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Inclusion by Design: How Odessa Is Engineering an Equitable Future

For over 27 years, Philadelphia-headquartered Odessa has served as a cornerstone of the asset finance sector. As a global software leader, the company provides a unified platform that powers the entire lease and loan lifecycle for the world’s most prominent banks and independent lenders. Yet, while Odessa is renowned for high-tech automation and complex workflows, its most impactful “system” is an internal infrastructure built entirely on the principles of equity and inclusion.

At Odessa, inclusion is not a secondary initiative; it is woven into the organization’s very fabric. This commitment starts with physical and digital accessibility. From Braille signage and voiceover systems to accessible washrooms and IT platforms that meet rigorous global standards, the company ensures that its more than 1,000 global experts can thrive in a barrier-free environment.

Representation is equally vital to the company’s DNA. Women currently comprise 37% of Odessa’s workforce, with 30% serving in critical technology roles. To strengthen this, the company employs intentional hiring practices, such as mandating diverse applicant pools and giving first priority to women for positions vacated by women employees.

Beyond hiring, Odessa focuses on long-term retention through its industry-leading “6+6+6” maternity policy, which offers up to 18 months of leave and flexible return options. By providing subsidized childcare and mindful workload allocation, the firm actively supports the diverse needs of modern families.

Looking ahead, Odessa has set clear, measurable targets to increase women’s representation to 40% and elevate more women into engineering leadership. Through strategic partnerships with LGBTQAI+ and disability inclusion organizations, the company ensures it remains at the forefront of social progress.

By measuring success through tangible infrastructure changes and leadership representation, Odessa proves that in the world of equipment finance software, people are the most important part of the architecture.