Nikki Delk Barnes

Nikki Delk Barnes serves as the Executive Director of KIPP Massachusetts since October 2017, focusing on nurturing critically conscious high achievers and advocating for equity and racial justice. Prior roles at KIPP Academy Boston included Chief Schools Officer, Managing Director of Secondary Schools, and Principal, where strategies were developed to enhance school culture and student achievement. Earlier experiences include positions as Dean of Students/Assistant Principal, Team Leader/Teacher at KIPP: Gaston College Preparatory, and Senior Director of Teacher Leadership at the Center for Teaching Quality, enhancing relationships between certified teachers and those in high-need areas. Barnes's career began as Senior Liaison for Minority Community Outreach at the National Education Association, emphasizing collaboration with advocacy groups to improve public school support and teacher quality. Educational credentials include an M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction from Virginia Commonwealth University and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Virginia Tech.