Celebrating Excellence: Meet the Honorees of Our Rooted in Black Nia Brunch

On February 28, 2026, The International Girls Academy will host our inaugural Rooted in Black Nia Brunch, a celebration of purpose, community impact, and the leaders who embody Black excellence every single day.

Nia means purpose. It is one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa and it calls us to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community. The women we are honoring this year have answered that call with clarity, commitment, and courage.

Why We Celebrate

At The International Girls Academy, we believe that when girls see women leading with purpose, they begin to understand what is possible for themselves. These honorees are not just accomplished in their fields—they are changemakers, mentors, and community builders who show up for the next generation.

This year, we are working to raise $100,000 to support the Class of 2026 scholarship fund, revamp our physical IGA Hub, and strengthen our operations so we can continue serving over 2,000 students across our programs. Every ticket purchased for the Rooted in Black Nia Brunch directly supports scholarships and opportunities for young women who are ready to step into their own excellence.

Meet the 2026 Honorees

Noelle Lee-Turner, Chief Diversity Officer

Noelle Lee-Turner serves as the Chief Diversity Officer for the New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs, where she leads the agency's strategic vision for equity, inclusion, belonging, and organizational engagement. She brings multidimensional leadership grounded in operational excellence, organizational change, and equity-centered strategy. Ms. Lee-Turner holds a bachelor's degree from Kean University and a Master of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University, and is completing doctoral studies in Leadership and Change Management at the University of Central Arkansas.

Nakeicha Wilson, Managing Partner

Nakeicha Wilson is a business advisor and mentor dedicated to empowering young people through leadership, education, and confidence-building. As the co-founder of Alexander Skye Group, Nakeicha is passionate about mentorship, integrity, and creating pathways for the next generation of leaders to thrive. Her work focuses on helping others build strong foundations and access meaningful resources.

Darlene Winkler, Vice President

Darlene Winkler is the Vice President of the Pearls of Wisdom Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and the Founder & CEO of Boundless Enterprises, LLC. With over 15 years of experience, she designs award-winning educational, leadership, and college readiness programs that empower youth, families, and emerging professionals. Darlene is recognized for her exceptional relationship-building and networking skills, creating spaces where individuals feel seen, affirmed, and supported.

Shanita Perdomo, Founder and Executive Director

Shanita Perdomo is a proud Oakland, California native and the Founder and Executive Director of Yes, M.I.S.S. Inc., a college and career readiness nonprofit for young women ages 14–21 from Northern New Jersey and beyond. As a Therapeutic Case Worker, Shanita has extensive experience helping families reunite with children in foster care and connecting them to essential community resources. She is also a Realtor and self-published author of "Oakland Girl," and a proud wife and mother of two sons.

Dr. Nandi Nelson, Founder & CEO

Dr. Nandi Nelson, PhD, LCSW, BCBA-D, LBA, is a visionary leader transforming the landscape of autism services and behavioral health. As the Founder and CEO of Social Behavior Learning Solutions (SBLS), she integrates unparalleled clinical expertise with strategic leadership to create innovative, community-centered solutions for children and families. She is the author of "Jake's Adventures: A Trip to Summer Camp," a children's book promoting inclusion and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Nelson doesn't just lead—she ignites change, inspires action, and builds legacy.

Saudia Ransom, M.Ed., Educational Administrator and Entrepreneur

Saudia Ransom, M.Ed., is a first-generation college graduate with over twenty-four years in education. As an Assistant Principal in the Newark School District and founder of Legacy Learning Center, she focuses on building students and educators through tutoring, coaching, and mentoring services. Her dedication to the educational field and her work supporting both students and teachers has made her a trailblazer in urban educational systems.

Saymah Nah, Executive Director

Saymah Nah is a proud Newark native, lifelong educator, and Executive Director of Gateway U. Under her leadership, Gateway U has maintained a 75% persistence rate, achieved Praxis pass rates above national benchmarks, and celebrated 40 associate degree graduates and 22 bachelor's degree graduates in 2025. She has been named to the NJ BIZ Power 50 list for three consecutive years (2023–2025) and to the TapInto Newark 2025 Power List. Guided by the principle "threaten the impossible and somehow get it done," Saymah is leading a system-changing movement where school communities grow their own teachers.

Dr. Emajonite Etienne, Educational Consultant and Educator

Dr. Emajonite Etienne holds an EdD in Curriculum and Teaching and a Master's degree in Special Education. As the founder of Etienne Enrichment LLC, Dr. Etienne provides individualized tutoring, academic interventions, and family-centered educational support designed to build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and promote long-term student success. A Haitian-American educator and mother of three, Dr. Etienne is deeply committed to equity, access, and empowering students and families through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Dr. Tia N. Cherry, Director of Academic Initiatives and Student Engagement

Dr. Tia N. Cherry is a leader in higher education and a scholar whose work centers on advancing equity, access, and student success. She currently serves as Director of Academic Initiatives and Student Engagement at William Paterson University, where she leads institution-wide efforts to strengthen academic programming, foster meaningful student engagement, and cultivate environments in which all students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. Dr. Cherry earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bloomfield College, a Master of Arts in Psychology with a specialization in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Her community leadership includes serving as 2nd Vice President and Education Chair for the NAACP Oranges and Maplewood Branch, a JerseyCAN Fellow, and a proud member of the North Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Through her leadership, scholarship, and community engagement, Dr. Cherry exemplifies a holistic approach to education that bridges academic excellence with social impact.

Join Us in Celebration

The Rooted in Black Nia Brunch is more than an event. It is a statement about who we value, what we celebrate, and the kind of future we are building for our girls.

Tickets are $250 and directly support scholarships for the Class of 2026. We invite you to join us on February 28, 2026, as we honor these incredible women and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Thank you to our honorees for saying yes to this celebration and for the work you do every day to uplift our communities. You inspire us, and you inspire the girls we serve.

Ready to celebrate with us? Purchase your tickets here and join us in honoring excellence, investing in our girls, and building a stronger community.