Nia Fields

Dr. Nia Imani Fields is the Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Baltimore.

Most recently, she served as the Deputy Director for a national nonprofit where she supported a strategic vision towards economic mobility and well-being for young adults across the country.

Nia is a mother, educator, community servant, 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 service were foundational–it’s no surprise that she has spent her career working with youth, nonprofit organizations, and communities.

Dr. Fields has a doctorate in Urban Educational Leadership, a master’s degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Throughout her career, her focus has been to co-develop equitable systems that support youth 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.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to efforts leading to local and national impacts in equity strategies and systems change. Her true purpose in life is to increase networks and expand access for youth and young adults— particularly those excluded from opportunities to thrive.