The Prebys Foundation, Senior Learning Officer
Novien is a dynamic practitioner seamlessly blending conscious leadership education and creative artistry in the vibrant city of San Diego. His journey began in 2015 when he earned his B.S. in Accounting from The University of Alabama, but it was through profound self-exploration that Novien unearthed his true calling.
Driven by a passion for catalyzing positive social change and leaving an impactful legacy, Novien embarked on a transformative path. Following what he refers to as “divine order,” he found himself in southern California, where he pursued and successfully completed his Masters in Higher Education and a PhD in Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego’s School of Leadership and Education Science.
Throughout his graduate research roles, Novien’s fervor ignited for areas such as student success/engagement, equity and justice, philanthropy, and leadership development. This passion informed his exploration of the intersectionality between leadership development and pro-social behaviors, philanthropy and equity, embodied leadership practice, and more.
At the University of San Diego’s Nonprofit Institute, Novien served as the Director of Leadership, Philanthropy, and Social Impact, spearheading a diverse portfolio of community-centered initiatives. Notable programs under his guidance included Horizon Leadership, The Black InGenius Initiative, and Embodied Leadership for Liberative Artistry.
Beyond the confines of academia, Novien’s commitment to community thrives through volunteer roles with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the San Diego Foster Youth Mentoring Program/Promises2Kids, the Gates Millennium Scholars Alumni Association, and local performing arts nonprofits.
Adding another layer to his narrative, Novien is celebrated for harmoniously balancing his community-centered work and achievements with a parallel career as a professional artist and performer.