Dr. Nia Imani Fields is an educator and advocate for social justice. She 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 career working with youth, organizations and communities. 

 

Dr. Fields 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. Throughout her career, her focus has been to work towards the positive development of youth, families, and communities. Dr. Fields has been appointed as Professor Emerita from the University of Maryland, College Park. While at the University, Dr. Fields served as the Assistant Director of Extension and Maryland 4-H Program Leader. In this role, Dr. Fields provided leadership and direction for 4-H Youth Development programs, faculty and staff. Her research interests center around positive youth development’s relationship to social capital and social justice. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the GreenLight Fund Baltimore. There, she provides leadership for a community driven process designed to increase equity and economic mobility in communities across Baltimore. 

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My true purpose in life is to increase networks and expand access for youth and young adults— particularly those excluded from opportunities to thrive!