Nahliah Webber

Nahliah Webber, the Executive Director of the Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN), is dedicated to disrupting education practices that negatively impact Black students and their intersections in the US and beyond. She holds double bachelor's degrees, Magna Cum Laude, from Sweet Briar College and a master's from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, where she focused on racialized school policies and practices. With close to 17 years of practical experience spanning the education, policy and youth development continuum, Nahliah is a skilled thought partner for education, youth and community-based nonprofits in the U.S. and abroad. Her expertise working in private and non-profit organizations ranges from program design, curriculum design and management, talent management and team leadership, community partnerships and turnaround efforts for failing programs. She is experienced in leveraging community partnerships to increase program resources, with an affinity for increasing arts education and necessary wrap-around supports for Black and brown youth. Currently, Nahliah is reimagining the focus of OPEN through strengthening partnerships and platforming existing projects to better the organization's platform and visibility. This rebrand unapologetically places Black children and their needs at the forefront of education policy and community conversations. OPEN is taking the lead in promoting liberated education reform in New Orleans by centering Black students, parents and educators as leaders in the fight for education justice.