College of Business Debuts at World Bank Youth Summit through Student Excellence

Texas A&M University-Commerce College of Business graduate student Princess Odio, a Business Analytics major and the newly elected president of the Marketing and Business Analytics Student Organization (MKTBA), represented A&M-Commerce at the World Bank Youth Summit 2024 held at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

At the World Bank Youth Summit, themed “Powering Progress – Empowering Youths through Digital Transformation,” Odio gained valuable insights into the transformative power of generative AI and its critical role in the global economy. She participated in a case challenge, where she provided innovative solutions for digital inclusion, sustainable development and economic empowerment, aligning with the World Bank’s mission to eradicate poverty through digital transformation.

“I wanted to understand the impact of harnessing the value of AI and technology on a global scale and network with individuals from around the world,” Odio said. “The summit highlighted how crucial it is to stay relevant by embracing these technological advancements.”

The Youth Summit, which is being hosted for the 11th time, is the largest annual gathering of youth (age 18-35) that is hosted by the World Bank Group and includes thousands of participants from across the globe.

Hailing from Nigeria, Odio began her academic journey at A&M-Commerce in the fall of 2023, transitioning from an undergraduate background in accounting. Drawn to the university and specifically the College of Business for its relevant and in-demand courses, she found the university’s curriculum and faculty to be exceptional.

“As an accounting major, I wanted to do more with numbers beyond checking the accuracy of transaction postings,” Odio said. “The Business Analytics program at the College of Business, with its focus on predictive analysis and data manipulation, was highly recommended to me.”

Reflecting on her time at the university, she acknowledged the support she received from the College of Business.

“The college has equipped me with the resources to understand the value of technological tools and their impact,” Odio said. “The professors and the industry-standard resources at the College of Business have been instrumental in my growth.”

Scott Wheeler, Dean of the College of Business expressed his pride in Odio’s achievements.

“Princess Odio’s participation in the World Bank Youth Summit is a testament to the quality of education we provide at the College of Business,” Wheeler said. “We are committed to preparing our students for the future, and Princess’s experience is a perfect example of how our programs empower students to make a global impact.”