{"id":2404,"date":"2021-11-01T21:10:53","date_gmt":"2021-11-01T21:10:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/?p=2404"},"modified":"2021-11-01T21:10:53","modified_gmt":"2021-11-01T21:10:53","slug":"kiesha-nix-makes-history-as-first-black-woman-vp-in-laker-organization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/africanamericanvoice.net\/?p=2404","title":{"rendered":"Kiesha Nix Makes History as First Black Woman VP in Laker Organization"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Betti Halsell, Contributing Writer<\/div>\n
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Published October 28, 2021<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Kiesha Nix has been entrusted with the responsibility to lead the Los Angeles Lakers in public service as the vice president of Charitable Affairs. As executive director of the Lakers Youth Foundation, Nix has championed many programs centered around the well-being of the next generation, and now she looks to expand the Lakers\u2019 reach in charitable acts.<\/p>\n

In many diverse communities, Nix is known for being a resource among the youth. She has been given several awards for her dedication to public service. However, in an exclusive interview with the Los Angeles Sentinel, Nix explained that being a lifeline between sports and charity holds the deepest accolade.<\/p>\n

Nix makes history as the first woman of color to serve in her new position.\u00a0 \u201cI am born and raised in South Central L.A., and it was important for me\u2013when I delivered the check, or when we delivered the resources, that the kids get to see me. Because they get to see a lot of themselves in me, and I see myself in them. I let them know where I grew up and where I went to school because I wanted to give them some inspiration.\u201d Nix said.<\/p>\n

Lakers Hall of Famer, Earvin Magic Johnson, shared his enthusiasm on Twitter.\u00a0 \u201cCongratulations to @kieshanix for being named the VP of Charitable Services at the @Lakers!! She\u2019s the first African American female to be named Vice President of any department in the history of the organization!\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

As an executive director, Nix sat at the helm of \u201cprogramming and funding priorities,\u201d for the charitable actions hosted by Los Angeles Lakers. Her role called for laser focus on the mission of the foundation, which is to \u201cassist underserved youth in our communities to develop and recognize their full potential by providing positive experiences and resources in education, health, and wellness and sports.\u201d<\/p>\n

Within her seat, Nix built a solid foundation around the Los Angeles Lakers and their reach in the community. She has remained focused on the continual growth in social responsibility within the sports industry.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on her time as executive director, Nix stated, \u201cI spent a lot of my time out in the community. I\u2019m very public-facing.\u201d She continued, \u201cI told them [Los Angeles Lakers Youth Foundation] I\u2019m not the executive director that\u2019s going to sit behind the desk and just send out the check\u2013I have to be present, I have to be available.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nix spoke of the spontaneity of the job, but also, how the collective community anchored her actions, providing an opportunity to show awareness to groups of people that are usually underserved.<\/p>\n

Since 1992, the Lakers Youth Foundation supported the dreams and aspirations of children across the states, by providing them a safe place to believe in themselves and strive for greatness.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to take that responsibility and we have to pay it forward, and just make sure we are providing proper resources\u2013making things available for kids or youth.\u201d Nix continued, \u201cIt all starts with sports, but it doesn\u2019t just end there.\u201d<\/p>\n

As a Los Angeles native, Nix understands the authentic needs of the collective community. She elaborated on the passion that goes into supporting kids that come from familiar zip codes.<\/p>\n

Under Nix\u2019s leadership, the organization has empowered a school teaching garden, 15 Reading and Learning Centers, three STEM Lab projects, and over 40 basketball courts across the nation. In addition, the organization has donated millions of dollars in ticket giveaways, signed memorabilia, and Laker merchandise.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the opportunities in her new role as vice president of charitable affairs, Nix elaborated on how this new level deepened her focus, and that giving back is a necessity, especially throughout these socially distant times. She stated, \u201cAs Vice President of Charitable Affairs for the Los Angeles Lakers, it\u2019s really extended my role and I can do even more with the foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really about leveraging the relationships and the platform that I had already built. Now, I\u2019m really being able to take that to another level.\u201d Nix said.<\/p>\n

Nix considered her new responsibilities and developed a greater force within herself. Fresh growth happens internally within her department, and she is focused on leading by example.<\/p>\n

In reflection, Nix said, \u201cIt has definitely made me realize that I have to learn to delegate more because I cannot spread myself too thin \u2014 and as much as I want to be at everything, I have to empower those that I work with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt just takes my work to a whole other level\u2013 that I get to be more involved and ingrained in our entire franchise, and not just limited to our foundation,\u201d Nix said.<\/p>\n

Generally, the vice president of a 501 c3 operation works as a bridge for the organization, connecting the board of directors and other senior executives with the needs of the community. They develop plans that meet the objectives of the organization and maintain its values.<\/p>\n

Nix attended the University of Nevada, Reno. She majored in English and studied criminal justice as her minor. She considered the path that led her to public service. \u201cI always refer to my grandparents\u2013 who are no longer with us, but they instilled community in me,\u201d she said. \u201cAt an early age, they instilled family and giving back in me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The newly appointed vice president of charitable affairs stated, \u201cI was told the story that my grandparents were not rich in money, but they were rich in spirit and rich in love.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe grew up in South Central, but you know\u2013 I didn\u2019t even know that we were in South Central or that we were considered underprivileged or of low income\u2013they provided everything that I needed, and I watched them help the community,\u201d Nix said.<\/p>\n

Image & News Source: Los Angeles Sentinel<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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