NYEC Welcomes Deputy Director

NYEC would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest addition to the team. Dr. Nia Imani Fields is an educator, author, and advocate for social justice. She resides with her husband and two sons in Baltimore, Maryland. Nia Imani was born and raised in New York and moved to Baltimore after graduating from Morgan State University. There was something special about her HBCU experience, something she would later learn to describe as cultural and social capital. Having been raised in a family where education, purpose, and community were foundational–it’s no surprise she has spent her 20+ year career working with youth and communities.

She has a doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership and a M.S. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy with a focus in Community and Youth Development. Her research interests center around positive youth development’s relationship to social capital and social justice. Throughout her career, she has contributed to efforts leading to local and national impacts in equity strategies and systems change.

Dr. Fields is currently a professor with the University of Maryland Extension (UME) and most recently served as the Assistant Director of UME and 4-H Youth Development Program Leader. In her role, she provided leadership and direction for the 4-H Youth Development programs, faculty, and staff.

Nia Imani’s true purpose in life is to increase networks and expand access for youth and young adults— particularly those excluded from opportunities to thrive. She is excited to join the National Youth Employment Coalition as the incoming Deputy Director where together we will continue to be bold in making change for young people!

(Above photo by Stephanie Cordle)