Board Members

My name is Nesha Higgins, and my passion for advocacy, community building, and youth empowerment comes from years of working on the front lines. With over 15 years in nonprofit leadership and a track record of securing over $4 million in funding to support grassroots initiatives, I’ve dedicated my life to creating spaces where people don’t just survive—they thrive.

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Originally from Milwaukee, my journey led me to Phoenix, where I worked with nonprofits focused on economic justice, racial equity, youth mentorship, and violence prevention. I’ve led teams, designed programs, and secured funding for organizations making a difference.

I believe every person—especially our youth—deserves a second chance. As Executive Director of In the Field AZ, I lead community-rooted strategies to disrupt childhood poverty and justice  system involvement. With over a decade in nonprofit leadership, I’m a systems builder committed to radical belonging, shared power, and sustainable change. My work centers human dignity, from securing funding to designing trauma-informed programs that truly serve.

Based in Chandler, Arizona, I hold a Master’s in Nonprofit Management. Outside of strategy sessions, you’ll find me camping with my two wild boys, tending the garden, and building spaces for helpers, healers, and movement builders to thrive.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

Robert Mickens is a seasoned tech executive and dedicated life coach with a proven track record of driving innovation and building scalable solutions across multiple industries. With over a decade of experience leading enterprise technology initiatives, optimizing operations, and delivering measurable business outcomes, he brings both strategic vision and hands-on execution to complex challenges. 

Throughout his career, Robert has successfully partnered with organizations to modernize systems, improve performance, and create sustainable growth.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Robert is deeply committed to community development and youth empowerment. As a life coach and mentor, he volunteers his time to lead technology and personal development workshops that equip young people with practical skills, confidence, and a growth-oriented mindset. His work is rooted in the belief that strong communities are built by investing in people, and he is passionate about developing future leaders, strengthening families, and creating pathways for long-term success through education, mentorship, and purpose-driven leadership.

Connect on LinkedIn

Jonathan is a visionary entrepreneur and systems-driven builder committed to transforming underserved communities through innovation, education, and strategic action. As the founder of Captain Save A Hood, he leads with a mission-first mindset—bridging technology, culture, and real-world solutions to create pathways for growth, ownership, and long-term sustainability.

Grounded in lived experience and sharpened by strategic thinking, Jonathan designs initiatives that go beyond awareness and into execution. His work focuses on empowering individuals with tools, knowledge, and systems that foster self-sufficiency, resilience, and economic mobility. Whether through technology, creative programs, or community-based solutions, the goal is always the same: create impact that lasts.

Jonathan brings a disciplined, forward-thinking approach to leadership—combining innovation with accountability and vision with action. Captain Save A Hood stands as a reflection of that philosophy: not just saving communities, but helping them build, evolve, and lead themselves into the future.