilitates study abroad experiences for first-year students. This funding enabled Odubola and 19 other students to visit locations such as Cuba, Italy, Morocco, or the United Kingdom during their spring break.
Before this year’s spring event, the executive committee pledged another $35,000 to Connect Abroad.
“Hearing from individuals about how just one week in a study abroad program altered their outlook on life — it’s an excellent way to make you, as a donor, feel that you’re part of something larger and more significant,” Crosby noted.
Founded in 2023 and expanded through intimate events promoting personal connections, Georgia Women Give now boasts over 165 donors who have collectively contributed more than $4 million to the organization’s three funds.
However, the group also gauges its success by the connections made with campus and students. When Crosby conversed with Odubola and listened to her inquiries about potentially pursuing a law career, she felt motivated enough to introduce Odubola to her company’s chief legal officer, Abby Diaz.
“Abby is a colleague and a cherished friend, and I knew she could assist Dami in navigating the myriad career options before her,” Crosby explained. “I believe our mission in Georgia Women Give transcends mere fundraising; we have a remarkable opportunity to assist these students in forming broader connections and opening new pathways for them.”
For Odubola, her relationship with Diaz is crucial. “I had never interacted with anyone in that professional field,” Odubola shared. “I lacked direction and a clear understanding of what that entails, especially as a woman. I am extremely thankful for her and the manner in which she has graciously and humbly guided me.”
Samantha Crosby and Dami Odubola share a table at the Georgia Women Give spring event on March 21 in UGA’s Moore-Rooker Hall. (Photo by Justin Evans)
After their introduction via Crosby, Odubola and Diaz began to communicate frequently, establishing a rapport that encouraged Odubola to offer her own guidance to younger students.
Crosby and Odubola reconvened at this year’s spring event. During their exchange, they discovered that they would both be in South Africa concurrently this May and are making plans to meet up and explore some sights together. Odubola is attending a UGA Maymester program outside of Cape Town, while Crosby is visiting for a family vacation.
A variety of discussions during the two-day event focused on the group’s overall influence and how Georgia Women Give can catalyze advancement at the university. Yet, the dialogue between Crosby and Odubola epitomized the individualized connections that have shaped Georgia Women Give, fostered their relationship, and inspired Odubola — not only in regard to her future career but also in her forthcoming philanthropic endeavors.
“I am thoroughly prepared to secure my first significant job and engage with Georgia Women Give as an alumna,” Odubola stated. “I’m incredibly appreciative of the initiative itself, and I’m eager to become involved.”
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