Odette Overton

Odette is originally from Los Angeles, California, and most recently spent time in Sacramento working for the California State Senate where she focused on budget, housing, cannabis, and data privacy issues. She primarily spent her summer months before starting at SPIA pushing the Senate's $20B housing and homelessness budget proposal. Prior to joining the Senate, Odette worked for a national jury consulting firm for several years where she researched jurors' decision-making behavior and supported litigation in court. She completed her internship this summer working as a research associate with New American Leaders (Political Team) in Washington, D.C. She considers herself to be a big research nerd. Years of applied social science research have provided her a robust understanding of human decision-making behaviors and how to utilize them to develop strategic, results-driven solutions, which she plans to pursue in the political realm upon graduation from SPIA. Odette holds a B.A. in psychology and a B.A. in kinesiology from the University of Southern California as well as a Graduate Certificate in Applied Policy and Government from Sacramento State University. On a personal note, she considers herself a huge foodie and self-proclaimed modern epicurean. Odette also enjoys spending time near the ocean, traveling, watching documentaries, and Formula 1.