Detroit Catholic Central High School is excited to welcome Chris Okoye ’14 as Director of Diversity, Student Engagement, and Community Outreach.  

“This position is pivotal for CC. It is about ensuring that our institution is not just diverse but also inclusive. It is about making sure every student, regardless of their background, feels at home and empowered at CC,” Chris stated.  

Chris accepted the position in the fall of 2023 but has been part of the Catholic Central family since his days as a student.  

“My student days at Catholic Central were some of the best years of my life. From spirited football games to those enlightening classroom debates, every moment was special. One of my fondest memories was staying after school learning how to become a better orator with Mr. Griffin, which helped lead me into my public speaking career,” Chris stated.  

Before this role, Chris had quite a diverse journey. He was a professional football athlete, playing in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Breakers, and Pittsburgh Maulers. He was also Vice President of ICare Home Help, a board member of Hyphen Academy, and has authored two books, titled Extreme Gratitude Leads To Happiness and Extreme Self Awareness Leads To Happiness.  

As Coordinator of Diversity, Student Engagement, and Community Outreach, Chris intends to focus on creating an inclusive environment where every student and faculty member feels valued.  

He plans to work on initiatives that engage students and faculty, celebrating their diverse backgrounds and strengthening CC’s ties with the community, such as mentorship programs, community outreach events, and more. He is also creating a podcast as a platform to dive deep into CC's diverse stories, discuss pressing topics, and celebrate shared experiences. 

“It has been an absolute joy to be a part of CC. Every day, I am inspired by our students, their stories, and their aspirations. Together, I believe we can make CC a beacon of unity, understanding, and progress,” Chris concluded.