Moussa Traore

Executive Director

Moussa Traore is a highly accomplished professional, possessing a Master's in International Development Administration. As the Executive Director of the Hazel Park Promise Zone (HPPZ), he is deeply committed to advancing college access and success initiatives. Before his current position, Moussa served as a College Advisor at Hazel Park High School, earning the esteemed Ombudsman Award in 2018 for his exceptional service. He is the creator of the first-ever Post-Secondary Success Coaching Program in Hazel Park, which provides essential support to first-generation college students.

Additionally, Moussa co-founded the Detroit Alumni Success Collective, a highly regarded organization dedicated to enhancing college access and success in Southeast Michigan. His extensive qualifications include serving on the Michigan Association for Evaluation board. DASC Executive Committee. Moussa is also an alumni of the prestigious Aspen Institute 2023 Southeast Michigan Workforce Leadership Fellowship.

As a true champion of college access in Southeast Michigan, Moussa's exceptional leadership has profoundly impacted countless students and communities.

Fernando Monge

Program Director

Fernando joined the Promise Zone in the winter of 2023 as its new Program Director. For the last ten years Fernando has worked at public and private universities in different capacities including recruitment, multicultural programming and education, and crisis management. Most recently Fernando worked as an Assistant Director for Central Michigan University recruiting high school students from across the Metro Detroit region. Fernando is passionate about working with high school and college students to help them reach their own version of educational success through a social justice and relationship-driven lens.

Originally from Ecuador, Fernando moved to and came of age in Miami, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida International University and a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration from Central Michigan University.
In his off time, Fernando teaches pottery to kids and adults of all ages.

Paul Billock

College Advisor

Paul is from New Baltimore, MI and attended Anchor Bay High School before attending Macomb Community College and then moving onto Michigan State University. He obtained his Bachelors of Science in Human Biology. While at MSU, Paul was also a volunteer in the ACES lab which promoted equity in underserved populations through theoretically-grounded research and action. He is super excited to be at Hazel Park and support the community!

Monica Rattee

Bookkeeper & Event Coordinator

Monica Joined the Promise Program in the Fall of 2014 as it's bookkeeper. Her commitment to youth and ensuring the Promise Program shared its message of supporting youth she began coordinating fundraising and community initiatives to share the program's mission of supporting students to and through college. Monica is a full-time licensed real estate agent, broker, and a certified military relocation professional.