Nakisha Hobbs

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

the World Scholars 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, which

takes place 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 for highlighting 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 a new level 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 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.