Aliya Nelson is a seasoned youth development professional with over 10 years of experience working in youth-serving nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining Girl Be Heard, Aliya served as a Program Director at Manhattan Youth where she managed all aspects of program operations and served as a strategic leader in the development and execution of program curriculum, special initiatives, marketing and communications. 

As a young person, the performing arts positively impacted Aliya’s life by providing the opportunity for self expression as well as the ability to build leadership skills and self-confidence. Because of these deeply meaningful experiences, Aliya has actively pursued career and personal opportunities to work with and for young people through the performing arts, knowing that it will surely aid in positively shaping their life experience. She is excited to join Girl Be Heard and continue her legacy of doing just that. 

Aliya is a graduate of Northwestern University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She has also earned a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling (Boston College) as well as a Master's degree in Women’s Health (Suffolk University).