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"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
At ODMÉ Candle Co., we believe in the transformative power of travel. Through our giving, we aim to create access and opportunity for those who might not otherwise experience the world beyond their own communities.
While in college, our founder was fortunate to study abroad—a life-changing experience that expanded her understanding of the world and its people. Coming from a hometown of just 1,800 residents and a rural college town, this opportunity taught her that the best way to navigate the unknown, the unfamiliar, is with a genuine sense of curiosity.
Inspired by this belief, 10% of ODMÉ’s proceeds are dedicated to helping U.S. rural and BIPOC college students study and travel abroad, empowering them to broaden their horizons and thrive in an increasingly global world.
ODMÉ Partners + Beneficiaries
ODMÉ Candle Co. is proud to support the following organizations:
- Diverse International Women of Color (DIWC)
- Mission: to inspire, encourage and promote opportunities for women of color to travel abroad, experience different cultures and broaden their horizons beyond the United States. Donate here.
We Recommend
Organizations whose missions align with our values:
- World Savvy
- Mission: educates and engages youth to learn, work, and thrive as responsible global citizens. Donate here.
- Reach the World (RTW)
- Mission: inspires youth to become curious, confident and compassionate global citizens. Donate here.
- The Passport Portal
- Mission: promote the importance and value of travel to marginalized and underprivileged students. Donate here.
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad equips you with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to tackle the world’s toughest challenges and thrive in the 21st-century workforce.
The Opportunity Gap:
"Over 80% of college freshmen want to study abroad, yet only 10% of students do so before they graduate. Minority students are greatly underrepresented within those numbers." – NAFSA
The Global Future of Work:
"By 2025, 45% of the world’s largest companies will probably be based in emerging markets." – McKinsey Global Institute
Did You Know?
Rural students in the U.S. face unique challenges in accessing global education opportunities. Efforts are growing to bridge this gap and create more equitable opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
For example, Forbes highlights the efforts of Ivy League admissions offices to recruit rural students. Columbia University, where our founder formed a student group during graduate school, continues to lead efforts in this area.
Join Us
By purchasing from ODMÉ Candle Co. or donating directly to these incredible organizations, you’re helping to create a world where curiosity and opportunity are within everyone’s reach.