JXN Visionary: Dr. Aisha Nyandoro

Throughout her career, Aisha Nyandoro has worn a lot of hats:
Academic, evaluator, philanthropist and nonprofit visionary.
Now, she serves as CEO of Springboard to Opportunities, an organization providing strategic, direct support to residents of federally subsidized affordable housing.
“I was taught you grow where you are planted,” she says. “I have been very fortunate to build my career in the
community that raised me; I am a proud product of Jackson Public School District. Working in my purpose, in the city that I love, is a wonderful blessing.”
Springboard’s approach is designed to improve the quality of life and end the generational poverty trajectory. “Five of the communities that my organization serves are located in Jackson,” says Aisha.
“Given the comprehensive holistic nature of Springboard’s work, we have an opportunity to partner with multiple organizations within the community, as well as the City of Jackson.”
Aisha’s commitment to community and her passion for social change is evident in her volunteer work with Delta Sigma Theta and a wide range of board of directors and advisory councils on which she has served. Aisha has received multiple honors, including recognition as a fellow of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network and Ascend at the Aspen Institute. She is a TedX speaker and her work has been featured in both print and news media outlets including The Washington Post, Essence Magazine, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, CNN, MSNBC, Fast Company and The Nation, to name a few.
Dr. Aisha Nyandoro is featured in the 2020 Visit Jackson Tour Guide