Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Nina Grace Shelby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Nina Grace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was one of the most important lessons you learned in school? Why did that lesson stick with you?
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned in life is that our journeys are rarely perfect, but they are always purposeful. There’s beauty in the twists, the turns, and the moments that challenge us to dig deep and find our strength. Steve Jobs once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.” And when I look back, I see how every setback, every detour, and every moment of doubt shaped the woman I’ve become today.
Pursuing my Bachelor’s degree required perseverance and a spirit of unwavering determination. Due to financial difficulties, it took me five years, three schools, and beginning my freshman year of college three times (which you can imagine was extremely frustrating) before I proudly earned my degree in Mass Communication. But that journey, as imperfect as it was, taught me resilience and humility. If I hadn’t faced financial challenges early on, I may not have been as deeply grateful or humbled by the full scholarship I received to attend Wiley University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). That experience taught me never to take anything for granted and to always approach opportunities with gratitude and purpose.
At Wiley University, I was embraced by a community that recognized my potential and equipped me with the tools to excel. Graduating with honors from this distinguished HBCU laid a strong foundation for my academic journey. Building on that success, I earned a Master’s in Business Management and Leadership from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School. Shortly thereafter, I was honored to join Pepperdine’s School of Education and Psychology, where I completed a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change with a perfect 4.0 GPA. These milestones are not the result of a flawless path but rather a reflection of resilience, unwavering faith, and the transformative power of community.
Throughout my journey, I’ve come to understand that striving for perfection is not only unrealistic but often counterproductive, particularly for African American women. Society frequently imposes the unfair expectation that we must be flawless—proving our worth by being twice as good and making no mistakes. I’ve learned that this is a false narrative. Our worth is not defined by perfection but by our resilience, our ability to rise after setbacks, grow through challenges, and embrace the unique, sometimes messy paths that shape us into who we are.
Resilience, much like the art of crafting fine wine, is about enduring seasons of growth, patience, and refinement. The challenges we face—the pressures and moments when we feel we’ve fallen short—are the very elements that shape us, enhancing our depth and strength over time.
Now, as Dr. Nina Grace Shelby, I reflect on my journey with immense gratitude and pride. My path wasn’t perfect, but it was purposeful. Like a vintage wine, every twist and turn added to the richness of my story. I want others to know that their journey doesn’t have to follow a straight line to be meaningful. Embrace the detours. Learn from them. Trust that, in time, the pieces will come together beautifully.
My story is not one of flawlessness but of fortitude. It’s about facing challenges head-on, celebrating milestones along the way, and realizing that the most rewarding destinations are often reached through the unexpected paths we take.
Dr. Nina Grace, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, how you got into your industry/discipline, and what sets you apart from others?
I am a proud educator, strategist, political enthusiast, and advocate for transformational leadership. My path into education and leadership development began with my love for storytelling and communication. Early in my career, I discovered the power of stories to unite people, shift perspectives, and inspire action. This foundation evolved as I pursued higher education, culminating in a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change, where I delved deeply into how leadership can drive systemic change across industries and communities.
What drew me to this field was my belief in the potential of individuals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to lead change and transform their environments. From my time mentoring students to leading initiatives at nonprofit organizations and across the Los Angeles Community, I’ve seen firsthand how providing the right tools, resources, and encouragement can spark incredible growth and innovation.
What type of work do you do, and what problems do you solve?
My work is centered around fostering inclusive leadership and creating pathways for personal and professional growth. Whether I am teaching as a professor of communication or working on large-scale organizational strategies, I focus on empowering others to see themselves as agents of change. I design programs that develop leadership capacity, enhance critical thinking, and address systemic barriers that prevent individuals and organizations from achieving their goals.
A central focus of my work is empowering African American women and other marginalized groups to lead authentically and boldly. I strive to challenge the unrealistic expectations often placed on women of color—such as the pressure to be “twice as good” or the paradox of invisibility and hypervisibility. By addressing these harmful narratives, I encourage self-compassion, resilience, and an emphasis on progress rather than perfection. I also bring expertise in using data-driven approaches to measure outcomes, ensuring that every program or initiative I design is both impactful and sustainable. My ability to merge research with practical application allows me to provide solutions that don’t just work in theory—they thrive in practice.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my commitment to holistic transformation. I view leadership and education as deeply interconnected—not just about skills but about values, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire others. My work integrates these elements, ensuring that those I teach or mentor leave with the confidence to lead and the tools to make a meaningful impact.
Additionally, I bring a global perspective to everything I do. Having conducted research and worked on projects across the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of how culture, identity, and systemic challenges shape leadership and learning. This perspective allows me to approach problems with creativity and adaptability, offering solutions that are both innovative and culturally relevant.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the lives I’ve been able to influence through education and leadership. From seeing a student overcome self-doubt to witnessing a mentee rise to a leadership position, these moments remind me why I do this work.
I am incredibly proud of the work I’ve done to uplift and serve my community, particularly since making Los Angeles my home over a decade ago. From the moment I arrived, I committed myself to engaging meaningfully with this city, determined to leave a positive mark. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to take on leadership roles that have allowed me to drive change and foster growth.
As Vice President of Operations for the National Black MBA Association’s Los Angeles Chapter, Director of Professional Development for the Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals, and Vice President for Black Achievers in Los Angeles, I’ve worked to empower and connect others through impactful programs and initiatives. I’ve also had the honor of serving as a Brand Ambassador for the Brea Chamber Women in Leadership Council, contributing as an active member of the Council of Urban Professionals, and being a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
One of the highlights of my journey was being nominated for the L.A. Civic Leadership and Impact Awards in the Community Engagement category—a recognition that deeply affirms my dedication to this work. Reflecting on these experiences, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the opportunity to contribute to my community in meaningful ways during my time here.
