Odina is from Uzbekistan. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Washington in Seattle, focusing on International Relations for both degrees. After completing her studies, Odina worked for the United Nations in Uzbekistan focusing on programs for youth development, reproductive health/reproductive rights, HIV prevention, and gender equality projects. During the year prior to her GHC fellowship, Odina served as international UN volunteer in Ukraine, coordinating a project that leveraged sports as a catalyst to involve young people in community development.