2025 Most Influential Women: Racheal Dami Odunewu

Growing up in Nigeria gave Racheal Dami Odunewu the perspective that systems don’t change unless people do.

“That belief has shaped my life’s work,” says Odunewu, founder and CEO of Purpose Connect Inc. “I’m not afraid to step into broken systems, ask hard questions or create what doesn’t yet exist. I’ve led in places where I was the only woman, the only immigrant or the only person of color. I’ve done so not just to succeed, but to make room for others.”

One way she makes room is through Purpose Connect, a hiring platform that bridges the gap between employers and international students without using a resume, aiding students navigating the often-confusing visa process.

“I lead a growing team committed to transforming how we connect global talent to local opportunity,” Odunewu says. “We’re helping employers solve labor shortages by tapping into an overlooked, underutilized workforce of international students. We’ve supported over 500 students and dozens of employers through job matching, immigration support and strategic hiring tools.”

Her efforts caught the national spotlight. Last year, Purpose Driven was a winner in the Black Ambition Prize competition, a national entrepreneurial contest founded by musician Pharrell Williams to invest capital and resources in underrepresented entrepreneurs.

“We were awarded $50,000 to further our mission of connecting international students to U.S. employers, an initiative that addresses both labor shortages and workforce equity,” Odunewu says.

In addition to Purpose Connect, Odunewu offers career development and workplace training through her company, Dami LLC.

“I’ve trained countless individuals to clarify their calling, communicate their value and step into purpose-driven work. Many have gone on to lead teams, launch businesses or find alignment between their work and identity,” she says. “Whether mentoring emerging leaders, coaching executives or advocating for international students, my aim is always to remove barriers, build bridges and create space for others to succeed.”

HFO executive director Anjanette LaBellarte has benefitted from Odunewu’s work.

“Racheal has poured into the Hospice Foundation for Outreach in ways that have truly made a difference,” says LaBellarte. “She led a public speaking training for our team that was not only skillful and engaging but empowering. She brought out confidence and clarity in each of us, reminding us of the importance of using our voice to share our mission. I’ve personally leaned on her wisdom as I’ve navigated staffing decisions and leadership challenges, and her insight has been thoughtful, grounded and always delivered with care.”