What do you want people to know about your work?
My work is about creating lasting, meaningful impact. Whether I’m developing curriculum, mentoring a student, or crafting a strategic framework for a start-up, my focus is on equipping individuals, organizations, and communities to succeed far beyond our time together.
I want people to know that true influence is not about perfection—it’s about authenticity, adaptability, and the courage to embrace growth.
My hope is to inspire others to find strength in their unique stories, to see value in their challenges, and to recognize that their journey has uniquely prepared them to make a difference.
Through my work, I strive to cultivate environments where everyone, regardless of their background, feels seen, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams. To me, this is the essence of building transformative and inclusive pathways to success.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
My leadership philosophy has been shaped by a combination of key resources that emphasize resilience, empathy, and purpose in leadership. A core influence has been the book “The Power of Nice”, authored by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval, which has deeply influenced my approach to both leadership and entrepreneurship. The book underscores the importance of kindness, building authentic relationships, and fostering trust within teams. I firmly believe that leadership isn’t just about authority; it’s about making meaningful connections and ensuring that everyone feels valued. This philosophy has been essential in my teaching and leadership roles, where collaboration and mutual respect are foundational to success.
A most recent read, “Lovely One” by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has been a transformative resource that has reshaped my leadership philosophy. Justice Jackson’s memoir speaks deeply to the importance of perseverance, self-worth, and leadership through adversity. Her journey, as the first African American woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, highlights not only her resilience but also the importance of staying grounded in one’s values while navigating predominantly white, male-dominated spaces. What makes “Lovely One” particularly impactful is its focus on both the strength and vulnerability required to lead effectively.
Justice Jackson’s unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and equity in her career is inspiring. Her approach to leadership teaches me that true leadership is not about perfection or always having the right answers; it’s about staying true to your values and purpose, empowering others, and being unafraid to face challenges head-on. Her emphasis on emotional intelligence and the need for empathy in leadership has deeply resonated with me, especially as continue to navigate spaces in which creating inclusive and supportive environments is a necessity. Justice Jackson’s memoir has reinforced my belief that leadership is about more than professional success—it’s about making an impact that reverberates through the lives of others, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard.
Together, these resources shape my approach to leadership as one rooted in purpose, empathy, kindness, and unwavering commitment to equity. They remind me that leadership is a responsibility to serve others, especially those who have historically been left behind.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Life is all about the art of the pivot.
As we navigate our careers, businesses, and every day life, we are constantly adjusting to new circumstances, challenges, and opportunities. Pivoting isn’t just about changing direction—it’s about embracing change, managing it effectively, and making intentional moves that align with our goals and values. As the saying goes, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Pivoting is not a sign of defeat but a testament to our adaptability and resilience. – Winston Churchill
I’ve learned that life is a series of transitions, especially in our ever-changing world. A pivotal moment in my life came when I had to adjust to an unexpected career change last year. While change can be daunting, I’ve always believed in having a Plan B. I learned this lesson early on because I know anything can happen at anytime. You never know what life has in store for you. Having multiple plans in place helps to alleviate the fear and uncertainty when life throws you a curveball. And more importantly, I’ve realized that I am my own security blanket. No matter the challenge, I trust that I can adapt and navigate through it.
Change is inevitable, and it’s often said that the only constant in life is change itself. While not everyone welcomes it, pivoting is a skill we must embrace. It’s not just a business strategy—it’s a fundamental part of life. We must pivot to grow, to evolve, and to overcome the hurdles that inevitably come our way. Having studied change management, I understand the importance of strategic change and how it can empower us to navigate uncertainty with clarity. When we are equipped with the right tools and mindset, pivoting becomes less about reacting and more about responding with purpose.
During these times, it’s essential to maintain balance in all aspects of our lives—spiritual, emotional, and physical. I make it a priority to stay spiritually grounded through prayer and reflection, emotionally resilient by staying positive and focusing on the silver lining, and physically healthy by exercising and prioritizing self-care. When things are going well, it’s easy to overlook the importance of preparation, but it’s in the quiet moments that we should set ourselves up for success. I ensure that I save and invest wisely so that when the unexpected happens, I am ready for realignment without fear.
In addition to staying prepared financially, I make sure to stay connected and network actively. Building and nurturing relationships is key when it comes to navigating a pivot, whether it’s in business or personal. Networking provides new opportunities and insights that can help you stay ahead of the curve. I also make smart decisions, taking educated risks and trying new things—even if they’re outside my comfort zone. I’ve found that often times the most rewarding experiences come from moments of uncertainty and stepping into the unknown.
Equally important is knowing when to rest. Resting is not a sign of weakness, but an essential part of recalibrating and recharging for the next phase. Whether it’s through travel, spending time with loved ones, or simply taking time for myself, rest allows me to come back stronger and more focused.
Pivoting doesn’t have to be a scary process if you approach it with the right mindset. The more you prepare, the less intimidating it becomes. Change is a constant, but with each pivot, you grow stronger, more capable, and more aligned with your true purpose.
“Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” – John F. Kennedy
Contact Info:
- Instagram: drnynagrace
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninagshelby
Image Credits
Deandre Evans Photography