

The Detroit Promise Zone Authority, which oversees the Detroit Promise Scholarship, has announced Onjila Odeneal as its new Chief Executive Officer.
A distinguished leader with deep roots in the community, Odeneal brings extensive experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and policy advocacy to the role. Her appointment is poised to guide the organization toward a future of expanded impact and opportunity for Detroit’s students.
The DPZA is independent and governed by a Board of Directors and was established by the Michigan state legislature to capture portions of taxes from Detroit’s Promise Zone to fund the scholarship. It continues to partner with and contract the Detroit Regional Chamber to provide support to students for college success through the Detroit Promise Scholarship.
The Chamber team looks forward to working with Odeneal and continuing to support the Detroit Promise Scholarship program execution, working in the schools to market the program, and providing coaching to enrolled students.
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Join the Chamber for the release of its annual State of Education and Talent report, which offers an in-depth analysis of the Detroit Region’s talent pipeline with a focus on the link between education and economic performance. Following the release, business and education leaders will unpack the findings, offer solutions, and address the growing perception crisis facing higher education and its implications on regional competitiveness.
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