Odest Riley, Jr.

Odest Riley, Jr. received his B.A. in Public Relations from Columbia College in Chicago, IL. He has over 10 years management experience working as an Executive Manager for Walgreens. He has worked across multiple industries including retail, insurance, financial, real estate, and non-profit.

In 2003 he co-founded Baby Boomer Consulting, Inc., a non-profit organization which vision is to provide youth with the life skills and training essential for success in today’s competitive society. Odest has implemented plans to improve the academic achievement of South Los Angeles Inner City Schools by challenging students to meet higher academic standards. He donates funds to a variety of youth and community-based organizations.

Odest also has a passion for improving the African American business and political climate throughout Los Angeles. He is a founding member of Black Los Angeles Young Democrats and the former political director for the Los Angeles County Young Democrats. He has worked on numerous political campaigns including newly elected Assemblyman Reginald Jones Sawyer. He was awarded The 2011 Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Democrat of the Year Award due to his achievements throughout multiple campaigns. He is also a 2015 REAP and African American Board Leadership Institute graduate.

Odest continues to strive for excellence as the CEO of the real estate and lending company WLM Financial. Through his company he seeks to provide urban development and financing opportunities in minority-based communities.

Mr. Riley will participate in the panel  "Game Changers:  Making the Transition to Commercial Real Estate," on Monday, May 22, 11:30 am - 12:00 pm in the Talent Development Pavilion.