Education
Doctorate (PhD) Student in Leadership and Change
​Master of Art (MA) Student in Leadership and Change
Master of Art (MA) in Education
Bachelor of Art (BA) in Sociology, and (Minor) Queer Studies

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​Martel Okonji has over 15 years of robust experience working with communities, nonprofit leaders, administrators, and legislators in the fields of education, juvenile justice, public health, and homelessness. His experience navigating homelessness coupled with a scholar-practitioner approach Okonji focuses his intent on equity and justice to liberate and heal communities through organizational effectiveness and development, community centered program implementation and effectiveness, and staff professional growth and development.

Okonji proven track record include working with agencies and institutions such as Peer Health Exchange, The Center for the Study of Social Policy, SAMHSA Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity, Cal State Northridge Pride Center, Promising Futures, Social Justice Partners LA, Senator Ami Bera-07 Campaign, The LA LGBT Center and others to develop various programs and organizational development projects, implementing resource centers and engage towards progressive change.

Okonji has been recognized by city and state officials as an agent of change in the Los Angeles and California communities in 2017 at City Hall. Currently, Okonji is a Director with Los Angeles Room and Board overseeing four newly developed housing sites and wraparound services, a progressive sector consultant, Mental Health Commissioner for LA County, Board President for Seed House Project and completing his PhD in Leadership and Change at Antioch University.

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Fellowships and Development
Local Initiatives Support Corportation (LISC) LA, Elevate Black Leaders
Coca Cola Next Generation of LGBTQ Leaders
The Management Center: BIPOC Managing to Change the World 101 & 102
Students for a New American Politics PAC
TAKE XXI