Suggestions
Nina Spensley
PRODUCER | Strategic Leader | Communications + Operations
Professional Background
Nina Spensley is an accomplished founder, producer, and senior leader with a career dedicated to bringing impactful ideas to fruition. As an advocate for civic and political representation, she has left an indelible mark on numerous organizations, producing some of the most transformative programs that deepen our collective understanding of cultural zeitgeists. Among her notable contributions are initiatives such as Our Body Politic, New American Leaders (NAL), Starfish Accelerator, and her work with the Sundance Institute. Spensley’s diverse experience spans the non-profit, media, and philanthropy sectors, showcasing her agility in navigating various industries, products, and programs.
Nina draws from a rich tapestry of personal experiences, having been raised across Europe with a cultural heritage rooted in Haitian and British lineage. Her journey took her to Brooklyn during her formative years, where she currently resides. Fluent in Spanish and French, Spensley perceives and interacts with the world through a global lens, which informs her strategic management skills and human-focused leadership approach. She is particularly passionate about assembling and leading teams that embody the ethos of the organizations she collaborates with, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing creative visions that aim to effectuate positive societal change.
Education and Achievements
Nina's academic accomplishments further underscore her dedication to excellence and strategic insight. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Global Management from UCLA Anderson School of Management, a prestigious program known for sowing the seeds of leadership and global commerce. Before this, she studied at Oberlin College, enriching her educational background with liberal arts perspectives that encourage critical thinking and creativity. Additionally, her commitment to language and cultural understanding is evidenced by her participation in an Arabic Language Program at the University of California, Berkeley, which complements her fluency in Spanish and French.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Nina has worn many hats, gaining hands-on experience in multiple roles that showcase her versatility and expertise:
- Co-Executive Producer at Our Body Politic and General Manager at Diaspora Farms LLC, where she advanced programming able to generate engagement and discussion in the civic arena.
- Operations and Strategy Consultant at Blackbird House, offering her strategic insight to optimize operations across various projects.
- Program Co-Director and Operations at Starfish Accelerator, demonstrating her capacity to manage multi-faceted initiatives supporting entrepreneurial growth.
- Co-Founder of Hatch Escapes, where innovation and lifestyle design merge to create impactful experiences.
- VR Producer and COO at Lithic VR, contributing to the burgeoning field of virtual reality with operations management and production expertise.
- Producer roles at Best Self Magazine and Ambiance Man, showcasing her ability to tell compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Co-Founder and Director of Communications at New American Leaders, where she played a pivotal role in fostering leadership capacity and representation among immigrant communities.
- Producer and Founding Partner at Spensley + Ford, where strategic production meets innovative storytelling in a variety of media formats.
- Significant contributions to the Sundance Institute as both a Producer and Consultant, where Nina helped cultivate emerging talent and foster artistic excellence in the film industry.
- Director of Communications at the NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, where she effectively communicated critical policies and programs that enhance the lives of immigrant populations in New York City.
In every role she undertakes, Nina is characterized by her passion for collaboration and her unwavering commitment to transforming visionary ideas into reality. Her unique amalgamation of strategic acumen and international perspectives positions her as a leader in her field, inspiring others to join her in making meaningful contributions to society.
