Nekia Kemp
Nekia Kemp is a native of Buffalo, New York, and a proud protégé of the Buffalo Public School system. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health & Human Services from the University at Buffalo and a master's degree in Executive Leadership & Change with a concentration in nonprofit leadership from Daemen College. In 2018, Nekia received a certificate in Not-for-Profit Management from the Harvard Business School of Buffalo. In addition, she is also certified in Human Resource Management for Nonprofit leaders.
With over twenty-five years of professional and supervisory experience working in the not-for-profit community with children in diverse educational settings, Nekia is the Executive Director of the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Buffalo. She has been a transformational leader for the past seven years with Buffalo PAL, launching programs addressing literacy, food/nutrition, social/emotional needs, workforce development, and tackling social justice issues with teens. The organization also works with the Erie County Detention Facility to reintegrate youth from the juvenile justice system back into the community.
Nekia is actively involved in several community initiatives. She serves on the Board of Directors for the New York State Network for Youth Success and the Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium Complex. She also serves as the co-chair for the After School Network of Western New York.Â
Nekia has been the recipient of several awards and recognitions, such as the Buffalo Business First 40 under 40 Award, the Mayor's Youth Award presented by the Black Achievers Organization, the Women Who Walk in Footsteps of Greatness Award, the Buffalo Builders of Peace Award by the United for Human Rights Organization, Daemen College's Distinguished Alumni Award, the Dean's Service Award by the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education, and many more.
A dedicated family woman, Nekia is the proud mother of two daughters and two stepsons and is the godmother to four lovely girls. In 2009, Nekia suffered the tragic loss of her thirteen-year-old child to cancer. Although she was heartbroken, her healing journey has birthed unbelievable strength, determination, and courage to fuel her purpose: serving, supporting, and being the voice for youth. Today, Nekia supports many organizations in Western New York that help children and families affected by a terminal illness.