exalt Appoints Dr. Lisette Nieves as Chair of the Board of Directors
Globally Recognized Scholar and Champion to Guide exalt’s
Next Chapter of Growth
We are proud to announce that Dr. Lisette Nieves will begin her tenure as exalt's Chair of the Board of Directors effective July 1, 2025.
As recently highlighted in Harlem World Magazine, Dr. Nieves brings more than 25 years of cross-sector leadership in education, workforce development, and public policy. Her appointment comes at a powerful inflection point, as exalt expands its statewide footprint and prepares for a new era of transformative impact for justice-involved youth.
“It is a profound honor to step into the role of Board Chair and continue working alongside our remarkable young people, dedicated staff, and community,” said Dr. Nieves.“Throughout my career, I’ve focused on reimagining systems that cultivate talent and possibility. exalt embodies this vision, and I am deeply committed to helping grow its reach and ensure that every young person we serve is empowered to shape their own future.”
Dr. Nieves currently serves as President of the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY), where she leads innovation strategies that improve the performance of government and nonprofit organizations citywide. A Rhodes Scholar, Truman Scholar, and Presidential appointee to the AmeriCorps Board, she has held senior leadership roles at New York University, the U.S. Department of Education, and was the founding Executive Director of Year Up New York.
Her scholarship has shaped national discourse on equity, college access, and youth workforce pathways. She is the co-author of two influential books:
Working to Learn: Disrupting the Divide Between College and Career Pathways for Young People
Working for a Future: Equity and Access in Work-Based Learning for Young People
Dr. Nieves has long been a champion for young people and a trusted partner in exalt’s mission. She brings the rare combination of visionary scholarship and pragmatic leadership. Her deep expertise in cross-sector transformation will be critical as we scale our model, navigate a challenging financial climate, and build statewide partnerships to serve more youth.
Since 2016 under my leadership, exalt has grown from a $950,000 organization to a $10 million nonprofit, raised over $30 million in philanthropic support, and served more than 2,500 youth across New York City. exalt’s model integrates education, paid internships, mental health support, and court advocacy to help young people succeed in school, at work, and beyond the justice system.
Now expanding into Syracuse, NY, exalt is replicating its proven model to meet statewide demand. With Dr. Nieves leading the Board and exalt's advancing the organization’s longterm vision, exalt is poised to deepen its systemic impact and reimagine opportunity for youth across New York State.
As exalt approaches its 20th anniversary, this leadership transition represents more than a milestone, it reflects a bold commitment to advancing equity, access, and opportunity for the next generation of leaders.
