Pursue Your Passion: Powering change

In celebration of the firm’s 90^th anniversary in 2016, RSM launched  Pursue Your Passion. The program offers the opportunity for RSM people to apply for the firm’s support—including monetary assistance and paid time off—to pursue their passions. It was such a success that the firm has continued the program each year since, with a team of employees and owners from across the firm selecting winners annually. Meet Echa Odeh, tax supervisor and Pursue Your Passion winner. 

As someone born in Nigeria and raised in a developed country from the age of two, I’ve always sought ways to stay connected to my heritage. My family has a long history of philanthropic endeavors, primarily driven by my now-late father’s passion for giving back and providing opportunities we often take for granted. When my father passed away in 2018, I began to think of ways to honor his wishes to uplift the community and pave a pathway for them to have the same opportunities that he and my mother were able to provide for us.

Initially, I planned to install solar power at a medical clinic near my village. However, when the clinic ceased to be a permanent establishment, I redirected my efforts to Bethesda Hospital Ikachi. This hospital serves the majority of Igedeland in Nigeria; my younger sister was born there in 1986.

In February 2024, an amazing team and I successfully electrified the maternity ward, laboratory, pharmacy and all the hospital’s lighting. Additionally, with contributions from my family, we installed solar-powered security lighting and updated the hospital’s electrical wiring, some of which dated back to the 1980s. These updates ensure the solar power system operates efficiently. Our future plans include increasing the power output to support the x-ray machine and other medical equipment.

Winning the Pursue Your Passion award enabled me to complete this vital project. Witnessing the project’s positive impact on the hospital and the broader community was incredibly rewarding. I extend my heartfelt thanks to RSM for this invaluable opportunity and look forward to continuing my work to enhance the lives of the Igede people.