Growing up in New Orleans grounded Nia in understanding and appreciating the value of the moment, as well as recognizing that life is not a dress rehearsal.  Unsurprisingly, gumbo runs through Nia’s veins and enjoying good food and good times is her most treasured pastime.  She finds joy in hanging out with her husband and children, exchanging jokes, watching movies, cooking New Orleans favorites, and making memories.​

A product of a Catholic school upbringing and surrounded by New Orleans public school educators, she learned that all schools were not equal, but the standards to succeed were universal. Couple this with a chance encounter with two 1960s civil rights trailblazers, and a new-age social justice warrior (or so she would like to consider herself) was born. Keeping with the meaning of her name, the Kwanza Principle Purpose, she has centered justice as her core principle. She believes systems should create equitable opportunities for all regardless of who they are and where they reside.  The unfairness she has observed across all aspects of society shapes how she walks through this world influencing her life choices both professionally and personally. Nia is dedicated to living her truth (“Words Matter” & “Don’t Take it Personal- It’s Never Really About You”).   ​

She genuinely believes that education is freedom and working for CCA allows her to address the broken systems that continue to traumatize our Black, Brown and under-resourced communities, particularly in relation to education.  Her passion for these issues is palpable, and she would like others to join her on the freedom train!