Join us in welcoming Dr. Naimah Wade as our new Executive Director! After a months-long and rigorous search, Naimah was a clear stand-out to lead 826michigan into our next phase.
826michigan Board President Nicole de Beaufort beautifully sums up much of what made us so excited about Naimah’s leadership and skills: “Naimah brings a depth of experience in program design, organization management and community building, as well as a strategic and thoughtful approach to all aspects of our work. Her leadership is exactly what we need to take 826michigan into our next chapter.”
Naimah’s professional background is rooted in learning strategy and research coupled with boots-on-the-ground impact. For 10 years, she worked at Wayne State University in the division of Educational Outreach and International Programs. Most recently, her core role was leading the Harris Literacy Program to enhance the academic and employability skills of adults in Metro Detroit so that they could secure jobs, improve their lives, and become positive contributors to their families and communities.
Naimah’s work to date mirrors 826michigan’s foundational practice of outreach and public engagement to serve local communities. Her educational values and professional expertise will fuel 826michigan’s transformational learning experiences for kids. She is passionate about enhancing the organization’s project-based, learning-by-writing experiences—especially in Detroit, where the organization is working to deepen its impact.
In her own words, Naimah says, “I believe that exposure and experience are catalysts for meaningful learning. These are the very tenets of 826michigan that make it such a captivating and impactful organization. To become a part of a team that authentically wakes students up to the magic of their voice and creativity is truly an honor.”
Naimah also demonstrates a deep commitment to education and personal empowerment through her volunteer contributions to organizations including Reading Works Detroit, Pretty Brown Girl, and the Detroit Women’s Leadership Network. She holds a Ph.D. in Learning Design and Technology, an MBA with emphasis in Organizational Management from Wayne State University, and a BA in Business Marketing from Michigan State University. She was recently named a 2018 American Marshall Memorial Fellow, part of a prestigious program of the German Marshall Fund that selects transatlantic leaders for their potential to influence global cooperation.
Naimah lives in Detroit with her husband and two daughters. She is a huge fan of ice cream, especially butter pecan. She enjoys reading, cooking with her husband, day spa outings, traveling, and bike riding.
