By Whitney O’Neal
President and CEO
Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
In 2021, Dr. O’dell Moreno Owens, a highly respected figure in Cincinnati’s healthcare and community leadership, marked his retirement as the President and CEO of Interact for Health by establishing a scholarship fund at the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation (CSF). This generous gift was made possible by a grant from Interact for Health and was designed to help Black and Brown students from Cincinnati Public, Covington Independent, and Newport Independent Schools overcome financial barriers to higher education. With a focus on empowering the next generation of leaders, Dr. Owens’ scholarship is a testament to his lifelong commitment to youth, education and social justice.
The Dr. O’dell Moreno Owens Scholarship Fund is intended to provide financial support to students pursuing workforce certifications, associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees. His vision was clear: to open doors for students who, like him, may face seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their pursuit of higher education. Dr. Owens often shared his own story of overcoming adversity, encouraging young people to believe that with determination, they too could overcome their challenges and succeed.
The first scholarship was awarded in 2021 to Mariah Kyle, a graduate of Aiken New Tech High School, who enrolled at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Social Work and Psychology. In 2023, Kimora McEntire, a graduate of Clark Montessori, was awarded the scholarship and went on to pursue a degree in Food Business Management at Ohio State University. The most recent recipient, Wendell (Newman) Robinson, a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, is currently attending Morehouse College, where he majors in Business Administration and Finance.
As part of its mission, the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation is partnering with Dr. Owens’ son, Chris Owens, and the Greater Cincinnati community to endow the Dr. O’dell Moreno Owens Scholarship Fund, ensuring that Dr. Owens’ legacy of giving and mentorship will continue to support students for generations to come.
“Dr. Owens’ contributions have left an indelible mark on the community,” said CSF President and CEO, Whitney O’Neal. “His commitment to educational equity and his unwavering belief in the potential of our students continue to inspire us.”
Dr. Owens’ scholarship is just one of more than 130 scholarships awarded each year by the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation to Greater Cincinnati area students. Through these scholarships, CSF helps students of all backgrounds gain access to higher education and reach their academic and professional goals. The foundation has long been a resource for students who may otherwise lack the financial means to pursue postsecondary education.
For more information about the Dr. O’dell Moreno Owens Scholarship Fund, or to learn more about the scholarships and services offered by the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, visit www.cincinnatscholarshipfoundation.org.
Dr. Owens’ vision of empowering young minds, particularly those from underserved communities, is an enduring reminder that education can transform lives—both for the individual and for the community at large.