Nigena Livingston is a visionary leader, educator and coach who believes in both the power and necessity of holistic education. In 2022, she started The Living Education Access Project, to
provide consulting support to schools who are navigating the complex and challenging demands of inequitable school systems. Nigena is also the Founder and CEO of URBAN ACT Academy, a K-8 Innovation School in Indianapolis which opened in 2018 in a 5-year partnership with the Indianapolis Public School District. The education model of URBAN ACT is uniquely centered around “place-based instruction” which involves students learning in connection with their community and Restorative Practices. Both initiatives have led to an increase in student academic growth, positive adult to student relationships, more civic engagement, knowledge of local issues, greater student agency and an overall stronger connection to community.

Nigena has held various school leader positions including being the founding principal of Jacksonville Community School in Jacksonville, Arkansas and becoming the principal for
University Prep Middle School in Detroit, Michigan. Additionally, she has held Director roles at TNTP and Teach For America and is currently serving as a Board Member of the Mind Catcher
Collective which is an organization dedicated to supporting the wellness of school site leaders of color working to transform learning environments to better serve youth.

Nigena Livingston has a BA in Health and Human Services from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University and
professional certificates from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Indiana University and Relay Graduate School of Education.