DJ Cherif

DJ Cherif is the Chief Academic Officer at University Prep Schools, Detroit's largest charter network, where she sets the vision and academic strategy. Formerly, she was Executive Director of K-12 Academics and Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction for K-12 Mathematics. She began her career as a Teach For America Detroit Corps Member at Barack Obama Leadership Academy and later became the youngest building administrator in Washtenaw County at age 27. DJ is a 2023 Google GSV Education Innovation Fellow and a 2023 TeachMichigan System Leaders Fellow. She holds degrees from Hampton University and the University of Michigan and serves on various boards supporting educators and students.