Houston native and Texas Southern University alumna Andrea Odom has established herself as a dynamic force in public relations and community advocacy. Her career is defined by a commitment to amplifying voices, building impactful campaigns, and fostering collaboration across the city. And she’s doing it all while wearing her ‘Mom’ hat with pride.
Building a PR legacy
Andrea’s journey into public relations began serendipitously when civil rights attorney Lee Merritt asked her to manage his brand. That collaboration evolved into a high-stakes career managing media strategies for notable cases, including the high-profile Ahmaud Arbery case.
“The Ahmaud Arbery case blew both of our worlds upside down,” Odom said. “We were in Georgia for four weeks, handling interviews with 60 Minutes, 20/20, Nightline—everything you can imagine. It was like drinking out of a fire hose, but I gained invaluable lessons and relationships with nearly every major news outlet in the country.”
Her experience with landmark cases solidified her reputation as a crisis management expert. For her ability to navigate sensitive, high-pressure situations, she is often likened to the fictional Olivia Pope from the drama series Scandal. She thrives on helping individuals and organizations tell their stories, whether advocating for justice, managing campaigns for political figures, or crafting narratives for businesses.
Championing diversity in business and community
Odom’s influence extends far beyond public relations. As part of the diversity consulting team with Mpact Strategic Consulting, Odom plays a pivotal role in Houston’s innovation hub, The Ion. For four years, she has worked to ensure that historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) gain access to opportunities within the Ion District. Her efforts, including working with her own company, The Odom Group (www.theodomgroup.com) have opened doors for minority-owned businesses across the city, from construction contracts to corporate catering partnerships.
“We want to make sure historically underutilized businesses get a seat at the table,” Odom explains. “Everything from signage to lighting to security contracts—we ensure that minority firms are represented at every level.”
Odom’s advocacy also shines through her passion for Houston’s local businesses. She curates events that bring people into the Ion, creating exposure for restaurants like Stuff’d Wings and helping them thrive.
“It’s about making sure these businesses are successful, not just within The Ion, but across Houston,” she said.
Balancing career, family, and philanthropy
As a dedicated mother of three – Dylan, Ayden and Justin – Odom has masterfully balanced her demanding career with her family life. Her oldest son, Dylan, plays for the Phillies after being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, and Odom has embraced her role as “Mom-a-ger,” managing his brand while supporting his journey.
“I always knew Dylan’s baseball talents would take him far,” she said of her son who was a standout star at Strake Jesuit High School and The University of Texas at Austin before being drafted in 2023. It’s fun to manage his brand and pursue deals on his behalf. Having a supportive agency like Klutch Sports on our team also helps a lot! He was hesitant at first and didn’t want his mom on all of his Zoom calls. He gives great input and now sees me as more of his business mom-ager.”
“It is great working with my mom on managing my brand and launching this foundation. Being my mother, she knows me so well which allows us to work very efficiently and she’s comfortable pursuing partnerships and things I wouldn’t normally seek out. She advocated for the startup, as I was skeptical at first now I am very grateful that we started it and enjoy the impact we have made and will continue to build,” said Dylan Campbell.
Odom and her son recently launched Dylan’s foundation and website (thedylancampbellfoundation.com), focusing on providing youth with access, funding, and opportunities to play baseball.
“The whole reason that the foundation was started is because growing up, Dylan was usually the only African-American player and we had a difficult time finding teams that would allow him to try out. So we want to remove those barriers for African-American boys to choose baseball. We’re committed to offering exposure and support to young African American baseball players, whose numbers continue to decline.”
The foundation’s first major initiative, a winter camp, occurred this past December, underscoring the dedication to youth development and equity in sports.
A member of the Houston Chapter of Jack and Jill of America and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Odom also founded the National Sales Network Houston Chapter. She balances everything by being realistic about what she can do.
“Many successful women say you can have it all, but not at the same time. I agree, having my own business allowed me to travel and support Dylan’s college baseball career. His siblings also had to make a sacrifice because of the time committed to getting him to this level. Plus the support of family over the years has been priceless. Now the energy moves to my youngest two, one who is finishing college and the other who is finishing high school,” Odom said.
Looking ahead
As she reflects on her career, Odom is energized by the opportunities ahead. As she continues to grow in the PR space, she hopes to deepen collaborations within Houston, and stay true to her role as a vessel for connection and impact.
“Houston is a city of collaboration, especially within the Black community. There’s always enough for everyone, and I’m proud to be part of that energy,” she said.
