Noelle Ocen-Odoge

Address: 10513 Flora Camellia Court, Santee, CA 92071
Phone: 619-550-8551
Email: noelleocenodoge@gmail.com

Objective

Versatile and passionate artist with a background in social work, committed to creating thought-provoking visual narratives exploring themes of identity, community, and social justice.

Education

B.S. in Ecology and Evolution
B.A. in Environmental Studies
Santa Barbara, CA, Graduated June 2015

Artistic Exhibitions and Scholarships

  • Group Exhibition: Student Gallery, El Cajon, CA, May 2022

  • Featured Artist: Poster Student Gallery Exhibition, May 2022

  • Scholarship Recipient: Penland School of Craft, Exploratory Drawing Course by Joseph Hart, July 2023

  • Curated Group Exhibition: "Beyond the Vision," B.L.A.C., Mesa College , San Diego, CA, Feb 2023

  • Personal Exhibition: “ The Feast”, Olivewood Gardens Education and Learning Center, National City , CA. October 2024

  • Group Exhibition: Members Exhibition, Society of Photographic Education, Reno, NV, March 2025

  • Group Exhibition:Luxe gallery,” Silver and Pixels”.  San Diego City College, San Diego CA, Spring 2025

Publications

  • Rooted in Freedom, Individual and collective poems, Community Arts Network, pp. 7,15, 22, 26, 27,39, 2022

Professional Experience

Liberation Through Art
Founder and CEO | Feb 2024 - Present

  • Founded and led a non-profit promoting black social justice and empowerment through art.

  • Developed strategic initiatives to address systemic inequities.

  • Cultivated partnerships with artists and community organizations.

  • Designed art-based workshops and events on racial justice and mental health.

  • Used creative storytelling to convey resilience and empowerment.

  • Expanded the organization’s reach through outreach and networking.


LifeSteps
Intensive Case Manager & Director of Social Services | Nov 2023 - Present

  • Conducted thorough assessments of participants’ needs.

  • Coordinated resources and tailored services to meet participant needs.

  • Provided individual and group assistance to enhance social functioning.


Black Liberated Artist Collective
Event Coordinator | Oct 2022 - Nov 2023

  • Liaised with vendors, exhibitors, and stakeholders for event planning.

  • Managed event set-up, tear-down, and follow-up processes.

  • Maintained event budgets and booked venues, entertainers, and speakers.

  • Conducted final inspections and assessed overall event success.

Leadership & Community Engagement

TEO Exhibition – Luxe Gallery, San Diego City College
Marketing & Co-Curation Team Member | San Diego, CA | September – October 2025

  • Collaborated with a multi-disciplinary curatorial team to shape the exhibition’s narrative, emphasizing duality in Chicanx, Latinx, and diasporic identity

  • Coordinated artist outreach and participation, supporting selection, confirmations, and installation schedules for featured and emerging artists.

  • Contributed to curatorial vision and thematic development, ensuring representation of diverse voices including student, queer, and migrant perspectives.

  • Designed and implemented marketing strategies in partnership with San Diego City College’s Journalism Division, including social media campaigns, artist features, and print materials.

  • Assisted in exhibition logistics including intake forms, artist statements, installation planning, and gallery maintenance, ensuring a cohesive visitor experience.

  • Engaged with community stakeholders and campus partners to broaden outreach and accessibility of the exhibition.

San Diego City College Photo Club
 Treasurer | San Diego, CA | 2024 – 2025

  • Managed the club’s financial operations, including budgeting, tracking expenses, and maintaining transparent records for student government oversight.

  • Coordinated fundraising initiatives and secured resources to support workshops, photo walks, and exhibitions.

  • Supported the planning and execution of student-led photography events and showcases, encouraging participation and visibility for emerging photographers.

  • Collaborated with fellow officers to grow membership and create a supportive environment for students exploring analog, digital, and experimental photography.

Skills

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Community engagement and outreach

  • Case management and supportive services

  • Trauma-informed care

  • Drawing, Painting, Digital Art, Adobe Photoshop


Personal Statement 

With over six years of experience in social services, I have developed a robust skill set in community outreach and empowerment, specializing in the intersections of art and advocacy. My work as Director of Social Services at LifeSteps and Founder of Liberation Through Art reflects a commitment to fostering resilient communities through targeted support and creative expression, amplifying voices in marginalized spaces to inspire personal and social transformation.