The third annual AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event serves to highlight and showcase some of the most diverse and impactful young professionals across the Philadelphia region. 

At this year's event, taking place Friday, Aug. 26, Odin Palacio will be one of the 40 honorees. 

Biography

Odin Palacio, better known as Udini La Voz, is a Panamanian music artist whose involvement in the music industry has led him to discover a multitude of other passions, such as acting, radio and TV hosting, modeling and community activism. He raps in Spanish and English and uses his music as a vehicle to bring various cultures together.

Palacio is one of the founding members of HigherThan7 Productions, a group of like-minded creatives pushing the boundaries of music, art and fashion. He makes sure to surround himself with innovators, successfully building a team on the belief that “if the opportunity doesn’t knock, you build a door.”

Throughout the years, he has also developed a passion to give back to the community through engagement with local youth and students, where he engages children and provides them with an example of hard work, a positive mindset and perseverance.

Palacio and his team operates on the belief that, "if the opportunity doesn't knock, you build a door."

As part of the lead-up to the AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event, AL DÍA asked each of the honorees a set of identical questions and collected their responses. 

Here are Odin Palacio's responses: 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

The biggest challenge I have faced in my career is the transition from a basketball player to a music artist. Everybody personally knew me as a passionate basketball player so it was difficult for them to accept my new interest. After hearing my own recording, I felt motivated to stay committed to my decision even without any support. Some harsh things were said to me at the very beginning such as: ‘you are crazy,’ ‘you are just another guy that wants to be an artist,’ ‘go back to playing basketball,’ and ‘this is not for you,’ etc. That could have easily been very discouraging to the point of quitting, but instead I turned that negativity into motivation to continue pursuing my dream.

What are steps that can be taken to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in your industry? Why is it important to do so?

To me, diversity can always be improved by creating various platforms where everyone is encouraged to be themselves and feel a sense of belonging. We accomplish that by allowing each person to have a voice and eliminating all judgments and restrictions within our communities.

When it comes to equity, compassion is the key. We have to be flexible enough to understand everyones’ wants and needs and support them individually without making anybody feel like they are less deserving than others.

To make people feel valued and appreciated for who they are and what they do is an effective way to make them feel included. Communities are stronger when all people are a part of something regardless of their differences.

What does being a leader means to you?

Being a leader means that I have accepted the responsibilities to educate and rebuild the communities that have been misled by outdated generational systems and that lost their identity and the sense of unity. I have gained the courage to do so by the work that I have done within myself. We cannot show people the way to a better tomorrow without becoming better ourselves first. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Honestly, this has been a question that I have struggled to answer since the beginning of my career. Why? Because I am a firm believer that what we do now, in this present moment, creates what our future is going to be like. If I am focusing on the 5 years from now, I am focusing on the unknown and losing the presence of the now. 

The 2022 AL DÍA 40 Under Forty event will take place Friday, Aug. 26 at The Vie at Cescaphe. To learn more or purchase your ticket, click here.