Dr. Hulya Odabas

Dr. Hulya Odabas is a nationally recognized education leader and advocate for access and student success. She brings deep expertise in asset-based frameworks, first-generation student achievement, and culturally responsive education.

Inspired by her own experience as a bilingual, first-generation college student, Dr. Odabas has dedicated her career to supporting students and families navigating educational systems for the first time. Her work has been recognized through honors such as College Counselor of the Year (County of Orange, 2017) and the College Board Counselor Recognition Program (2019).

Dr. Odabas holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in School Counseling with a PPS credential, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her doctoral research focused on the retention and sense of belonging of first-generation STEM students.

As Chief Strategy Officer at Study Smart Tutors, Dr. Odabas provides strategic oversight of marketing, sales, education, RFP development, and customer service, aligning organizational vision with high-impact educational programming that supports students, educators, and school communities nationwide.