A visionary leader in nonprofit management, Kimberly E. ZouZoua works as the executive director of NXT|CLT, guiding the organization’s programming, fundraising, and overall development strategy within the Charlotte community. In this role, she partners with capital organizations to connect entrepreneurs with critical financial and social resources, advancing NXT|CLT’s mission to empower underrepresented business leaders and foster sustainable growth. Her work reflects a dedication to equity, opportunity, and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Ms. ZouZoua’s academic achievements provide a foundation for her leadership across sectors. She earned a Master of Business Administration in marketing from Northeastern University in Boston and a Bachelor of Science in management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence. She also holds associate degrees in business administration and in finance and investments from Johnson & Wales University. Raised in Brooklyn by parents who instilled in her the values of service, integrity, and perseverance, she developed an early interest in financial systems and their impact on communities. Her technical expertise in financial services has informed her approach to mission-driven leadership and organizational development.
Before leading NXT|CLT, Ms. ZouZoua owned Wassia Consulting LLC, providing strategic guidance to nonprofit organizations and social enterprises. She also served as vice president of strategic partnerships at the Center for Women & Enterprise, managing revenue generation, operations, and a multi-million-dollar budget. Her leadership emphasized support for women entrepreneurs, particularly those from BIPOC communities. Notably, she launched the Women of Color Business Summit, uniting participants across several states, increasing visibility for women-led businesses, and generating significant community engagement.
Ms. ZouZoua’s nonprofit leadership experience extends to several organizations focused on youth and education. She was the vice president of business development at Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps, where she led initiatives to expand programs for vulnerable youth populations. She also acted as managing director for the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, working with schools nationwide to implement curricula designed to support boys of color and address systemic educational challenges. Earlier roles included executive director for Education Pioneers in Greater Boston and Chicago, visiting scholar and principal investigator at the Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston, and director of strategy and organizational development at International Youth Partnerships.
Ms. ZouZoua’s career began at Year Up Inc., where she advanced from director of operations and apprenticeships to full-time director of apprenticeships. She collaborated closely with students and corporate partners, creating internship opportunities and developing Year Up’s investment operations program, a curriculum that diversified offerings and generated revenue. These efforts strengthened partnerships with major financial institutions and supported the organization’s growth and impact.
Prior to transitioning into nonprofit work, Ms. ZouZoua held multiple roles in financial services, including new business manager at John Hancock Financial Services, regional marketing associate at First Variable Life Inc., senior dealer marketing representative and budget analyst at Putnam Investments, operations manager at Thomas James Associates, and account controller at State Street Corporation. These positions honed her analytical skills, leadership abilities, and understanding of complex financial systems.
Ms. ZouZoua’s civic and professional engagement reflects a deep commitment to service and mentorship. She is a member and former president of the Psi Iota Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and serves on several boards and advisory committees, including The Independent Picture House in Charlotte, the Cannabis Control Commission of Massachusetts, the Women’s Commission for the City of Brockton, and the leadership committee for Women of the Harvard Club Boston. She has also been a frequent speaker and panelist, sharing insights on nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and social impact.
Looking ahead, Ms. ZouZoua aims to position NXT|CLT for strategic expansion into additional U.S. cities while strengthening its international presence, inspired by her travels to more than thirty-three countries. She remains committed to advancing youth development initiatives worldwide, including ongoing work supporting young leaders in South Africa.