Meet Niysha Anderson: VC Include’s New Administrative Coordinator

We are excited to announce that Niysha Anderson has joined VC Include (VCI) as our Administrative Coordinator! With VCI’s team members spread out over the country and residing in all four continental U.S. time zones, Niysha has the important responsibility of supporting and maintaining the cohesion of our distributed virtual team.

Below is a transcript of the conversation between Niysha and Alia Einstein-Diez, VCI’s Director of Marketing and Communications.

Alia Einstein-Diez: Congratulations on joining the VCI family! Where were you born and where did you grow up? How did that affect your perspective?

Niysha Anderson: I was born in Los Angeles. I grew up throughout Los Angeles County mostly bouncing between Inglewood and South Central. I spent most of my childhood attending schools at least 45 minutes away from my place of residence to ensure I received the best education that my mother could secure. She had a really great network of friends that would look out for her and help us get into schools that helped develop our academic and creative abilities. 

It was very clear to me that most institutions near my house were inadequate due to lack of safety or insufficient resources. Everything I felt connected to as a kid – friends, teachers, dance team, parks, beaches, libraries – were completely out of reach. I was transported to a different world to learn, create, and connect with nature.

I didn’t understand it was because of redlining paired with the lack of financial resources (personal and community-wise). I give credit, again, to my mother who did everything in her power to connect me to those essential needs. It wasn’t until my adulthood that I understood the impacts of systemic barriers and how my childhood looked different than many of my peers’. 

Alia Einstein-Diez: What are some milestones in your career path? Were there any significant transitions during your career trajectory?

Niysha Anderson: One of the moments that paved the way for my career was earning a Lifetime Service Award following the completion of my 3rd Americorps term of service. Service to others has fostered great connections that support my personal and community development goals. 

One of the most significant moments of transition in my career was attending the High School graduation ceremony of prior students I worked with during my first service year. It was a shock to experience time in this way – through the growth of a child you cared for. Time begins to unwind differently through the lens of a caretaker.  

I had a similar experience when I attended the Service Ceremony for the team I would be managing, as they took their Americorps pledge. They raised their right hand and made the same oath I did only 4 years prior, and I was honored to have advanced in my career to lead them through an intense yet extremely rewarding Americorps year of service. It was in this position that I understood the importance of thoughtful leadership and the infinite accomplishments we can achieve when everyone is working together wholeheartedly to achieve a common goal. 

Alia Einstein-Diez: Can you share a little bit about the experiences in your career journey that led you to VC Include?

Niysha Anderson: Following my retirement from Americorps, I had a distinct hunger for protecting and pollinating our society’s social structures. I aimed to identify organizations that tackled the most problematic, systemic issues within my community. I leaned on all the knowledge and hard skills I had accumulated throughout my travels and service projects to find creative ways to support each mission I signed up for. This included jobs involving youth education, environmental justice, the homeless epidemic, and social, emotional, and physical community wellness.

Throughout my career, I’ve found myself in spaces that align with my beliefs, and my prior career experiences helped prepare me for this opportunity at VC Include by throwing me in the deep end and allowing me to sink or swim. Many of these experiences were tough at the beginning but I always hold myself accountable to being brave enough to try my best – the same way I once did with my Americorps students/youth. 

Alia Einstein-Diez: What are you most excited about in this new role?

Niysha Anderson: I am excited to CONNECT! I am eager to support and build a strong and tight-knit team. My primary goal is to streamline our internal systems that improve our workflows and increase our capacity to facilitate financial equity work around the world. VCI has a huge network of amazing partners that contribute to developing a more inclusive economy which will lead to positive social and economic stability across all demographics and investment industries. I am excited to be a part of the team and manage administrative operations across all programs and events that help us foster powerful relationships and create equitable impact. 

Alia Einstein-Diez: As you step into this new position, what strengths or unique perspectives do you believe you bring to VC Include? 

Niysha Anderson: Adaptability and readiness to serve are two of my greatest assets. I love to consume as much knowledge as possible so that I can be my best self in service to others. I strongly believe that we are most effective when we are connected through inclusive values with a willingness to integrate diverse systems. I feel that although my position and company objectives may change, my commitment to creating the world I believe in will always be my north star. I am ready to serve any vehicle of change for a connected global community and sustainable financial redistribution.

Alia Einstein-Diez: Ready for the rapid fire questions?

Niysha Anderson: Ready!

Alia Einstein-Diez: Favorite food?

Niysha Anderson: EGGS – with veggies, no veggies, poached, over easy, scrambled - I will eat them!

Alia Einstein-Diez: Favorite vacation spot?

Niysha Anderson: Catalina Island.

Alia Einstein-Diez: Favorite genre of movie?

Niysha Anderson: I am excited to learn anything about our natural environment. My favorite type of movie would have to be ocean documentaries.

Alia Einstein-Diez: Favorite sport or if you’re not into sports, favorite art form?

Niysha Anderson: Dancing!

Alia Einstein-Diez: Yay! I love to dance too! Last question – what’s your favorite hobby?

Niysha Anderson: Darts.

Alia Einstein-Diez: Thank you, Niysha, for giving us a glimpse of your personal and professional history. I’ve only worked with you a short time, but your willingness to dive into the deep end is very apparent and appreciated already! I look forward to seeing how your strong work ethic and passion for service enhance our organization.

To learn more about Niysha and the work of VC Include, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media. We look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!