Nikia A. Brown

Available to hire

I am a Philadelphia native who relocated to Netherlands to launch my advisory firm, Roots + Rivers Collective (R+R).

About

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.

  • 11 years' experience
  • Joined December 2025

Industry experience

  • Education
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Professional Services
  • Government

Work experience· 10 roles

Founder + CEO · Roots + Rivers Collective NetherlandsJul 2025 – Present · 1 yr 5 mos

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 · University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignMar 2020 – Apr 2025 · 5 yrs 2 mos

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 · CIEE South KoreaJun 2019 – Jul 2019 · 2 mos

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 · American University, Office of Campus LifeJan 2019 – May 2019 · 5 mos
Program Lead · Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)Jul 2018 – Jul 2019 · 1 yr 1 mo
Program Lead · CIEE South KoreaJul 2018 – Present · 8 yrs 5 mos
Graduate Assistant, Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives · American University, School of International Service (SIS)Aug 2017 – May 2018 · 10 mos
Graduate Assistant, Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives · American University, SISAug 2017 – May 2018 · 10 mos

Education· 5

Global Leadership Diploma · University for Peace (UPEACE) – UN Mandated2024 – 2025
M.A., Intercultural & International Communication · American University2030 – 2019
M.A., Sociology · Sungkyunkwan University2030 – 2014
B.S., Government · Liberty University2003 – 2007

Certifications and awards

Designing Your Life (DYL) Certified Coach2025
Social Innovation Fellow, Dean’s Scholarship2030 – 2025
Korean Government Scholarship Recipient2030 – 2025

Hire Nikia A. Brown today

Post a job and invite Nikia, or contact them directly. No hidden commission.

Post a job