Francesca Odedra: Embracing Change, Redefining Success
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Published
04 June 2025
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From her time as a student at the University of East London (UEL) to her work as a community leader, Francesca Odedra’s (née Air) path is a testament to the power of embracing change and staying open to new possibilities.
As a UEL alumna, she’s transformed challenges into opportunities, building a career defined by purpose and impact. Her journey serves as a reminder that success isn’t about following a set path; it’s about creating your own, one opportunity at a time.
After graduating from UEL in 2012 with a 2:1 in Fashion Design and Marketing, Francesca’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape. Her degree equipped her with a unique blend of design, branding, and business strategy skills, essential tools that would later support her in co-founding SW London Women, a platform dedicated to empowering and connecting women.
Even before her time at UEL, Francesca showed a passion for learning and growth. She pursued a Diploma in Fashion at Newcastle College and chose to gain hands-on experience in marketing, design, and retail before continuing her studies. Her hard work and talent were recognised during her time at UEL when she showcased her final collection at Graduate Fashion Week, a prestigious event attended by industry icons and featured in Vogue and Grazia and was chosen to participate in NEI Fashion Week.
Following her graduation, Francesca’s career flourished as she took on roles in production and buying for renowned brands, including FrostFrench, Jaeger, and Pretty Green. Yet, her path was not without challenges. In 2018, redundancy during maternity leave led to a period of reflection and reinvention. As Francesca says:
“After losing my job in fashion, I was a new mum—I really had to find myself again.”
This personal turning point revealed a deeper systemic issue many women face: the undervaluing of mothers in the workplace.
Too often, companies overlook the immense value that new mothers bring to the workplace, treating them as expendable instead of recognising their resilience, adaptability, and leadership potential. The reality is, businesses are missing out—not just on experienced professionals, but on individuals who have mastered perseverance and multitasking in ways few can. There remains a significant gap in career progression for women, many of whom step away to raise a family, only to return in their 40s and 50s as entrepreneurs, driving innovation and success. The true loss isn’t theirs—it’s the companies that fail to evolve.”
Francesca’s realisation fuelled her desire to support and uplift women navigating similar challenges, leading to the birth of SW London Women in 2024 alongside Shoba Nahappan. The platform fosters community, connection, and career opportunities for women, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive.
During her career break, Francesca continued to channel her passion for growth and community by pursuing a qualification in Nutrition and Weight Management. This new direction not only broadened her skill set but also opened doors to helping others achieve their health and wellness goals. Today, she works as a client-facing nutritionist, guiding individuals on their journey to healthier living.
Passionate about children’s health, Francesca uses the SW London Women platform to advocate for nutritious eating in schools. Through engaging workshops that involve hands-on activities, she inspires young minds to develop a positive relationship with food, empowering them to make healthier choices for life.
SW London Women: Unlocking Inspiration, Elevating Voices, and Building Foundations
SW London Women embodies Francesca’s commitment to community, collaboration, and progress. As a vibrant and inclusive space, the platform fosters networking, mentorship, and career growth. With a focus on mental health, women-led businesses, and youth advocacy, it champions real change within the community.
Recognised for its impact, SW London Women was recently named a finalist for the UK Startup Award in Social Enterprise, affirming its reputation as a catalyst for meaningful, community-driven change.
SW London Women hosts quarterly events, bringing together thought leaders and changemakers to inspire and connect.
Students can benefit from Francesca’s community-driven vision by joining the SW London Women newsletter and receiving a 15 per cent discount for the June 18 event, which will feature speakers such as Marine Tanguy, Meira Chand (author), and Louie Tew (co-founder of TH&TH Bridesmaid Dresses).
Sign up to be part of a growing network where women’s voices are elevated, stories are shared, and futures are shaped.
Students interested in following in Francesca’s footsteps can explore Fashion Design and Marketing courses at UEL, where they can gain the skills and experience needed to thrive in the creative industries:
For more information about SW London Women and upcoming events, visit www.swlondon.com