Nikisha Ridgeway

Nikisha Ridgeway has over 25 years of work experience in the non-profit sector. Nikisha currently serves as the President and CEO of Starbridge since May 2022. Prior to this role, they were the Chief Operating Officer at Starbridge from December 2019 to April 2022. In this position, they were responsible for overseeing all programs and services to achieve programmatic and financial outcomes.

Before joining Starbridge, Nikisha worked at Heritage Christian Services for 15 years. Nikisha held various roles during their tenure, including Director of Community Initiatives and Associate Director, Service Coordination. In their roles, they launched and developed emerging services, advanced health home services, and led the implementation of growth strategies for different programs.

Prior to Heritage Christian Services, Nikisha worked at LDA Life and Learning Services (now Starbridge) as a Residential Manager from 2000 to 2009. Nikisha was instrumental in launching the opening and development of Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRA's) and supervised community-based services for individuals with disabilities.

At the start of their career, Nikisha worked at UCP of WNY (now Aspire) as a Residence Manager from 1996 to 2000. In this role, they managed and supervised Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) and oversaw the conversion of several ICF homes to IRA regulated systems.

Throughout their career, Nikisha has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a track record of implementing successful programs and services within the non-profit sector.

Nikisha Ridgeway has a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Human Services, Executive Leadership, and Counseling from Liberty University, which was obtained in 2009. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology from Buffalo State University in 1996. Nikisha also holds several additional certifications, including Leadership & Community Engagement from Leadership Rochester (obtained in June 2022), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from USF Corporate Training and Professional Education (obtained in May 2021), Housing Navigator from New York State Association of Community & Residential Agencies (NYSACRA) (obtained in October 2017), Personal Outcome Measures from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership (obtained in August 2015), and African American Leadership Development Program (AALDP) from United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes (obtained in November 2002). Additionally, Nikisha has engaged in Citizen-Centered Leadership & Development and Community of Practice at Cornell University, although specific degree information is not provided.