Oda is from Kigali, Rwanda. She completed her undergraduate studies at American University in Washington, D.C., where she studied Economics and International Studies. While at AU, she served as secretary and treasurer of the African Students Organization and as secretary of Oxfam America at AU. During her second year of undergraduate study, she interned with International Action, a small nonprofit organization that works to provide clean water in Haiti. At the height of the earthquake crisis, she collected field data on earthquake damages to water facilities and used social media to raise awareness on water-borne health issues in Haiti. As a graduate, Oda volunteered with Crossroads Youth Opportunity Center in Maryland, where she started an improved-nutrition program for youth involved in gangs and/or at risk of involvement. She lived in Ghana for four years and enjoys reading novels, traveling, dancing, and yoga.