Native Michigander, from Detroit, Onjila Odeneal leads state policy efforts on higher education access, affordability, and success in Michigan. She is committed to student and community centered efforts that improve access navigation, simplifying processes, and financial resource allocation to ensure that postsecondary credential attainment is a reality for all students equitably.
Prior to joining TICAS, Onjila worked in college access and success strategy development and professional development by way of collective impact at Detroit College Access Network as the Deputy Director and acting Executive Director. She also has 8 years of experience in financial aid as a financial aid administrator and assistant director in both public and private institutions in Michigan and out of state. Onjila is a product of the Michigan public K-12 and higher education systems, holding bachelor’s degrees in business administration and political science from University of Detroit Mercy and a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from Wayne State University.
