Please join us in welcoming a new member of the LA CaTS Community Engagement and Outreach (CEO) Core in Baton Rouge, Mrs. D’Andra (Dee-UN-Druh) Odom. D’Andra joined Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PB) in March, and will coordinate the  Community Research for Optimal Wellness Network (CROWN), a new program lead by the CEO Core.  CROWN is a statewide infrastructure of community members, health practitioners, patients, PBRNs/clinicians, advocacy groups, organizations, etc., interested in playing a more significant role in facilitating conversations between researchers and communities around activities that will improve the quality of health research in Louisiana. D'Andra will be part of the PB Public and Population Health Team, lead by Dr. Stephanie Broyles, to roll out this important program. 

D’Andra is an alumna of Grambling State University (BS: Computer Information Systems) and Southern University and A&M College (MPA). She holds over 20 years of government experience and more than ten years of Public Health experience. D’Andra formerly served as the Minority Outreach Director at the Louisiana Department of Health in the Bureau of Minority Health Access and Promotions.

She was most recently the Health Equity Director for Aetna Better Health Louisiana. She also established and directed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

D’Andra is married to Chef Brandon Odom of Odom’s Kitchen, and together they have two children.

We’re elated to bring D’Andra’s expertise, passion, and skills to our team. Please join us in making her feel welcome!