Nika Levando
Executive Director, Innovation & Strategic Initiatives, Office of Civic Engagement
In her role, Nika is responsible for developing and advancing new initiatives and programs that seek to advance OCE’s strategic priorities, by working with leadership both within the office and across the University. A core part of her role is supporting academic partnerships, integrating community engagement strategy as a foundational component. Nika also co-leads the office’s Diversity and Inclusion committee as well as manages OCE’s arts and culture initiatives that seek to catalyze neighborhood reinvestment and strengthen partnerships with University departments and institutes, local community organizations, art institutions, and neighborhood partners.
In her role, Nika is responsible for developing and advancing new initiatives and programs that seek to advance OCE’s strategic priorities, by working with leadership both within the office and across the University. A core part of her role is supporting academic partnerships, integrating community engagement strategy as a foundational component. Nika also co-leads the office’s Diversity and Inclusion committee as well as manages OCE’s arts and culture initiatives that seek to catalyze neighborhood reinvestment and strengthen partnerships with University departments and institutes, local community organizations, art institutions, and neighborhood partners.
Nika joined the University in 2013, after working at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the Department of Contemporary Practices. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Nika also serves on the the Associate Board of Navy Pier.