Nakisha Hobbs, a proud Chicago native and fourth-generation educator, has dedicated her life to transforming education and uplifting underserved communities. Her journey began at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of high-stakes testing on marginalized youth. Refusing to stand idly by, Hobbs rallied a group of peers to launch an African-centered tutoring program aimed at empowering students who had been systematically overlooked and undervalued.
In 2004, Nakisha co-founded the Community Education Network, operating as It Takes A Village Family of Schools. This initiative laid the foundation for her lifelong mission to address educational inequities and empower youth. In 2007, she expanded her vision by establishing Village Leadership Academy (VLA), an innovative educational system serving children from infancy through eighth grade. Today, these institutions collectively serve over 1,000 children daily, providing a unique curriculum that integrates leadership development, world studies, social justice, and global exploration through the renowned World Scholars Program. Through this program, Nakisha has led over 350 youth on educational journeys to 14 different countries, including Brazil, South Africa, Cuba, and Guatemala, broadening their perspectives and deepening their understanding of global cultures and histories.
In addition to her educational work, Nakisha is the founder of the Juneteenth Village Fest, held annually in Chicago’s Douglass Park. This celebration of freedom and culture has become a cornerstone of the community, attracting over 7,000 attendees each year and serving as a platform to highlight African American history, resilience, and excellence.
In 2018, Nakisha was appointed to lead the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Office of Early Childhood. In this pivotal role, she shaped state policy to ensure equitable access to high-quality early learning experiences for all Illinois children. Hobbs managed critical state programs, including the Child Care Assistance Program and Early Intervention, supporting families with children facing disabilities or developmental delays. Her influence and impact in early childhood education continue to resonate throughout the state.
In December 2020, Nakisha returned to It Takes A Village Family of Schools as Chief Executive Officer, leading a transformative multi-million-dollar preschool expansion initiative. Under her leadership, the organization has set a new standard of excellence for children and families across Chicago. In 2023, Nakisha spearheaded the acquisition of the 8.1-acre historic Hales Franciscan campus—a significant milestone that positions It Takes A Village Family of Schools to develop a comprehensive birth-to-12th-grade education program in Chicago’s Bronzeville community over the next five years. Her vision and tenacity have paved the way for an innovative model of urban education, offering new levels of opportunity and support for children and families.
In 2024, Nakisha was celebrated as one of Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Black Leaders, in recognition of her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing educational equity. Her efforts to elevate the educational landscape have garnered widespread acclaim and continue to set a precedent for excellence in urban education.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nakisha has served as an executive member of the Illinois Early Learning Council, a Trustee at Maharishi International University (MIU), and an active member of the Board of Directors for Sinai Chicago. She also serves as an advisor to the UIC Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy and the Speech and Language Pathology Program at DePaul University, and she is a Founding Board Member of Child Care Advocates United (CCAU).
Nakisha holds a Master’s in Education from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor’s in African American Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her dedication to community empowerment has been further recognized with an Honorary Doctor of Education from MIU. Yet, her proudest role remains being a devoted wife and mother of four children, through whom she continues to leave an indelible legacy of love, resilience, and transformative change for future generations.
Read about all of this years awardees
Genesis Bencivenga Sr. | Innovative Women-Owned Business of the Year
Turquoise Greene | Mentorship Excellence Award
Audrey Lee Saunders | Trailblazer Award for Women in Leadership
Nakisha Hobbs | Empowerment Through Education Award
Mayor Jada D. Curry, Village of Lynwood | Community Impact Award