Throughout her career, Nakia has successfully led organizations with multimillion-dollar budgets, overseen multiple early childhood centers and youth-serving programs, and guided teams across diverse service areas. She has a proven track record of strengthening donor cultivation and fundraising strategies, optimizing internal systems and operations, and developing innovative programs that expand access and impact for children and families. Nakia’s leadership has resulted in significant achievements, including securing major grants to expand culturally responsive mental health services, driving double-digit program growth through strategic expansion, reducing organizational costs while optimizing outcomes, and improving staff retention through leadership development initiatives. Her commitment to excellence has consistently earned perfect audit scores and positioned organizations for long-term sustainability and growth.

A graduate of the Metropolitan College of New York (M.P.A.) and holder of a Post-Master’s Certificate in Executive Nonprofit Leadership from NYU’s Silberman School of Social Work, Nakia combines academic expertise with deep, hands-on experience. She is passionate about advancing equity, supporting children’s mental health and social-emotional well-being, and ensuring that every child has the resources and opportunities to thrive. As Executive Director of Children of Bellevue, Nakia looks forward to partnering with the Board, Bellevue Hospital leadership, staff, donors, and community members to advance the mission and continue the organization’s proud legacy of advocacy, care, and impact.

Nakia will officially begin her tenure as Executive Director on Monday, November 3, 2025.