Orion O. Watson is a proud lifelong DPS alumnus and devoted family man, married with two
sons. Raised on the Eastside of Detroit, he attended Wilkins Elementary, Miller Middle School,
and graduated from Osborn High School.

Orion began his work with the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) in 2018 as a
contractor, supporting the launch of the district’s PBIS pilot program at Osborn, Cody, and
Denby High Schools. His dedication to student culture and school climate led to his first full-
time DPSCD role at Marcus Garvey Academy as a School Culture Facilitator. While there, he
proudly served as the union building representative for the Detroit Federation of
Paraprofessionals (DFP) under the leadership of President Donna Jackson.

His passion for advocacy and organizational support guided his move to the Labor Department
as a Program Associate II under Luis Solano, before transitioning to the Communications and
Marketing Department with Chrystal Wilson. Orion currently serves in the FACE (Family and
Community Engagement) Department as a Program Associate I, working under the leadership
of Sholanda Buckman to strengthen relationships between families, schools, and the district.

Raised as a “Union Baby,” with parents active in the UAW, Orion has long been a steadfast
supporter of organized labor and the protection of workers’ rights. This lifelong foundation
continues to shape his commitment to fairness, equity, and strong working conditions across
the district.

Email: orion.watson@osasdetroit.org