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I am a Philadelphia native who relocated to Netherlands to launch my advisory firm, Roots + Rivers Collective (R+R). I have 10+ years’ experience in the education and community development sectors which anchors my values in social responsibility and creative experimentation. I am excited to apply my skills in design thinking, facilitation, and global leadership to help individuals and teams address complex challenges, grow in their professional development, and engage in generative dialogue.…I am a Philadelphia native who relocated to Netherlands to launch my advisory firm, Roots + Rivers Collective (R+R). I have 10+ years’ experience in the education and community development sectors which anchors my values in social responsibility and creative experimentation. I am excited to apply my skills in design thinking, facilitation, and global leadership to help individuals and teams address complex challenges, grow in their professional development, and engage in generative dialogue.

Nikia A. Brown

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I am a Philadelphia native who relocated to Netherlands to launch my advisory firm, Roots + Rivers Collective (R+R). I have 10+ years’ experience in the education and community development sectors which anchors my values in social responsibility and creative experimentation. I am excited to apply my skills in design thinking, facilitation, and global leadership to help individuals and teams address complex challenges, grow in their professional development, and engage in generative dialogue.…I am a Philadelphia native who relocated to Netherlands to launch my advisory firm, Roots + Rivers Collective (R+R). I have 10+ years’ experience in the education and community development sectors which anchors my values in social responsibility and creative experimentation. I am excited to apply my skills in design thinking, facilitation, and global leadership to help individuals and teams address complex challenges, grow in their professional development, and engage in generative dialogue.

Available to hire

I am a Philadelphia native who relocated to Netherlands to launch my advisory firm, Roots + Rivers Collective (R+R). I have 10+ years’ experience in the education and community development sectors which anchors my values in social responsibility and creative experimentation. I am excited to apply my skills in design thinking, facilitation, and global leadership to help individuals and teams address complex challenges, grow in their professional development, and engage in generative dialogue.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Korean

Intermediate

Work Experience

Founder + CEO at Roots + Rivers Collective Netherlands

July 1, 2025 - Present

Lead a boutique consulting firm offering services in strategy consultation, professional coaching, facilitation, and public speaking. Design and lead processes that generate solutions to social and organizational challenges of varying scopes. Conduct research analysis to gather key insights, ideate potential solutions, and develop and test prototypes.

Assoc. Director, Intercultural and Global Learning, Int’l Student Experience at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

March 1, 2020 - April 1, 2025

Directed, instructed, and assessed the orientation course for 300+ international first-year students. Recruited, trained, and supervised 40 undergraduate interns who supported the orientation course. Founded and created the Global Leaders Program curriculum. Facilitated domestic and international study abroad and service‑learning programs. Served as LAS liaison with campus partners on international student support and experiential learning to share best practices. Launched and supervised LAS International Student Advisory Board. Hosted and produced Our Global Campus Podcast featuring intercultural experiences of students, alumni, and professionals.

Program Lead at CIEE South Korea

July 1, 2018 - Present

Supervised and supported 30+ U.S. high school students during language + cultural immersion program for two consecutive summers. Assisted resident staff with activity planning, program logistics, and student engagement in class curricula. Regularly facilitated team building, intercultural competency, and reflection exercises.

Program Lead at CIEE South Korea

June 1, 2019 - July 1, 2019

Supervised and supported 30+ U.S. high school students during language + cultural immersion program for one summer. Assisted resident staff with activity planning, program logistics, and student engagement in class curricula. Regularly facilitated team building, intercultural competency, and reflection exercises.

Graduate Assistant, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at American University, Office of Campus Life

January 1, 2019 - May 1, 2019

Provided logistical and administrative support to the President’s Council on Diversity and Inclusion and the AVP of DEI. Engaged with stakeholders across the university to aid in the execution of the action plan for Inclusive Excellence. Conducted research and prepared materials on diversity-related events, initiatives, and best practices.

Graduate Assistant, Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives at American University, SIS

August 1, 2017 - May 1, 2018

Developed programs for the Exploring Identities Series, which raises awareness about diversity issues in international affairs. Designed marketing materials and planned and executed event operations. Engaged underrepresented students to encourage involvement in program activities.

World Heritage Coordinator at Global Philadelphia Association

February 1, 2016 - June 1, 2017

Partnered with the City of Philadelphia, civic associations, and local universities to implement city-wide education, economic and social initiatives. Managed fundraising, grant writing, and event coordination projects. Developed educational and cultural programs to foster community engagement.

Community Outreach Coordinator at Please Touch Museum

October 1, 2014 - February 1, 2016

Managed and facilitated the museum’s teen career and college readiness program ACES. Researched and developed intercultural dialogue, team-building, and problem-solving programming. Partnered with the School District of Philadelphia to deliver public presentations about healthy parenting techniques and literacy workshops to teen parents.

Program Lead at Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

July 1, 2018 - July 1, 2019

Supervised and supported 30+ U.S. high school students during a language + cultural immersion program for two consecutive summers. Assisted resident staff with activity planning, program logistics, and student engagement in class curricula. Regularly facilitated team building, intercultural competency, and reflection exercises.

Graduate Assistant, Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives at American University, School of International Service (SIS)

August 1, 2017 - May 1, 2018

Developed programs for the SIS Exploring Identities Series, which raises awareness about diversity issues in international affairs. Designed marketing materials, and planned and executed event operations. Engaged underrepresented students to encourage their involvement in program activities.