Meet Our
Team

Founder & Executive Director

Nakita Shavers

Founder & Executive Director

Nakita Shavers is a proud New Orleans native whose life’s work is rooted in advocacy, education, and empowering the next generation of leaders. Guided by a deep love for her city and a commitment to equity and opportunity, she has dedicated her career to creating transformative spaces for youth and families. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Dinerral Shavers Educational Fund (DSEF), an organization committed to advancing youth empowerment, strengthening communities, and expanding access to meaningful educational opportunities across New Orleans. She also serves as Co-Founder of Silence Is Violence, a grassroots anti-violence organization focused on accountability, healing, and safer communities. A graduate of McDonogh 35 Senior High School and the New Orleans Center for Science and Mathematics, Nakita’s passion for service began early. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Pre-Law) from Florida A&M University, a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Walden University, and completed studies at Loyola University’s Institute of Politics. She further expanded her leadership training through executive education at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. As an innovative program creator, Nakita has developed and led impactful initiatives including DSEF’s Music and Cultural Education Program and the GIRLS NOLA Initiative (Girls Initiative for Reproducing Leaders in Society). Through mentorship, integrative arts, and creative engagement strategies, GIRLS NOLA empowers young women and girls with knowledge of their sexual and reproductive health and rights while cultivating confidence, leadership, and self-advocacy. In addition to her work with DSEF, Nakita serves as Program Manager at the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), where she designs and leads free enrichment programming for youth in Central City—ensuring that young people have access to safe spaces, creative expression, and opportunities to thrive. Through vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her community, Nakita Shavers continues to inspire change and invest in the future of New Orleans—one young leader at a time.