When Dare Okandeji joined OCC in 2022, he wasn’t sure where or how he fit into the organization’s culture. However, with help from his colleagues and OCC’s employee resources, he quickly found spaces where he felt connected and supported. Read Dare’s story below!
Dare Okandeji - Senior Associate, IT Governance: Scrum / Agile - is part of the Office of the CIO at OCC and works out of the Chicago office.
As an Agile Practitioner at OCC, I offer guidance and support to the product teams. We strive to deliver valuable products, applications, and new features to support OCC’s corporate goals. I found a supportive community within OCC, where many individuals are eager to lend a helping hand.
Figuring out where I fit in and how I could contribute meaningfully to my work group was a challenge initially. However, I chose not to keep these concerns to myself and shared them with colleagues.
One colleague in particular, Victor, played a pivotal role in helping me find my place. He introduced me to BOLD, one of OCC’s Employee Network Groups, where I now contribute as a Community Engagement Initiative lead. He took me on a tour around the office, acquainting me with colleagues and their roles. He ensured I stayed informed about various activities, including social and charitable events. Encountering dedicated individuals like him set me on a path to connect with the right people.
I was also part of the pioneer set of the OCC Mentorship Program. My mentor’s guidance has been a catalyst for numerous professional and personal development opportunities.
"I found a supportive community within OCC, where many individuals are eager to lend a helping hand."In addition to my involvement with BOLD, I serve as a volunteer for the OCC-sponsored Chicago Scholars Program, where I have had the privilege to engage and interact with young individuals, many of whom come from underserved communities. This program has allowed me to assist in preparing these ambitious young people for college, internships, and career opportunities. It brings me a sense of pride to make a meaningful contribution to Chicago communities through my involvement with OCC.
Inspire, Empower, Enrich: Sharing OCC Stories
At OCC, we are one team, driven by a powerful purpose: serving a critical function in the financial markets, while inspiring confidence in everything we do. To meet critical regulatory obligations, we undertake ambitious, rewarding projects – taking pride in our work and empowering colleagues’ professional growth. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful connections, we come together to help shape the future of our industry.